On Thursday, April 30, the Campesino Forum at the Delta College campus was formally rededicated, installing a new plaque to remove a quote from Cesar Chavez. The move comes after the New York Times published a report detailing allegations of sexual abuse committed by Chavez against minors and Delta alumna Dolores Huerta.
“For too long, people of color, women, laborers and other marginalized groups have been ignored in the spaces that shape our understanding of history. We have named buildings on this campus after great men, governors, sheriffs, business locals. These namings say to our communities invoke blatant and subtle ways that these are the only folks whose history matters. But we are a college that welcomes everyone to our campus. And yet, the names on our buildings do not reflect this diverse community,” said Dr. Sarah Seekatz, chairperson of the Cultural Awareness Program and Latinx Heritage Month Committee.
The celebration for the Campesino Forum Plaque started with orations from faculty members associated with Chicanx/Latine Faculty (CLF). The event started by speakers informing the attendees who the Campesinos were and the history of the land the college stood on.
“While many people assume that campesinos are all Latine, our diverse campus, community, and district tells us otherwise,” said Seekatz.
After the attendees were given a brief retelling of the history of campesinos, Art Professor Mario Moreno was recognized by the college and La Raza Club for his work in helping establish the Dreamer’s Success Center, forming the Ethnic Studies department and working to get Indigenous People’s Day celebrated on campus. His retirement was also announced.
“We are on sacred land and we should never forget that. Today punctuates a great day, but the work continues. That plaque is a symbol and I hope you all take a moment to read it. And what it means and what it says. All of these buildings before we named the Campesino Center, were named after people of power, wealth and privilege. And for the very first time, as though they were invisible, we began to see them,” said Moreno.
Digital Media Professor Adriana Brogger led the crowd to the front of Campesino forum from the quad to see a performance by Spanish Professor Ricardo Aguilar Rodriguez’s family. After the performance, the new plaque was revealed with Moreno reading it out loud for the crowd.
