These boys and girls were the best students in their class.
One little boy, a Mexican kid in the third grade, had a question. He raised his hand and asked: What inspired you to help people by selling houses?
“We think we are just one person, but in reality one person can make a huge difference for many people,” Long said, looking at the boy who would grow up to become an Arizona legislator.
“You’ll grow up one day and you’ll look back at your beginnings, at your childhood and see everything that was missing. Then, if you want to, you can make a difference for future generations," Long said.
Long, a developer and philanthropist in the West Valley, passed away in 2008. But his words stuck with César Chávez, now 29, who was elected to the state House of Representatives in November.
Chávez is a Democrat representing Legislative District 29, which covers parts of west Phoenix, El Mirage and Glendale. He said he wants to bring resources to West Valley communities and to continue advocating for immigrants like himself.
