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The Legacy of Cesar Chavez Alive in Minority Blood Donors
By donateblood in donateblood
March 26, 2010

Cesar Chavez was born March 31, 1927 in Arizona. As a second generation American, Chavez grew up in a family of migrant farm workers as a result of the Great Depression. Surrounded by the injustices of a farm worker’s life, Chavez set out to battle inhumane working conditions and create a better life for himself and others like him.

Chavez was a true hero, paving the way for minorities. He was a Latino civil rights leader, a religious figure and a community servant. His famous words, “Sí se puede,” have filtered through generations and are still remembered today. Now, students on college campuses across the country will take Chavez's message to heart as they take on a national challenge to donate blood.

To promote his legacy, as well as to create awareness of the need for minority blood donations, the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center (STBTC) and Victoria College are participating in the National Cesar E. Chavez Blood Drive Challenge on Wednesday, March 31, at Victoria College in the Student Center Faculty Dining Room from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More than 50% of Hispanics carry O type blood. Because type O negative blood can be transfused to a patient of any blood type, Hispanics are in a position to help save even more lives. Unfortunately, less than 6% of eligible Hispanics donate blood. We hope to change that one donation at a time.

For more information, visit www.southtexasblood.org or click here for information on Cesar Chavez and the National Blood Drive Challenge.