Thank you to the LRT staff, board, members, and volunteers for putting together a 21st César Chávez Breakfast celebration that will be remembered as well-organized, well-attended, and spirited. And yes – the emceeing by musician and activist artist Martha Gonzalez went beyond the beyond with the inclusion of her musical talents – adding to the always inspiring movement songs by Son Real. It really exemplified the combination of keeping a grass-roots character with representation from networks across the gamut of unions, friends in positions, non-profits, faith-based, and community-based organizations that have been so much a part of our common organizing efforts. The honorees were moved and moved all of us with their words. We certainly were moved by the sacrifices of the NDLON second responders in leading fire life brigades that cleared 3,000 tons of debris – work that would go unnoticed if it was not for the thoughtful consciousness of bringing them to center stage. And what great work on the scholarship nominees that fully represented the connections between education and engagement! And so thankful that we included, no matter what, the forming of a circle, and with Son Real, the singing of De Colores. There was so much heart to this event – and sets a very high standard for the future.
