|
Los Angeles, April 4, 2024— The Cesar Chavez Foundation hosted the 2024 Cesar Chavez Legacy Awards honoring actor and activist Jane Fonda, Speaker of the California State Assembly Robert Rivas, and President and CEO of AltaMed Cástulo de la Rocha. Hosted by actor and comedian Cristela Alonzo, the award ceremony recognized each honoree’s commitment to community and advocacy. Former United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and new CEO of the Latino Community Foundation, Julián Castro, delivered the keynote address at the historic Vibiana in Downtown Los Angeles.
“For more than sixty years the Chavez Foundation has worked to inspire and transform communities by meeting the essential needs of Latinos, working families, and farm workers.” said Manuel Bernal, president of the Cesar Chavez Foundation. “Each of our honorees genuinely reflect his legacy, spirit, and values.”
“Cesar’s entire life was an example of what one very determined person can achieve. Not many of us can fully live up to his example.” said actress and activist Jane Fonda. “It is my honor to accept the 2024 Cesar Chavez Legacy Award from the organization that continues keeping his memory—and more importantly—his work alive now, more than three decades after his passing.”
Jane Fonda is an iconic actor and activist with a history of activism dating back to the 1960s for causes expanding from Indigenous peoples' rights, economic justice, LGBTQ rights, protesting the War, gender equality and more. Now, she continues to lead the charge on the climate emergency via Fire Drill Fridays, the national movement to protest government inaction on climate change, and the Jane Fonda Climate PAC, which is focused on defeating political allies of the fossil fuel industry.
Robert Rivas is the Speaker of the California State Assembly, and has committed to fighting for the most vulnerable, through his own experiences inspired by his labor activist grandfather, he has led a life of service, as a teacher, firefighter, and now a historic Assembly Speaker.
Cástulo de la Rocha is the President and CEO of AltaMed Health Services, his passion for social justice drove his professional and personal conviction to expand access to lifesaving health care services in underserved communities.
Keynote speaker Julián Castro, serves as the CEO of the Latino Community Foundation, and has dedicated his career to public service as the former United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
Cristela Alonzo, renowned actor and comedian, will host the event, bringing her unique blend of humor and insight to the ceremony as it celebrates the achievements of the honorees and the legacy of Cesar Chavez.
About Cesar Chavez Foundation: The Cesar Chavez Foundation’s mission is carrying on Cesar’s life work by uplifting the lives of Latinos and working families and inspiring and transforming communities through social enterprises that address essential human, cultural, and community needs. The National Chavez Center, an arm of the Chavez Foundation, promotes and preserves the legacy of Cesar Chavez across the nation and manages historical properties near Delano and at Keene, Calif., home to the César E. Chávez National Monument, administered in partnership with the National Chavez Center. Follow the Chavez Foundation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter. For more information visit chavezfoundation.org.
| 
