BLM-ES Celebrates Hispanic Culture

Organization

BLM

BLM Office:

Eastern States State Office

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In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Bureau of Land Management-Eastern States (BLM-ES), held an event to celebrate Hispanic contributions to our country and the legacy of farmworker leader and Latino hero, Cesar E. Chavez.The Oct. 12 event supported President Obama and Secretary Salazar's shared goal to build a more inclusive Government that better reflects the diverse face of America. The national theme for Hispanic Heritage Month 2011 was: "Many backgrounds, many stories, and one American spirit." That theme really hit home with the Eastern States BLM event organizer, Isabel Long, a Hispanic American.“This year's theme represents so well the diversity of the Hispanic community," Long said. “We come from different places, some of us native born, some of us foreign born. We represent different cultures, but we all share one feature, a love for this country.According to Long, BLM-ES chose to honor Chavez's legacy during its event because of his relationship with the land and his unrelenting advocacy and personal commitment to improve the working and living conditions of farmworkers. She added, "Chavez's message about the value of healthy lands goes deep into DOI's mission." Audience members were invited to comment.For the event, BLM-ES featured the screening of "Cesar's Last Fast" followed by remarks and observations from BLM-ES State Office Director, Dr. John Lyon; Associate State Director, Marie Stewart; and Acting Natural Resource Manager, Larry Denny. Lynda Nix, Employee Equal Opportunity Manager; and Isabel Long facilitated the event which included Hispanic music and a potluck  all of which left everyone looking forward to next year's Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.“People forget that the soil is our sustenance. It is a sacred trust. It is what has worked for us for centuries," said Cesar Chavez.


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.