award on his behalf, as he was unable to attend due to his battle with pancreatic cancer.
Receiving the organization’s César Chávez Award, Ramón Del Castillo was honored for his humanitarian efforts and continued dedication and passion for the Latino community. Dr. Del Castillo is a co-founder of the César Chávez Peace and Justice Committee, and serves on various boards and agencies; and is the recipient of numerous awards. Currently, Del Castillo serves as an Associate Professor and Chair of the Chicana/o Studies Department at Metropolitan State College of Denver.
The professor shared his roots in union activism within his family. He credited union efforts in assisting his mother in dealing with her battle with breast cancer and her access to healthcare due to her participation as a union member.
Although Del Castillo’s mother died of breast cancer over thirty years ago, he credited union efforts in assisting his mother in dealing with her health battle and access to healthcare, due to her participation as a union member.
This year’s keynote address was delivered by Dusti Gurule, Regional Representative for US Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis. Gurule offered great insight regarding the extraordinary work by Secretary Solis, working on all levels of employment, from the fields to the country’s corporations.
For info on LCLAA, Denver Chapter: http://denver.co.lclaa.org/.
Toni Frésquez contributed to this article.