Toronto - Over 300 social justice activists gathered in Toronto on November 4 to attend the 10th Annual Black Eagle Dinner, an event that celebrates the spirit of legendary union organizer and civil rights leader César Chavez.

In addition to commemorating the life and achievements of Brother Chavez, the Black Eagle Dinner also serves as an important fundraiser for the Agriculture Workers Alliance (AWA), and provides the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and the César E. Chavez Foundation with an opportunity to recognize people who have made outstanding contributions to the Canadian farm worker movement.

Pictured left to right are five of six Black Eagle Award recipients for 2009: Dave Killham, Exec. Dir., WHSC Ontario; Fanny Belcoski, AWA Centre, Simcoe; Wayne Samuelson, President, OFL; Stella Mendoza, AWA Centre, Simcoe; and Ken Georgetti, President, CLC. Long-time activist Bonifacio Santo Moreno could not receive his award in person because he was flagged as a “flight risk” by Canadian government officials and denied entry into the country. 
 

Andrea Galvez (AWA Quebec), National President Hanley, and Executive Assistant Louis Bolduc accept the Black Eagle Award on behalf of Bonifacio Santo Moreno

"If César was here today I think he would be very proud of the work and accomplishments we've been able to make in Canada, and he would be particularly proud of the Black Eagle Award recipients," said UFCW Canada National President Wayne Hanley, who emceed the event.

“With our community partners we continue to rise to the challenge of César's cause. It is a movement of the labour unions, community groups, and motivated individuals, and in the words of César we say, 'Si, se puede'."