INSPIRING EVENT

Edited by Eclair Magazine

The Cesar Chavez Legacy Awards Honor Iconic Actress and Activist
Jane Fonda

Los Angeles, California - On March 27, 2024, the magnificent Vibiana located in downtown Los Angeles was the stage for the highly anticipated Cesar Chavez Legacy Awards, a prestigious event honoring individuals committed to community and rights advocacy. Among the distinguished recipients was the talented actress and activist, Jane Fonda, celebrated for her unwavering commitment to social causes. The evening unfolded in an atmosphere of festivity and elegance, accompanied by live orchestral music and a culinary journey highlighting the diverse flavors of the city's renowned restaurants.

The evening continued in the grandiose ballroom of Vibiana, adorned with magnificent columns and bathed in red light, creating a stunning ambiance complemented by floral arrangements from Orla Floral. Managed by Adelita @xo_adelita, the event was a vibrant celebration of the honorees' achievements and the enduring legacy of Cesar Chavez.

The Cesar Chavez Legacy Awards, presented by the Cesar Chavez Foundation, recognized Jane Fonda's exemplary contributions alongside other notable figures, including Dolores Clara Fernández Huerta, a labor leader and civil rights activist in North America, co-founder of the National Farmworkers Association, as well as California State Assembly President Robert Rivas, AltaMed President and CEO Cástulo de la Rocha, and keynote speaker Julián Castro, CEO of the Latino Community Foundation, Andres Chavez National Chavez Center Executive Director and many more....
The event was hosted by acclaimed actress and comedian Cristela Alonzo, adding her unique blend of humor and insight to the ceremony.
Jane Fonda's legacy as an iconic actress and activist spans decades, with a history of advocating for indigenous peoples' rights, economic justice, LGBTQ rights, environmental causes, and much more. She continues to lead efforts to address the climate crisis through initiatives such as Fire Drill Fridays and the Jane Fonda Climate PAC, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to meaningful change.
During the event, guests were captivated by inspiring speeches highlighting the importance of community solidarity and perseverance in achieving significant accomplishments. Jane Fonda began her speech by quoting a favorite saying of Cesar Chavez and Mahatma Gandhi, "In a gentle way, you can shake the world," emphasizing the power of peaceful activism and collective action in creating a better future.

In her memorable speech, Jane Fonda shared captivating anecdotes, recalling her participation in the famous 1975 March, where Cesar Chavez and thousands of workers endured 59 days of marching over a distance of 1000 miles. She also recounted a touching memory with her former husband Tom Hayden.

"I was married to a wonderful man in Pompeii, and he wanted to run for the U.S. Senate in 1976," highlighting a significant conversation with Cesar about creating a political movement. Jane recalled Cesar's inspiring words, "We will support you whether you win or lose, you build a movement from the interest of your campaign, from there, you create a statewide campaign that fights for what we believe in." She also shared her pride in founding a successful company despite not being businessmen with Tom. "I can't even tell you the horrible ideas we had, then one day I realized there was one thing I knew how to do, and I created a training company and it worked," emphasizing the importance of finding innovative solutions to finance social initiatives at the state level.

Jane addressed contemporary issues such as pesticide poisoning in our food, urging the audience to continue the fight for a better future. "You know when you watch a documentary and we've all wondered if we could have done better than that person? ... In 2024, this is our documentary ... You are welcome to stand up." Accepting her award with honor and emotion, Jane Fonda concluded on the climate crisis, calling for collective action to counter the devastation caused by fossil fuels. She urged the audience to embrace Cesar Chavez's spirit and fully engage in the transition to more sustainable energies.

Photo Gallery

Credit:

Photographer: Guillaume Jean Lefebvre
for @Eclairmagazine

Event: César Chavez Foundation Awards

Videographer/ Photographer/ Editor:
Guillaume Jean Lefebvre -
@Guy_james_Jl & @Picby_gjl
Journalist: Darian James
Florist: Orla Floral
Event Planner: Adelita
PR: The 3 Collective Alexander Cubillos

"The combustion of fossil fuels has wreaked havoc on the lives and communities of Latino Americans," reminding us, "we are the first generation, most of us living today experience the effects of the climate crisis, and we are the last generation that can do something at this level.

The evening ended with a warm ovation for Jane Fonda, who expressed her gratitude to the audience for their continuous support. "I thank you from the bottom of my heart!".

The Cesar Chavez Legacy Awards were a vibrant tribute to the commitment and determination of those who tirelessly work for a better world, inspiring future generations to continue the fight for justice and equality.

The Cesar Chavez Foundation, through its mission to support Latino and working families, continues to inspire and transform communities through social enterprises that address essential human and cultural needs. The National Chavez Center, part of the foundation, preserves Cesar Chavez's legacy and manages historical properties, ensuring that his impactful work endures for generations to come. The Cesar Chavez Legacy Awards at Vibiana were not just an event but a testament to the power of passion, commitment, and collective action to promote positive change and honor those who tirelessly advocate for a better world.