Farmworker Awareness Week is set to honor and highlight the essential yet often unseen labor of San Mateo County's agricultural workers. Beginning next Monday, the County of San Mateo, Supervisor Ray Mueller's Office, and community partners are orchestrating various events. The celebrations will acknowledge the contributions of farmworkers to our tables and society as a whole while also highlighting their continuous fight for civil rights.
Supervisor Mueller has emphasized the importance of solidarity with these workers, especially "when this community is facing the harshest rhetoric." "Especially now, when this community is facing the harshest rhetoric, I think it’s more important than ever to stand with them and to bring attention to their needs and work to support them," Mueller stated, according to the County of San Mateo's official website. The ceremonies not only serve as a form of recognition but also as an educational moment for the wider public about the significance of these workers.
This diverse group of farmworkers in San Mateo County are recognized not just for their labor but also for their roles as community leaders and educators. The county's agriculture business, valued at $100 million, benefits significantly from their efforts. Dr. Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga, executive director of Ayudando Latinos A Soñar, articulated the multi-faceted nature of these individuals, stating, per the County of San Mateo, "Beyond farmworkers, they are mothers, fathers, grandparents, leaders, volunteers, teachers and more."
The week’s activities are varied, covering cultural festivities and informative sessions. Highlights include a proclamation at a Board of Supervisors meeting featuring guest speakers like Santa Clara University's Dr. Pedro Nava and members of the Cesar Chavez family. Farmworker Awareness Week is filled with happenings such as documentary screenings and panel discussions on worker health care, per the County of San Mateo. Opportunities to immerse in music, literature, and community-building gatherings punctuate the week, all leading up to Cesar Chavez Day on March 31.
