Louis Escobar
Adelante,
César Estrada Chávez was a civil rights, Latino, farm worker, and labor leader; a religious and spiritual figure; a community servant and social entrepreneur; a crusader for nonviolent social change; and an environmentalist and consumer advocate.
This year’s event – “Taste of Latin America” – will be held in the main gallery of the historic Secor Building (425 Jefferson Avenue at Superior Street) on Wednesday, March 31st, 2010 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.
The Latino Resource Center, honors the memory of Civil Rights and labor activist César Chávez by recognizing Louis Escobar, an Ohio Latino champion with a Lifetime Achievement Award at its 6thAnnual César Chávez Humanitarian Award Gala.
The Award celebrates the accomplishments and unselfish commitment of a servant leader to service, education, and economic opportunities for Latinos. This year’s award recipient, Louis Escobar, a lifelong Toledo resident of Mexican descent, has dedicated himself to working on behalf of the less fortunate.
According to Sonia Troche, Adelante’s Executive Director, Louis Escobar, through his many previous professions—including serving as a Roman Catholic priest, teacher, forensic counselor, probation officer, mental health worker and supervisor, addiction counselor, facilitator/director of a self help group for people living with HIV/AIDS, EAP specialist and director of a homeless shelter and of a social service/substance abuse agency—“has spent his life working with those that others have refused to serve.
“As an elected official, he combined this experience with his leadership and commitment to provide a needed voice on [Toledo] City Council for those who would otherwise not be heard including senior citizens, the disabled, minorities, the unemployed, and underemployed.”
Escobar was also the first Latino president of Toledo City Council.
According to Troche, “From priest to councilman, Louis Escobar continues to serve and at age 60, Escobar continues being true to himself.”
Troche informed La Prensa that: “The significance and impact of César’s life transcends any one cause or struggle. A unique and humble leader, humanitarian, and communicator, Cesar influenced and inspired millions of Americans to seek social justice and civil rights for the poor and disenfranchised in our society.”
Originally posted by La Prensa