This past weekend we bid farewell to two people who helped bring the plight of farm workers to the forefront in Washington, D.C. They came from different backgrounds but both made contributions of major importance.
Sargent Shriver was a tireless champion for the poor and disadvantaged in America as founding chief of the Office of Economic Opportunity and as a strong supporter of Cesar Chavez and the farm workers’ cause.
Stephanie Bower earned a reputation among UFW leaders and boycotters across America beginning in 1973 as a legendary figure for leading the farm workers’ boycotts in the nation’s capital and lobbying for the UFW on key issues for farm workers, from immigration to pesticides. I was honored to join friends and family at a memorial for Stephanie last week, a beautiful tribute to a life that left a lasting impact on all who were blessed to know her.
We also commemorate the 39th anniversary of the passing of Nan Freeman who made the ultimate sacrifice for farm workers when as a young college student she was killed on a UFW picketline in Florida. Her commitment and contribution will never be forgotten. She will forever be in our memories and in our hearts.
Arturo S. Rodriguez, President
United Farm Workers of America