Centro Campesino is a non-profit organization that was formed in 1997 by migrant workers in the Owatonna area. Their mission “is to improve the lives of migrant workers and be a strong voice for the Latino community in southern Minnesota”. They do this by keeping workers informed of their rights. They also help workers organize to fight for fair wages, better housing conditions, health insurance and dignity. Many migrant workers from southern Minnesota have experienced mistreatment and exploitation by their employers. They have been forced to work long hours out in the fields in high temperatures without a break to get a drink of water.

Before the concert started Maria Carmen Sosa(right) told her story. Maria is a mother of two young sons. They have lived in Faribault Minnesota for 6 years. A migrant worker herself, Maria became a member of Centro Campesino 3 years ago after witnessing too many instances of abuse by employers who hire migrant workers. She told of a pregnant woman who fainted on the job because of the heat, shortly after being refused a request for a drink of water. The pregnant woman’s employer ordered her coworkers to let her “lay there”. They were not allowed to seek medical attention on her behalf. Maria also told of verbal abuse by employers who used foul language and hurled derogatory insults at the migrant workers. Witnessing these types of abuses motivated Maria to get involved.

Victor Contreras, one of the original co-founders of Centro Campesino, also spoke before the concert got started. Victor spoke passionately about the migrant workers’ struggle, right here in Minnesota, for justice and dignity on the job. Many of these migrant workers are engaged in some of the most difficult farm labor, working out in the fields, and working at many of our Minnesota dairy farms. The farmers and business owners that employ them often exploit their status as undocumented workers that speak limited English, and pay them low wages and treat them with a blatant lack of respect and human dignity. Many of the migrant workers are doing jobs that the average Minnesotan would never consider doing, let alone do them for such low wages. Victor said “we’re here tonight to ask for your support to help make Centro Campesino a strong organization that can help the migrant workers in southern Minnesota”. Victor believes that by helping the migrant workers, we are helping all of Minnesota.

After Victor spoke, Baldemar Velasquez (President of the first Midwestern Farm Workers Union) and the Aguila Negra Band played music that was filled with stories about the migrant workers struggles, the environment, and songs about globalization. Baldemar also took time between songs to tell many of his own stories, including one about a migrant worker who died of heat stroke while on the job. He told the audience that at least one migrant worker dies in his or her own work place every day across the United States.

Baldemar Velasquez and the Aguila Negra Band are talented musicians. Although their music was very entertaining, this was no ordinary concert. It was impossible to sit in the audience without feeling moved to get involved. Like St. Joan of Arc, the values of Centro Campesino are Faith, Hope, Justice and Unity. Or as they would say: Fe, Esperanza, Justicia y Union. If you would like more information about Centro Campesino you can visit www.centrocampesino.net. Or you can call 507-446-9599. If you wish to make a donation to Centro Campesino, send your check to: 104 ˝ W. Broadway St. #206, Owatonna, MN 55060.