United Farm Workers Name Co-Chairs to Join 50 Year Celebration of Organization Founded by Cesar Chavez!

Eva Longoria, Martin Sheen, Diego Luna, America Ferrera, Danny Glover, Edward James Olmos, Kris Kristofferson, Taboo of the Black-Eyed Peas, U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein and More Are Among Actors, Musical Performers, Public Officials and Hispanic Leaders to Back Historic Anniversary in 2012

KEENE, Calif., Feb. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United Farm Workers (UFW) announce Honorary Co-Chairs of the UFW 50th Anniversary 2012 year-long Celebration. The distinguished group of entertainers, public officials, dignitaries and Hispanic national leaders is led by Helen Chavez, wife of founder Cesar Chavez.  Among today's named co-chairs include actors Eva Longoria, Diego Luna, Tony Plana, Lupe Ontiveros, Martin Sheen, America Ferrera, Danny Glover, Ed Begley, Jr., Edward James Olmos, Benito Martinez, screenwriter Keir Pearson, musical superstars Kris Kristofferson, Taboo Gomez of the Black-Eyed Peas, U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), U.S. Congressman Howard Berman (D-CA), U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), California Senate President proTempore Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento), California Speaker of the Assembly John Perez, Rabbi Steven B. Jacobs, Cardinal Roger Mahony, Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Henry Cisneros, Executive Chairman, CityView, Dr. Robert Ross President and CEO, The California Endowment, Janet Murguia, NCLR President & CEO, Thomas A. Saenz, MALDEF President and General Counsel, and Arturo Vargas, NALEO Executive Director.  In addition to lending their respective name to the celebration, UFW Honorary Co-Chairs will attend one of the many celebrations, as well as assist with promotions and overall support.

"We are honored to have such a distinguished group of individuals step up to support the organization, many of which have historically supported the UFW throughout the past 50 years," said UFW President Arturo Rodriguez.

The UFW is the oldest Latino organization to come out of the 1960s civil rights movement and the largest farm worker organization in America.  The group continues to be at the forefront of protecting America's farm workers, ensuring a safe and just food supply and a safe working environment, free from intimidation and threats to achieve a higher standard of living for them and their families. 

The UFW's 2012 commemorative events schedule includes the 50th Anniversary Convention May 17-20 in Bakersfield, CA, a summer concert series and a historic star-studded concert scheduled this fall.  The UFW has partnered with the branding event agency LatinPointe to produce the historic events. For more information contact Teresa Romero, [email protected]  (661) 823-6105 or Sarah Chavez, [email protected]  913-660-6515.

SOURCE United Farm Workers