by Nancy Sep£lveda
Daily Lobo
About 250 people marched down Avenida CÇsar Chávez on Saturday to celebrate the life and accomplishments of a human rights activist who died in 1993.
CÇsar Chávez founded the United Farm Workers of America and organized nonviolent boycotts, marches, strikes and political demonstrations to fight for the rights of farm workers and
immigrants.
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Student Mario Chavez, who attended the event, said greater efforts should be made to commemorate the achievements of Chávez.
"He was a very important figure in America's civil rights movement, but he's not always recognized," he said.
People should remember that Chávez stood for more than the rights of migrant workers, said student Yesenia Garcia, who spoke at the event.
"He symbolizes the ability of the people to achieve great things when they unite for a common good," she said. "Every one of us has a voice."
The rally included music, informational booths, a ballet folklorico dance performance and a traditional indigenous blessing by Aztec dancers.
"It's essential to honor and celebrate Hispanic culture whenever you honor and celebrate Hispanic causes," student Amanda Padilla said. "The two go hand in hand."
More than 40 community, government and student organizations participated in the march.
"This is the only event, other than Martin Luther King events, that unites so many people from different backgrounds," said Chuy Martinez, a member of the memorial's planning committee.
Chávez should be honored with his own holiday, Martinez said.
"There are revived efforts to make this a state
holiday, but we need a lot more collaboration and partnership,"
he said.
Recognizing the accomplishments of previous activists is the first step to tackling today's issues, attendee Monica Trujillo said .
"It's important to always remember past struggles and recognize victories to remind ourselves that the fight for justice is still going on," she said. "We need to maintain the legacy of CÇsar Chávez and what he stood for, while continuing the battle ourselves."
