Clarke Square group remembers union leader Cesar E. Chavez | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dean Bibens
April 2, 2017
About 100 people gathered in Clarke Square to commemorate the life and legacy of union leader and organizer Cesar E. Chavez, a year after a statue was dedicated in his honor. Chavez died in 1993.
“Chavez was an inspiration to me,” said Charles Simonsen, 54, who has a tattoo of Chavez on his wrist. “I got this tattoo because he was such a great person and it reminds me that I can try and be as amazing as he was,” he said. Simonsen, a retired farmer, added, “I always shake his hand when I come visit his monument. I could bring flowers or other things but I feel like a handshake is the ultimate sign of respect; he deserves nothing less.”
According to Eugene Manzanet, a member of the Clarke Square Neighborhood Initiative board of directors, “This man means a lot to our community; we need to continue to share his history and learn from the great things he did.”
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!