An attorney from the Coachella Valley reached out to me, Michael Harrington, about an event this Saturday:
On July 4, 1968 farm worker activists spontaneously displayed the iconic red farm workers flag in Coachella Park and hundreds there for fourth of July picnics erupted in shouts of joy showing the popularity of Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta and the farm worker’s movement. The four who held the flag were later arrested for disrupting a campaign speech by a Congressman (CA) who was nearby speaking to the Coachella Women’s Club. He did not support the farm workers. The four spent 2 months in jail for “disrupting a speech” but eventually the case was overturned by the state supreme court. One of the four died after release from jail due to being denied medicine. The California Congressman lost his re-election bid.
Whereas 44 years ago farm workers in Coachella were arrested for displaying a farm workers flag near a congressman’s speech, now in July 2012, a Coachella local boy made good and son of a farm worker was nominated to run for Congress.
The sacrifices made by the early civil rights activists must not be forgotten and the struggle for economic justice and civil rights continues. Learn the rich local history of Coachella and renew our own affirmation to continue the struggle for equal justice.
There’s an event on Saturday:
When : June 16, 2012 1:00 p.m.
Where : Coachella Valley Enterprise Zone, Enterprise Way off Hwy 52
What : Pre-Event Planning Session
Why : A future event in July is being planned to recognize the struggle of farm workers in Coachella and mark the anniversary of the Coachella Four July 1968 incident.
Who Can Attend: Everyone is invited as well as all agencies and organizations.
Directions: From Palm Springs/Palm Desert/La Quinta take Hwy111 into Coachella, turn left on ave 52, cross the tracks and turn right on the second street which will be Enterprise Way. Go straight until you pass Coachella Corporate Yard on the left side and then the next building is the Enterprise Zone. For further directions, contact Oralia @ 760-238-7302 of Culturas Art Music
For more information:
http://www.facebook.com/progressivecivicleague
progressiveclubofthedesert@gmail.com
