Cesar Chavez celebrated through dance, song and community service
Members of Brawley’s Ballet Folklorico Aztlan try to tie a knot in a piece of red cloth as part of a dance to the traditional version of "La Bamba." Ballet Folklorico Aztlan is a free youth dance group with members ranging in age from 8 to 19. (FERNANDO ACOSTA JR.)
BRAWLEY — Dancers, cars and various bands came out to entertain the crowds and celebrate the legacy of a civil rights leader with local ties, at the fifth annual Cesar Chavez Community Celebration.
Eric Reyes, executive director of the Institute for Socio-Economic Justice, said the group puts on the event to “celebrate what’s right in the community.”
“The purpose is to celebrate the legacy of fighting for justice that ‘si se puede,’ yes we can get things done,” Reyes said. “It’s a community celebration of everything that is good and positive,” he said. “You see the kids dancing, the Frankie L. Chavez scholarship, young girls in folklorico dance and the La Gente Car Club who do so much
community service in the Valley.”In addition to the dance groups, a special community service award was given to the La Gente
Car Club later that night just before Mexican bands Los Nuevos Invasores and Banda Vallarta Show took the stage.Staff Writer Roman Flores can be reached at 760-337-3439 or rflores@ivpressonline.com
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