CERRITOS, California – State Assemblyman Tony Mendoza (D-Norwalk) will honor the legacy of the late labor leader, Cesar Chavez, and pay tribute to his life’s work by presenting the first-ever 56th Assembly District’s Cesar Chavez Humanitarian Award to Charlie Ara, an active member of the community, for his role as a leader of the civil rights movement.

The award will be presented during a special ceremony to be held on Monday, March 31, 2008 at the Cerritos Park East Community Center located at 13234 E. 166th Street , Cerritos , CA 90703 beginning at 5:00 p.m.  Joining Assemblyman Mendoza in presenting the award will be the co-founder of the United Farm Workers organization, Dolores Huerta. 

In 2000, then Governor, Gray Davis signed Senate Bill 984 (Polanco) commemorating March 31 as an official state holiday to honor Cesar Chavez’s work and his birthday.  The inaugural Humanitarian Award is presented to an individual who has been active in promoting service to the community and has been a positive influence and voice for the communities he/she serves.

“With over 50 years of community service and activism in the areas of human and civil rights, Charlie Ara can only be defined as a true community leader whose work deserves recognition as it has benefited many over the years,” said Assemblyman Mendoza.  “Charlie Ara, is a reflection of the same dedication and values Cesar Chavez had in his crusade for fairness in the work place and better living standards –  I am proud to present Mr. Ara with the first Annual Cesar Chavez Humanitarian Award for the 56th Assembly District.”

Charlie Ara participated in the 1963 March on Washington joining Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at our nation’s capitol as Dr. King delivered his famous “I Have A Dream” speech.  Since the 1960’s, Mr. Ara has fought diligently for fair housing rights on behalf of working class citizens of East Los Angeles, worked to establish job training programs in local communities, implemented English classes for non-English speaking residents and has even acted as a liaison to the Welfare Department while obtaining nursing care for families without insurance.

Mr. Ara is a resident of Cerritos where he resides with his family.  The event is free and community members are encouraged to attend.