ALBUQUERQUE – The Recuerda a César Chávez Committee (RCCC) is excited to announce the 31st Annual César Chávez and Dolores Huerta Celebration – the only celebration of its kind in the country that honors both great civil rights leaders.

RCCC is committed to educating communities throughout Albuquerque and the state about the legacy, life, and work of the great American civil rights activists César Chávez and Dolores Huerta. This year marks the 31st anniversary of those efforts.

RCCC shares the vision that César and Dolores championed - that nonviolence is our strength and in recognition of their remarkable history of nonviolent resistance, this year’s Celebration is conducted in the spirit of “Sí Se Puede”, “Yes, we can.”  The theme for the 31^st Annual Celebration of these great leaders is “Focus on Justice”! Join us as we gather in solidarity with others around the country in support of the movement toward nonviolence.

Global research has suggested that nonviolent civil resistance is far more effective in producing change. “Peaceful resistance can be a powerful tool for effecting change,” said Dolores Huerta Founder and President of the Dolores Huerta Foundation. “And is ultimately more effective in achieving lasting progress.”

The 31st Annual César Chávez and Dolores Huerta Celebration will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, and is sponsored by the City of Albuquerque and supported by the National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC) and the County of Bernalillo. The legendary Dolores Huerta will be our honored guest!

At almost 94 years old, Dolores Huerta continues to work tirelessly developing leaders and advocating for the working poor, women, and children. As founder and president of the Dolores Huerta Foundation, she travels across the country engaging in campaigns and influencing legislation that supports equality and defends civil rights.

The event, which will be held from 9:00 to 3:00 at the NHCC, will feature a keynote address from Dolores Huerta, presentation of the “Sí Se Puede” Awards, a car show presented by the Drifters Car Club, live dance and music performances, local dignitaries, and fun activities for the entire family.

Please mark your calendars, to join us for RCCC’s 31st Annual Celebration that pays tribute to civil rights leaders César Chávez and Dolores Huerta  who continue to inspire us to seek social justice and civil rights for all.

Music Entertainment

Join us on Saturday, April 13, 2024 for the 31st Annual  César Chávez and  Dolores Huerta Celebration at the NHCC.

Headliner Band: Mala Maña

Bio: Mala Maña - A Women’s Voice and Percussion Ensemble Albuquerque’s all women’s voice and percussion ensemble, fuses folkloric and contemporary rhythms of Las Americas. Performing original compositions as well as songs influenced by (but not limited to) salsa, boleros, reggaeton, cumbia’s of Colombia and Mexico, and Afro Colombian rhythms of the Pacific coast.

Formed in 2009 and going strong since. Mala Maña is an award winning group and has also received nominations in the categories of World Beat, Folk and Latin at the New Mexico Music Awards. Mala Maña band members Alyson Steinman- marimba, marimbula, melodica, hand percussion, vocals Amanda Julia Picker - marimbula, marimba, melodica, percussion and vocals Lydia Garcia – vocals, hand percussion, cajón, marimbula Chava - vocals, congas, cajón Yali - Colombian Cumbia - alegre drum, hand percussion, marimbula Teresa Guevara – venezuela cuatro, vocals, hand percussion Dianne DeLeon - dunduns, drum kit, cajón Lupe Mendoza – vocals, hand percussion

The 31^st Annual Celebration of César Chávez and  Dolores Huerta will also feature entertainment from the following performers:

Mariachi Los Tigeres de Mark Armijo School

UNM Folklorico Dance Group

Los Jaraneros from UNM

Poet Laureate – Anna Martinez

Aztec Dancers

Mariachi Lobo (UNM Mariachi Band)

Dolores Gonzales group singer

Filipino Group

Drifters Car Club

Las Flores del Valle – Carol and Leila duo

 

Dolores Huerta Day of Service & Learning

In keeping with the spirit of service to community set by César and Dolores, the RCCC is also hosting the 15th Annual Dolores Huerta Day of Service & Learning on Friday 4/12/24 at the NHCC and then will have a larger student involvement, at Sanchez Farm Open Space on 4/25/24.  On 5/2/24, the Dolores Huerta Day of Service and Learning will host another smaller event at the Gutierrez Hubbell house. Students will gain new skills, a better understanding of sustainable agriculture, and learn about the legacy of César Chávez, Dolores Huerta, and the farm workers’ movement! This year elementary, middle, and high school students along with teams of dedicated volunteers will participate in a variety of different hands-on and learning activities like tree planting, acequia restoration and more that will make an impact in our South Valley community!

About the Recuerda a César Chávez Committee (RCCC)

The Recuerda a César Chávez Committee was founded in 1993 and is proud to have organized the annual César Chávez and Dolores Huerta Day Celebration for 31years. The mission of the RCCC is to educate our youth and communities about the legacy, life, and work of the great American civil rights leaders, César Chávez and Dolores Huerta.

Event Sponsors: City of Albuquerque, National Hispanic Cultural Center, County of Bernalillo,

Co-Sponsors: Carpenters Union, KANW FM, Generation Justice, The Beat 99.9FM, KRQE Channel 13 NM Living, Gov TV,

For more information visit the Recuerda a César Chávez website and Facebook page.