The LMU community is invited to join Chicano Latino Student Services and the William H. Hannon Library on March 29 at noon in the VDA Suite of Hannon Library for “Hidden Uniforms: Honoring Cesar Chavez Through Our Workers.” The program includes a brief performance that reprises and re-envisions a hidden hero script written for LMU’s late and beloved facilities management worker Enrique Ramirez in imagined dialogue with his daughter and the late Cesar Chavez.
Following the performance, the program will include an open dialogue panel with labor rights activist Vivian Rothstein ’06, Albert Ramirez ’06, librarian Raymundo Andrade, and facilities management worker Luis De La O. After the panel discussion, the LMU community is invited to view the “Hidden Uniforms: Honoring Cesar Chavez Through Our Workers” exhibit on the third floor of the Hannon Library. The exhibition will focus on how generations have contributed and built upon Cesar Chavez’s activism through their work.
CLSS interim director Olivia Rodriguez ’15 shared how the idea for the exhibit came to her as a student at LMU in 2013. “The library was hosting a Human Library event where I met the parents of an incarcerated individual (who has since been exonerated),” said Rodriguez. “It struck me when they showed me his picture that most people would only see him for the uniform he was forced to wear; it didn’t matter that he hadn’t committed the crime for which he was convicted. That was powerful to me.” As Rodriguez looked at other uniforms around her, she realized how significant these uniforms were to families and loved ones, “while simultaneously being a mark of being less-than for everyone else.” said Rodriguez. “This exhibit in the library this week is meant to celebrate these people, their uniforms, and the many ways they have inspired us and embodied the legacy of Cesar Chavez.”
Andrade, a Hannon librarian, curated the exhibit and contributed most of the items that are on display. A variety of items also came from Latinx staff and students who contributed items from the uniforms of their loved ones. LMU contributors include Gaby Arana, Marisa Ramirez, Stefanie Mejia, Darlene Aguilar, Daniela Avilas and Rodriguez.
As we honor and celebrate Cesar Chavez this week, Rodriguez said, “We want the LMU community to remember Cesar Chavez, understand the work that he did, and see our service workers for the hard-working individuals they are.” LMU service workers are those members of our community who are here all hours of the day, keeping our community fed and making the campus the beautiful place that it is.
“Service workers do this work daily with a smile and a warmth that reminds me of my own parents,” shared Rodriguez. “I hope people can see these uniforms and start to appreciate and honor humanity. Chavez’s work is not done and won’t be until our community of service workers like our facilities management workers and food and beverage workers has access to their rights and resources.”
In addition to the program and exhibit, CLSS and Campus Ministry invite the LMU community to the annual interfaith prayer service in “Celebration of the Life, Legacy, and Impact of Cesar Chavez” on Wednesday, March 30 at noon in Sacred Heart Chapel. A worker’s appreciation luncheon will follow the service.