The Cesar Chavez Foundation recently hosted its 17th annual Cesar Chavez Legacy Awards Gala, celebrating 51 years of “justice, opportunity and change.”

The anniversary gala honored the legacy of civil rights activist Cesar Chavez by presenting awards to individuals who exemplify excellence and commitment to community and advocacy.

This year’s honorees were Archbishop José H. Gomez, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra and artist (posthumously) José Montoya. 

Kerry Kennedy, president of the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization, was the keynote speaker at this year’s celebration, which was held March 30 in the Crystal Ballroom of the historic Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles.