'Whose streets? Our streets!'

Community members paid homage to civil rights activist Cesar Chavez Saturday yelling “Whose streets? Our streets!” while marching through neighborhood after neighborhood, reminding residents that social and economic equality is obtainable.

Lt. Gov. Diane Denish and Mayor Richard Berry showed their support for Chavez’s fight, saying that his message is one of community.
“This gave me a chance to stand up and honor a man that gave his life to better his community,” Berry said. “And to talk about the idea that if we, as individuals, take the time to stand up and dedicate our time and our energy to causes that we believe in, then we are going to make this a better place.”

Denish agreed that Chavez represents a victory for workers, but said that the fight for equality is far from over.
“This is a celebration of workers’ rights, equality and justice,” she said. “I think sometimes we forget that even with all the gains we make we still have a long way to go.”

More than 300 people showed their support by marching from the Westside Community Center to the National Hispanic Cultural Center of New Mexico where the Recuerda a Cesar Chavez Committee organized a day of festivities to commemorate the victory of gaining workers’ rights.
Chavez was a Mexican-American farm worker who co-founded the National Farm Workers Association in 1962. He employed boycotts, fasting and nonviolent activism throughout his life to improve conditions for farm workers.

Chavez’s daughter, Liz Chavez Villarino, said the celebration was a remarkable tribute to her father because so many people came together.
“Everyone has taken on his message in their own communities,” she said. “There is always a lot more to do, but as long as everyone works together and fights for what their community’s needs are, that is the greatest tribute to my dad.”

Denish said that especially during times when money is tight, communities should be working to help each other. She said volunteering can help bring communities together and be an economic contribution.

“I am a big supporter of community engagement and involvement,” she said. “I think anytime you have enthusiasm and people coming together over shared values that is the most important thing. That is what improves our communities.”

Denish went on to say that students can make great contributions to their communities and their service will be rewarded with personal growth.

“There is no place better than a campus for young people to have opportunities,” she said. “They just have to get past any barriers. Whatever the obstacle for them is, the reward will be so much greater.”

The festival offered local music, food and guest speakers. Several service awards were given reminding community members that there is honor in public service.

“When somebody stands up and fights for what they believe in, it is an honorable thing,” Berry said. “Whether everyone agrees with that or doesn’t, it is an honorable thing.”

Denish said she hopes the memory of Chavez will remind people to stay involved year round.

“Hopefully, it is not just one day of marching,” she said. “Hopefully it really sends the message that all yearlong we should be involved in our communities.”