Kansas State University

Broyles-González delivers keynote at 12th annual César Chávez Conference

Submitted by Melisa Posey

Yolanda Broyles-González, Yaqui, head of the American ethnic studies department and university distinguished professor, delivered the keynote address at the 12th annual César Chávez Conference on March 30 in Arizona. Her address was titled "César Chávez in Indigenous Perspective: Making a Just Society."

Broyles-González, a lifelong ally of the United Farm Workers of America, collaborated closely with Chávez during his final years. Chávez died in 1993. Broyles-González has a book in progress, which gathers Chávez's final speeches, and examines the changes in Chávez's thinking and organizing toward the end of his life. Her study also traces Chávez's guiding principles and values to the indigenous civilizations of this continent. Chávez acquired those indigenous values and principles, such as nonviolence and service to the collective, from his mother, Juana Estrada Chávez. Those principles and teachings informed his entire life as a major civil rights leader, although his organizing strategies changed radically over his lifetime.

The annual César Chávez conference, sponsored by Terros Inc. draws hundreds of participants from the behavioral health field. They gather to reflect on the values of César Chávez and have the opportunity to gain insight on how to effectively reach diverse populations in our communities.

For more information on the American ethnic studies department, visit our website at ksu.edu/ameth.