Chavez legacy extolled
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Aida Estrada said she remembers her farm-worker parents talking about Cesar Chavez when she was young. But it wasn’t until she took a class in college that she began to understand who Chavez was. Now, the Salinas third-grade teacher says she wants to make sure her students know about the legendary civil-rights leader at a young age. On Friday afternoon, Estrada and her students participated in a rally to commemorate Cesar Chavez’s legacy and promote peace in Salinas. More than 500 students walked in the streets near Cesar Chavez School, 1225 Towt St., along with teachers, parents and elected officials, many holding pictures of the activist and the red flag of the union he helped found, the United Farm Workers. Councilman Sergio Sanchez said Friday’s march was about remembering Chavez’s commitment to achieving justice for farm workers through peaceful methods. "Violence only creates more violence," Sanchez said. "We need to remember people like Chavez, Luther King Jr. and Gandhi." The rally was one of many events held in Salinas on Friday to celebrate Chavez’s birthday. They included a speech contest for fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders in the Alisal Union School District and an educational presentation at Cesar Chavez Library, which featured entertainment, poetry, arts and crafts and even a birthday cake. The march, which also focused on ending gang activity in east Salinas, was filled with good energy, said Amparo Morales, a parent at the school. And that’s exactly what the community needs to deal with its violence problems, Morales said. Estrada agreed and said Chavez is an inspiration to children. "He knew it wasn’t easy to start the movement," she said. "At times, only a few people got involved. But he made a difference, and students need to know they can make a difference, too." Contact María Inés Zamudio at mzamudio@thecalifornian.com. |