Thread: AZ: March, rally in Mesa cheers César Chávez’s achievements

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/ ... =STY-86528

March 25, 2007
March, rally in Mesa cheers César Chávez’s achievements
Brent Ruffner, Tribune


ON THE MARCH: Brittany Martinez, with the Fuego Latino group of Mesa High School, marches in the seventh annual César Chávez march and rally called “The Legacy of César Chávez Lives On.” The group marched from CARE partnership to Mesa Ju
Ashley Lowery, For the Tribune

Chants of “Si se puede” could be heard on Mesa streets Saturday as marchers carried flags and paraded to celebrate the life of civil rights leader César Chávez.

The chant, which means “Yes, we can,” was common one year ago during massive immigration marches in downtown Phoenix.

Saturday’s celebration didn’t draw 100,000 people like the rally last April.

But for some, the event was just as meaningful and focused on the same objective: change.

About 75 people trekked from the local CARE partnership center to Mesa Junior High School for the seventh annual “César Chávez Peace March and Celebration of Hope.”

The march was organized by the Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens and paid tribute to the Arizona-born civil rights leader.

“We are struggling over the same issues,” said Maria Mancinas, member of the Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens. “But we continue to be active and engaged.”

Mancinas said she is concerned about the status of immigration reform and hoped that rallies such as the one on Saturday could inspire people to take a stand.

“We need to get people to show their concerns, support one another and exercise our vote,” she said.

Alfredo Cruz of Mesa marched last April and said he came out Saturday to support Chávez and the immigrants who live in the state.

“He did everything for us,” Cruz said. “We march to remember him and to support the immigrants that are here now.”

Chavez, who died in 1993, formed what is now known as the United Farm Workers and supported immigrant rights in nonviolent marches and protests.

“This is all about getting the community together,” CARE partnership volunteer Omar Sandoval said. “To show that we are strong.”

Trisha Speaker teaches at Mesa High School and said this and other immigration events are important no matter what their size.

“You have to start somewhere,” Speaker said. “Every little bit helps.”

Chavez, who died in 1993, formed what is now known as the United Farm Workers and supported immigrant rights in nonviolent marches and protests.

OOPs I guess they forgot one of the most important things. What a great Person as Chavez did. He marched to stop Illegal Aliens. It just makes me Mad when people Take a Great Person as Chavez and dishonor him. The First thing I think of is, that Chavez is rolling in his grave, wondering where is the morals of these people that use my name in vain.

I think there are more respectful ways to honor someone.

Dixie

Week-long events planned to honor César Chávez

06:51 PM MST on Thursday, March 22, 2007

By Alicia Barrón, Fox 11 News

A week full of activities is planned to celebrate the late human rights leader credited with starting the United Farm Workers Union.

The César E. Chávez Holiday Coalition is organizing the 6 th annual César Chávez Week featuring guest speakers, special presentations, youth conferences and other cultural events including the annual César Chávez march.

Event organizers say this annual celebration is meant to honor the rights afforded by the 1st Amendment.

Guest speakers will include Human Rights Activist Dolores Huerta, who worked with Chávez for over 30 years, Nito Bravo from the hit television show The Contender, as well as local journalists and community leaders.

Starting Tuesday, March 27, over 40 educators, activists and community leaders are expected to visit 25 Southern Arizona schools.



www.chavezfoundation.org


According to a news release, more than 3,000 students will learn about the life, history and philosophy of Chávez.

The late human rights leader was known for spreading a message of non-violence, self-determination and social activism.

Members of the Arizona César E. Chávez Holiday Coalition say they strive to “maintain, strengthen and educate with passion and creativity, the spirit, philosophy and struggle of César E. Chávez, Dolores Huerta and the United Farm Worker’s Union."

The following is the schedule for the week-long festivities:

March 26: Chávez week kick-off reception at 3 p.m.

March 27-30: Youth conference, community leaders visit local schools

March 30: Dolores Huerta speaks at UA College of Law

March 31: Annual César E. Chávez march at 9 a.m. starting at Pueblo High School and culminating at Rudy Garcia Park. A rally is scheduled at the park at noon featuring food, music and special guest Dolores Huerta.

For more information on the César Chávez Coalition or on this week-long event, click here.
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