Will Rogers Event with Jennifer Rogers-Etcheverry
On Saturday, February 3rd, we were joined by Will Rogers’ great-granddaughter and family representative, Jennifer Rogers-Etcheverry, to present on his legacy. Rogers-Etcheverry travels nationally as a public speaker combining the wit and wisdom of her great grandfather with the humor of her nut company based in Bakersfield, My Husband’s Nuts. This was the first time she has presented to our Sacramento area. Jennifer talked about her business and Will Rogers’ life. Please enjoy these beautiful pictures of the event taken by CNCV member and Cherokee Nation citizen, Deirdre Fitzgerald with Brass Forest Photos.
Known by many names, including “Oklahoma’s Favorite Son”, “The Cherokee Kid”, and “America’s Favorite Cowboy”, Will Rogers (1879-1935) was the most famous Cherokee Nation citizen of his time. Rogers is known by many quips over this lifetime, including “I never met a man I didn’t like” and “My ancestors didn’t come over on the Mayflower, but they met the boat.”
Rogers was a famous movie star, performer, author, philosopher, social commentator, and humanitarian. He traveled the world three times, made over 70 films, authored 6 books, wrote a daily newspaper column read by 400 million people, was instrumental in the formation of our air force, was friends with kings and queens, and was a household name. He accomplished all of this before dying tragically at the young age of 55 in a small airplane crash in Alaska. He was the highest paid actor at the time of his death.
Bob Hope narrated an excellent documentary about Will Rogers, which you can view here to learn more: https://youtu.be/REDfD8vp3fQ?feature=shared.
This event was at C.K. McClatchy High School, on the National Register of Historic Places, in their beautifully restored 1936 art deco auditorium theater. At the end of the presentation and Q&A session, Jennifer was presented with an Eternal Flame award. A certificate of appreciation was also presented to C.K. McClatchy High School Music Program Director Jorge Munoz and his student volunteers. The program is part of the Visual and Performing Arts Academy, whose goal is to prepare young artists for careers and a life in the arts. These bright young students worked hard to help the event be successful. We are very grateful to Jennifer, Jorge Munoz, and the students at C.K. McClatchy for their kindness and generous service.
— Sabrina McKinney
