(1,2,3) The Edison Language Academy Parent Theatre Troupe perform a play during 'Noche De César Chávez' (César Chávez Night) on Friday, April 4, 2008. (4,5) Edison Language Academy Kindergarten students sing songs during the celebration. (6) right to left; Preschool students Sophia Banuet, 3, and Seven Auchterlonie, 3, play with masks at the alter . (7) The PTA sells T-shirts during the celebration at ELA on Friday. The Academy is a charter school teaching an English/Spanish language curriculum to approximately 400 students in grades K-5. - César Chávez, legendary labor activist, civil rights leader and founder of the first successful farm workers union, is hailed as one of the greatest American civil rights leaders. His birthday has become a holiday in eight U.S. states. Many parks, cultural centers, libraries, schools, and streets have been named in his honor in cities across the United States.