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CITY OF LAFAYETTE PROCLAMATION “César Chávez Day of Service and Learning” WHEREAS, César Estrada Chávez was born, March 31, 1927, on a small family ranch near Yuma, Arizona. After serving in WWII, he returned to farm labor in California and began advocating for farm workers’ rights; and WHEREAS, César Chávez’ influence has made a lasting impact on farm labor issues and inspired millions of Latinos to achieve educational and political success; and WHEREAS, César Chavez’ leadership will be remembered for utilizing the principles of nonviolence and service to community; and WHEREAS, César Chávez founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers of America, the first successful farm workers’ union in United States history; and WHEREAS, Under Chávez’ leadership, they won the first collective bargaining rights for farm workers, significantly improving the quality of life for farm workers throughout the United States, including the City of Lafayette; and WHEREAS, César Chávez passed away on April 23, 1993, and in 1994 was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States; and WHEREAS, César Chávez’ birthday, March 31, is recognized as a holiday by the State of Colorado and individuals and organizations throughout this nation will celebrate his life and work; NOW, THEREFORE, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Lafayette, do hereby proclaim the week of March 25, 2012 as “César Chávez Day of Service and Learning” in Lafayette, and authorize the temporary renaming of Crossing Drive to César Chávez Avenue from March 20, 2012 to April 30, 2012. PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 20TH DAY OF MARCH, 2012. CITY OF LAFAYETTE, COLORADO By ATTEST: Carolyn D. Cutler, Mayor Susan Koster, CMC City Clerk