For Immediate Release – April 2, 2001

Repetto School Pays Tribute to César Chávez

This year, on March 30, California officially recognized César Chávez’s birthday by declaring it a state holiday. To honor Chávez, Repetto School displayed a photo exhibit, featuring the work of acclaimed photographer, Victor Alemán, who traveled with Chávez, documenting his efforts to secure rights for migrant farm workers.

Alemán’s collaboration with César Chávez and the United Farm Workers (UFW) lasted ten years.  Aléman started as Managing Editor of El Malcriado, the UFW membership publication. He then co-founded KUFW, the first farm workers’ radio station, and served in the position of Program and Development Director.  He eventually oversaw the UFW Publications Department, and the publications of Food and Justice and El Malcriado. 

Repetto’s display includes photos of Chávez with Robert Kennedy, Jesse Jackson and other significant civil rights leaders of the time. Also on display is a “Fast for Life” medal. When doctors ordered Chávez to end his hunger strike, his supporters continued the campaign by participating in their own “Fast for Life.” Alemán and his wife were among the numerous participants.

“ My responsibility as a visual artist is to document the most vulnerable people that I encounter in my life.  I do not make any protest other than to take photographs and show how bad it is for some people,” explains Alemán. “We need to contribute to the betterment of our human race, because we are all connected in this celestial universe and we have the responsibility to live meaningful lives, to reach to a higher plateau and be able to inspire future generations to live productive and meaningful lives.”

Victor Alemán is currently working on two photographic book projects, including one focusing on his ten-year relationship with César Chávez and the farm workers' movement. To find out more about Victor Alemán, contact 2 Mun-Dos at 213-392-3915 or www.2mun-dos.com.

Fourth grade students pose in front of some of the historical photos on display at Repetto Elementary School. Left to right: Kathleen Ta, Alejandro Vasquez, Ryan Duval, Van Do, Kristin Wu and Mindy Yeung.

Victor Alemán (left), the photographer of the exhibit, traveled and worked with César Chávez (right) for ten years.

Fourth graders Alejandro Vasquez, Kristin Wu and Van Do (left to right) examine photographs that trace the major achievements in César Chávez’s life.