Caesar Chavez, a painting by Pozos
TOMORROW, MARCH 31, IS CAESAR CHAVEZ DAY in California, and I'm psyched for it. At the annual Caesar Chavez Breakfast at San Diego Convention Center this morning, I heard a young woman from Holtville High School read her essay that won an $8,000 scholarship. She quoted Chavez several times. She reminded us that he said, "Only by giving our lives, do we find life." Her essay also reminded me of another saying that I believe also came from Caesar Chavez. "My life is really the only thing that belongs to me." Maria Reyna's essay made me remember why I liked working with high school students. It was all about hope for herself and for her generation, and indeed for all of us. Caesar Chavez, who didn't get as far as high school in his own formal education, was an advocate for education for all people.

FARM WORKERS' PRAYER, written by Caesar Chavez

Show me the suffering of the most miserable, so I may know my people's plight. Free me to pray for others, for you are present in every person. Help me to take responsibility for my own life, so that I can be free at last. Grant me courage to serve others, for in service there is true life. Give me honesty and patience, so that I can work with other workers. Bring forth song and celebration, so that the Spirit will be alive among us. Let the Spirit flourish and grow, so that we will never tire of the struggle. Let us remember those who have died for justice, for they have given us life. Help us love even those who hate us, so we can change the world.