Cesar Chavez march draws 750 to Grand Rapids’ Southwest Side
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GRAND RAPIDS, MI—It has been 13 years since Grand Rapids started celebrating the legacy of Cesar Chavez, the late Latino civil rights activist who fought for the rights of farm workers.
On Thursday, March 21, approximately 750 people fluttered colorful flags and gathered in the 1100 block of Grandville Avenue SW.
The group marched to the Gospel Temple Baptist Church at 460 Franklin St. SW.
Sponsored by Grand Rapids Public Schools, local colleges and community groups, the crowd was largely made up of students. Participants were from Southwest Community Campus, Burton Elementary School, Buchanan Elementary School, Union High School, Westwood Middle School, Cesar Chavez Elementary School, Brookside Elementary School and The Potter’s House Christian School.
“Many of these kids’ parents are immigrants and it’s important that they know there was a man called Cesar Chavez who fought for the rights they have now,” said Juan Francisco Parraguez, a GRPS parent liaison and migrant coordinator.
Grandville Avenue SW was closed at the intersection with Hall and Franklin streets to accommodate the group.
Mark Ponstine, PK-8 principal of The Potter’s House Christian School, said it is important students participate in this event because it will help them understand the value of people.
“This week we have talked about dignity and respect and what gives people value, and I think it fits well with the celebration of this day,” he said.
Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell also attended the march and was excited to see a lot of kids involved in the activity.
“They are going to inherit the future and a lot of injustice remains in the world, so we need to prepare them to make of it a better place,” he said.