Fwd: CESAR CHAVEZ: A REMINISCENCE * TUESDAY NIGHT FILM * CELEBRATING AN IOWA ICON * Bill's Coffeeshop Newsletter * Vol. 14 * March 30, 2013
REMEMBERING
CESAR CHAVEZ
CESAR CHAVEZ died 20 years ago. But his spirit and vision live on in the
United Farm Workers union he founded and in the Cesar Chavez holiday
celebrated each year on March 31.
Chavez was the visionary leader behind the United Farm Workers (UFW) union.
He's also a good candidate for a social work hero.
I first heard about Cesar Chavez in the late 1960s, when members of the UFW
came to Minneapolis seeking support for a boycott of head lettuce. Later,
there was a boycott of table grapes.
The UFW didn't send just the farm workers – two entire families came to
spread the labor union's message. My first assignment was to find winter
clothing for the families. I went on to picketing, asking churches and
schools not to serve grapes, and urging grocers to carry only lettuce with
the UFW Black Eagle on the box.
Despite all this, I still was not prepared for the man I found when I first
met Cesar Chavez. I met him several times while serving as editor of the
East San Jose Sun, a weekly newspaper serving the city where Chavez got his
start as an activist.
For an activist, he was quite reserved. And for a union leader, he seemed very
uncomfortable in the spotlight. Yet he was very inspiring. I remember
thinking when I was listening to him: If there are saints in our
time, Chavez surely must be one.
Over the years, he and others told me about his life and his organizing.
Chavez moved to San Jose, California in 1952 to organize a local chapter of
the Community Service Organization (CSO). The group was born in Los Angeles,
growing out of a city council campaign there. Fred Ross, an organizer from
Saul Alinsky's organization in Chicago, played a key role in getting the
group started.
From Los Angeles, Ross went to work organizing other CSO chapters around the
state. He hired Cesar Chavez to help. Chavez moved to San Jose and organized
a CSO chapter there. At one time, the San Jose chapter was the biggest of a
string of CSOs around California. The chapter offered immigration
assistance, citizenship classes and similar projects.
Chavez left San Jose in 1962, intent on starting a labor union for
farmworkers. He had been concerned about the plight of farmworkers, many
from Mexico or of Mexican descent, for a number of years. But he had been
unable to persuade CSO to become a leading voice on behalf of "campesinos."
So he quit his CSO job and heading to the Salinas Valley to start
organizing. He organized nationwide boycotts of grapes, Gallo wine and head
lettuce to draw attention to the poor wages and working conditions of
farmworkers – and to pressure growers to sign contracts with the union. The
boycotts were successful and the UFW signed contracts covering thousands of
workers.
By the mid-1970s, it appeared that the struggle for better wages and working
conditions for farmworkers had been won. But a series of setbacks during the
1980s slowed the UFW momentum and even erased some of the earlier gains. By
1990, it was clear that some new strategy was needed. So Chavez and other
union leaders decided to return to San Jose where he had begun 30 years
before.
The last time I saw Chavez was in 1992, less than a year before he died. The
scene was a familiar one – in front of a grocery store in San Jose. It was a
sort of homecoming for Chavez; his appearance brought out many activist
friends. In his talk, he linked the dreams of rural farmworkers to the sense
of justice in urban consumers. He urged us to act on our shared hopes for a
better community. Once again I had that feeling: I am in the presence of an
extraordinary person.
Chavez died in 1993. But his legacy continues, both in the UFW and in the
day set aside each March to remember his life and work. This year it's March
31. You can find out more by visiting these websites: www.ufw.org and
www.cesarechavezfoundation.org
His legacy lies in each of us, too. We can follow his example, using justice,
fairness and concern for the environment as measures for where we shop
for our food and what we buy. For more ideas on how to do this,
visit: www.takepart.com.
BILL SACKTER CENTENNIAL COMING:
CELEBRATING SPIRIT OF IOWA ICON
UPTOWN Bill's and Wild Bill's coffeeshops are planning a week of special events to mark the 100th birthday of Bill Sackter. Music, films, an art show and more are scheduled during the week of April 8-13.
Bill Sackter, a native of Minnesota, spent nearly half a century in the old Faribault State Hospital. He came to Iowa City in the early 1970s with Barry and Bev Morrow, a couple he had met in Minneapolis. Barry had been offered a job at the University of Iowa and Bill ended upcoming along.
Wild Bill's Coffeeshop, 321 North Hall on the UI campus began as an employment opportunity for Bill. Later, it became a symbol of "abilities awareness" around Iowa and beyond. The coffeeshop thrived and became the subject of a 1981 movie called "Bill." Staring Mickey Rooney as Bill, the movie was based on a story written by Barry Morrow. The film brought national fame to Bill and to the coffeeshop.
A second movie, "Bill On His Own," followed two years later, again featuring Rooney as Bill and Dennis Quade as Barry. Also in the film: Helen Hunt and Lyle Lovett.
Bill died in 1983, but the original Wild Bill's coffeeshop remained. It continues today in the same location in North Hall on the university campus. Staffed by individuals with disabilities, the coffeeshop is service learning project of the UI School of Social Work.
Uptown Bill's opened its doors in 2001, a spinoff of the original coffeeshop which includes not only a coffeeshop, but also a music venue, bookstore, vintage shop and other enterprises. Uptown Bill's is operated by Extend the Dream, a nonprofit organization. Originally located on Gilbert Street, it is now located at 730 S. Dubuque. (The Vintage Shoppe is located at 2203 F. St,in the Towncrest area.)
Sackter Centennial events begin Monday, April 8 with the showing of the documentary about the life and legacy of Bill Sackter. "A Friend Indeed: The Bill Sackter Story" will be shown at 7 pm at both Wild Bill's and Uptown Bill's. Other activities during the week include a Coffee Crawl from Wild Bill's to Uptown Bill's and an art show titled "In the spirit of Bill."
Barry and Bev Morrow will be returning to Iowa for a Friday evening of storytelling and reminiscing about Bill. The Morrows brought Bill Sackter with them when they moved from Minnesota. Barry Morrow wrote the screenplay for both "Bill" and "Bill On His Own." (Barry is probably best-known as the screenwriter for "Rainman." This event will be held in the auditorium of the Pappajohn Business Building.
Also expected on Friday evening: Lane Wyrick, director of the documentary film about Bill and Tom Walz, head of the UI School of Social Work when Bill's Coffeeshop started and founder of Uptown Bill's. (Walz is also the author of "The Unlikely Celebrity," a biography of Bill.)
A grand finale for the Centennial takes place all day Saturday, April 13 (9 am to 9 pm) at Uptown Bill's. The day includes a different band and a different cake every hour. At noon, all are invited to gather and play "Happy Birthday" on the harmonica. A concluding concert featuring Dave Moore and No Coast starts at 7 pm.
For more information, visit the Uptown Bill's website at www.uptownbills.org Or call Uptown Bill's at (319) 339-0804 or Wild Bill's at (319) 335-1281.
COMING EVENTS ATCESAR CHAVEZ
CESAR CHAVEZ died 20 years ago. But his spirit and vision live on in the
United Farm Workers union he founded and in the Cesar Chavez holiday
celebrated each year on March 31.
Chavez was the visionary leader behind the United Farm Workers (UFW) union.
He's also a good candidate for a social work hero.
I first heard about Cesar Chavez in the late 1960s, when members of the UFW
came to Minneapolis seeking support for a boycott of head lettuce. Later,
there was a boycott of table grapes.
The UFW didn't send just the farm workers – two entire families came to
spread the labor union's message. My first assignment was to find winter
clothing for the families. I went on to picketing, asking churches and
schools not to serve grapes, and urging grocers to carry only lettuce with
the UFW Black Eagle on the box.
Despite all this, I still was not prepared for the man I found when I first
met Cesar Chavez. I met him several times while serving as editor of the
East San Jose Sun, a weekly newspaper serving the city where Chavez got his
start as an activist.
For an activist, he was quite reserved. And for a union leader, he seemed very
uncomfortable in the spotlight. Yet he was very inspiring. I remember
thinking when I was listening to him: If there are saints in our
time, Chavez surely must be one.
Over the years, he and others told me about his life and his organizing.
Chavez moved to San Jose, California in 1952 to organize a local chapter of
the Community Service Organization (CSO). The group was born in Los Angeles,
growing out of a city council campaign there. Fred Ross, an organizer from
Saul Alinsky's organization in Chicago, played a key role in getting the
group started.
From Los Angeles, Ross went to work organizing other CSO chapters around the
state. He hired Cesar Chavez to help. Chavez moved to San Jose and organized
a CSO chapter there. At one time, the San Jose chapter was the biggest of a
string of CSOs around California. The chapter offered immigration
assistance, citizenship classes and similar projects.
Chavez left San Jose in 1962, intent on starting a labor union for
farmworkers. He had been concerned about the plight of farmworkers, many
from Mexico or of Mexican descent, for a number of years. But he had been
unable to persuade CSO to become a leading voice on behalf of "campesinos."
So he quit his CSO job and heading to the Salinas Valley to start
organizing. He organized nationwide boycotts of grapes, Gallo wine and head
lettuce to draw attention to the poor wages and working conditions of
farmworkers – and to pressure growers to sign contracts with the union. The
boycotts were successful and the UFW signed contracts covering thousands of
workers.
By the mid-1970s, it appeared that the struggle for better wages and working
conditions for farmworkers had been won. But a series of setbacks during the
1980s slowed the UFW momentum and even erased some of the earlier gains. By
1990, it was clear that some new strategy was needed. So Chavez and other
union leaders decided to return to San Jose where he had begun 30 years
before.
The last time I saw Chavez was in 1992, less than a year before he died. The
scene was a familiar one – in front of a grocery store in San Jose. It was a
sort of homecoming for Chavez; his appearance brought out many activist
friends. In his talk, he linked the dreams of rural farmworkers to the sense
of justice in urban consumers. He urged us to act on our shared hopes for a
better community. Once again I had that feeling: I am in the presence of an
extraordinary person.
Chavez died in 1993. But his legacy continues, both in the UFW and in the
day set aside each March to remember his life and work. This year it's March
31. You can find out more by visiting these websites: www.ufw.org and
www.cesarechavezfoundation.org
His legacy lies in each of us, too. We can follow his example, using justice,
fairness and concern for the environment as measures for where we shop
for our food and what we buy. For more ideas on how to do this,
visit: www.takepart.com.
BILL SACKTER CENTENNIAL COMING:
CELEBRATING SPIRIT OF IOWA ICON
UPTOWN Bill's and Wild Bill's coffeeshops are planning a week of special events to mark the 100th birthday of Bill Sackter. Music, films, an art show and more are scheduled during the week of April 8-13.
Bill Sackter, a native of Minnesota, spent nearly half a century in the old Faribault State Hospital. He came to Iowa City in the early 1970s with Barry and Bev Morrow, a couple he had met in Minneapolis. Barry had been offered a job at the University of Iowa and Bill ended upcoming along.
Wild Bill's Coffeeshop, 321 North Hall on the UI campus began as an employment opportunity for Bill. Later, it became a symbol of "abilities awareness" around Iowa and beyond. The coffeeshop thrived and became the subject of a 1981 movie called "Bill." Staring Mickey Rooney as Bill, the movie was based on a story written by Barry Morrow. The film brought national fame to Bill and to the coffeeshop.
A second movie, "Bill On His Own," followed two years later, again featuring Rooney as Bill and Dennis Quade as Barry. Also in the film: Helen Hunt and Lyle Lovett.
Bill died in 1983, but the original Wild Bill's coffeeshop remained. It continues today in the same location in North Hall on the university campus. Staffed by individuals with disabilities, the coffeeshop is service learning project of the UI School of Social Work.
Uptown Bill's opened its doors in 2001, a spinoff of the original coffeeshop which includes not only a coffeeshop, but also a music venue, bookstore, vintage shop and other enterprises. Uptown Bill's is operated by Extend the Dream, a nonprofit organization. Originally located on Gilbert Street, it is now located at 730 S. Dubuque. (The Vintage Shoppe is located at 2203 F. St,in the Towncrest area.)
Sackter Centennial events begin Monday, April 8 with the showing of the documentary about the life and legacy of Bill Sackter. "A Friend Indeed: The Bill Sackter Story" will be shown at 7 pm at both Wild Bill's and Uptown Bill's. Other activities during the week include a Coffee Crawl from Wild Bill's to Uptown Bill's and an art show titled "In the spirit of Bill."
Barry and Bev Morrow will be returning to Iowa for a Friday evening of storytelling and reminiscing about Bill. The Morrows brought Bill Sackter with them when they moved from Minnesota. Barry Morrow wrote the screenplay for both "Bill" and "Bill On His Own." (Barry is probably best-known as the screenwriter for "Rainman." This event will be held in the auditorium of the Pappajohn Business Building.
Also expected on Friday evening: Lane Wyrick, director of the documentary film about Bill and Tom Walz, head of the UI School of Social Work when Bill's Coffeeshop started and founder of Uptown Bill's. (Walz is also the author of "The Unlikely Celebrity," a biography of Bill.)
A grand finale for the Centennial takes place all day Saturday, April 13 (9 am to 9 pm) at Uptown Bill's. The day includes a different band and a different cake every hour. At noon, all are invited to gather and play "Happy Birthday" on the harmonica. A concluding concert featuring Dave Moore and No Coast starts at 7 pm.
For more information, visit the Uptown Bill's website at www.uptownbills.org Or call Uptown Bill's at (319) 339-0804 or Wild Bill's at (319) 335-1281.
Saturday, March 30
7 pm. Saturday Night Music with Andrew Epstein's Fried Egg String Band.
Sunday, March 31
5 pm. Easter Potluck. All welcome. Bring a side dish or dessert.
Monday, April 1
6 pm. AA meeting. (open)
7 pm. New support group for individuals with invisible disabilities. Hosted by Access to Independence.
Tuesday, April 2
7:30 pm. Social Justice Film Series: The Principal Story. For more information and the trailer: http://www.pbs.org/pov/principalstory/#.UUyQMje2XPw. Presented by Uptown Bill's and PATV in collaboration with POV, the award-winning nonfiction film series from PBS.
Wednesday, April 3
3 pm. Recovery International Support Group. For more information, call Julie at 351-2447.
7 pm. Spoken Word. Ten minute segments of poetry and other readings. Co-sponsored by Little Village.
Thursday, April 4
6 pm. Artvaark (art activities)
7 pm. Open Mic. Ten minute slices of music and other performances. Sign up at the coffee House.
Saturday, April 6
4:30 pm. Irish Sessions
7 pm. Saturday Night Music with Pennies on the Rail
Monday, April 8 Bill Sackter Centennial
7 pm. Showing of "A Friend Indeed." documentary film about the life and legacy of Bill Sackter. Also showing at the same time at Wild Bill's Coffeeshop, 321 North Hall, on the U of Iowa campus. Part of the Bill Sackter Centennial Celebration:
Tuesday, Apeil 9. Bill Sackter Centennial.
6 pm. "In the spirit of Bill." Art exhibit of works inspired by Bill Sackter and the theme of "abilities awareness."
7:30 pm. Showing of "Bill On His Own," 1983 film starring Mickey Rooney as Bill and Dennis Quade as Barry. Presented in cooperation with Wild Bill's Coffeeshop. UI School of Social Work, Extend the Dream Foundation and PATV.
Wednesday, April 10. Bill Sackter Centennial
7 pm. Spoken Word. Stories and readings in the spirit of Bill Sackter
8 pm. Live broadcast of "The Smartest Iowan." One segment will be devoted to questions about Bill Sackter and the coffeeshops. Guest host: Tom Gilsenan, director of Uptown Bill's/Extend the dream.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bill's Coffeeshop Newsletter is a virtual extension of Wild Bill's Coffeeshop and Uptown Bill's Coffee House. Published since 2000, the Newsletter is written by Tom Gilsenan, a former manager of Wild Bill's and now director of Uptown Bill's. You can write to him at tomgilsenan@gmail.com
Wild Bill's Coffeeshop is a project of the School of Social Work at the University of Iowa. It has been a part of campus life in Iowa City for more than 35 years. Located in North Hall, the coffeeshop is open Monday through Thursday, 8 am to 8 pm. For more information, check the Wild Bill's Coffee Shop and Friends of Bill's Coffeeshop pages on Facebook. You can call the coffeeshop at (319) 335-1281. Donations to support the work of the coffeeshop may be sent to: Bill's Coffeeshop Fund, University of Iowa Foundation, P.O. Box 4550, Iowa City, IA 52244. Contributions are tax deductible.
Uptown Bill's is the crosstown cousin of Wild Bill's. Now in its 12th year, it includes a bookstore, performance venue and other businesses in addition to a coffeeshop. Located at 730 S. Dubuque, Uptown Bill's is open Monday through Saturday from 11 am. For more information, check the Uptown Bill's website or Facebook pages. You can call Uptown Bill's at (319) 339-0804. Donations to support the work of Uptown Bill's may be sent to: Extend the Dream Foundation, Uptown Bill's, 730 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City, IA 52240. Contributions are tax deductible. You can also donate online at the Uptown Bill's website: www.uptownbills.org
7 pm. Saturday Night Music with Andrew Epstein's Fried Egg String Band.
Sunday, March 31
5 pm. Easter Potluck. All welcome. Bring a side dish or dessert.
Monday, April 1
6 pm. AA meeting. (open)
7 pm. New support group for individuals with invisible disabilities. Hosted by Access to Independence.
Tuesday, April 2
7:30 pm. Social Justice Film Series: The Principal Story. For more information and the trailer: http://www.pbs.org/pov/principalstory/#.UUyQMje2XPw. Presented by Uptown Bill's and PATV in collaboration with POV, the award-winning nonfiction film series from PBS.
Wednesday, April 3
3 pm. Recovery International Support Group. For more information, call Julie at 351-2447.
7 pm. Spoken Word. Ten minute segments of poetry and other readings. Co-sponsored by Little Village.
Thursday, April 4
6 pm. Artvaark (art activities)
7 pm. Open Mic. Ten minute slices of music and other performances. Sign up at the coffee House.
Saturday, April 6
4:30 pm. Irish Sessions
7 pm. Saturday Night Music with Pennies on the Rail
Monday, April 8 Bill Sackter Centennial
7 pm. Showing of "A Friend Indeed." documentary film about the life and legacy of Bill Sackter. Also showing at the same time at Wild Bill's Coffeeshop, 321 North Hall, on the U of Iowa campus. Part of the Bill Sackter Centennial Celebration:
Tuesday, Apeil 9. Bill Sackter Centennial.
6 pm. "In the spirit of Bill." Art exhibit of works inspired by Bill Sackter and the theme of "abilities awareness."
7:30 pm. Showing of "Bill On His Own," 1983 film starring Mickey Rooney as Bill and Dennis Quade as Barry. Presented in cooperation with Wild Bill's Coffeeshop. UI School of Social Work, Extend the Dream Foundation and PATV.
Wednesday, April 10. Bill Sackter Centennial
7 pm. Spoken Word. Stories and readings in the spirit of Bill Sackter
8 pm. Live broadcast of "The Smartest Iowan." One segment will be devoted to questions about Bill Sackter and the coffeeshops. Guest host: Tom Gilsenan, director of Uptown Bill's/Extend the dream.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bill's Coffeeshop Newsletter is a virtual extension of Wild Bill's Coffeeshop and Uptown Bill's Coffee House. Published since 2000, the Newsletter is written by Tom Gilsenan, a former manager of Wild Bill's and now director of Uptown Bill's. You can write to him at tomgilsenan@gmail.com
Wild Bill's Coffeeshop is a project of the School of Social Work at the University of Iowa. It has been a part of campus life in Iowa City for more than 35 years. Located in North Hall, the coffeeshop is open Monday through Thursday, 8 am to 8 pm. For more information, check the Wild Bill's Coffee Shop and Friends of Bill's Coffeeshop pages on Facebook. You can call the coffeeshop at (319) 335-1281. Donations to support the work of the coffeeshop may be sent to: Bill's Coffeeshop Fund, University of Iowa Foundation, P.O. Box 4550, Iowa City, IA 52244. Contributions are tax deductible.
Uptown Bill's is the crosstown cousin of Wild Bill's. Now in its 12th year, it includes a bookstore, performance venue and other businesses in addition to a coffeeshop. Located at 730 S. Dubuque, Uptown Bill's is open Monday through Saturday from 11 am. For more information, check the Uptown Bill's website or Facebook pages. You can call Uptown Bill's at (319) 339-0804. Donations to support the work of Uptown Bill's may be sent to: Extend the Dream Foundation, Uptown Bill's, 730 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City, IA 52240. Contributions are tax deductible. You can also donate online at the Uptown Bill's website: www.uptownbills.org
posted by Tom Gilsenan @ 2:37 PM
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