Don Villarejo: Memorializing a Social Justice Champion
Many of you have by now heard of Don Villarejo’s death on November 19, 2021. Please feel free to spread the word to the many people who worked with, learned from, respected and loved Don. Don was a member of SAREP’s Public Advisory Committee in the 1990’s and contributed to the idea of adding a community food systems (economics and public policy) component to what SAREP focused on, in addition to sustainable agriculture and the environment. He was a long-time supporter of SAREP’s work and encouraged us to include farmworker and community wellbeing in our goals, grants and projects.
The California Institute for Rural Studies (CIRS) team is beginning to post messages on a Community Memory Wall. They are not putting up personal condolences for the family, but are sharing some of the memories of Don that they receive. Please feel free to add to the wall, and pass the link on to others.
On Tuesday, Dec 7 from 5-7pm PST, CIRS is hosting an online zoom event which will celebrate the past, present and future of CIRS. They will also share memories of Don, and talk about how his ideas, mentorship and values will shape the work ahead. Don will be memorialized in many ways by many people in many places in the coming weeks and years-- this event is one chance to honor his legacy at CIRS. Please visit the CIRS event page to find more details about the CIRS Celebration in Honor of Don Villarejo along with a link to register for the event.
