Thousands to walk to celebrate Cesar Chavez’s 82nd anniversary of his birth
Thousands of Southern Californians will gather Saturday, April 4th at historic Olvera Street for the start of the 11th Annual Cesar E. Chavez Walk marking the 82nd anniversary of the legendary farm worker and civil rights leader’s birth. The walk also marks the ninth year since the state of California honored Chavez’s birthday as an official state holiday. The goal of the walk is to spread awareness among young people about Chavez’s messages of nonviolence, social justice and service to others.
Walkers will include UFW President Arturo Rodriguez, Chavez family members and thousands of school-aged children. Following a brief welcome, participants will trek a three-kilometer route through historic Olvera Street and downtown Los Angeles before returning for free music and entertainment.
“The greatest tribute to Cesar Chavez is the thousands of young people who walk to show their commitment to continuing his legacy," says the UFW’s Rodriguez.
What: 11th Annual Cesar E. Chavez Walk—Sponsored by the UFW Foundation. This walk highlights the UFW founder’s legacy of nonviolence and respect for farm workers and all working people.
Who: Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who is hosting the event will be joined by UFW President Arturo Rodriguez; UFW co-founder Dolores Huerta; Chavez family members; elected officials, school children and thousands of others. Grammy award member Raul Pacheco of the group Ozomatli will spearhead the band “The Si Se Puede All-Stars” and Grammy award member, Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas will be on hand as well as Mexican regional music artists, Graciela Beltran and German Montero and Hollywood and theater entertainers including: Edward James Olmos, Mike Farrell, Culture Clash, and others to recognize this important day.
When: Program begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday April 4th, 2009; walk immediately follows; walkers return for festival and entertainment at approximately 12:15 p.m.
Where: Historic Olvera Street, 125 Paseo de la Plaza (at kiosk on Main St. between Arcadia and Cesar Chavez Ave.) near downtown Los Angeles, CA 90012
Official Sponsors of the event include Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, Councilmember Jose Huizar, Western Union, Safeway Vons, Southern California Edison, Univision,Telefutura, La Opinion, La Nueva, KLVE, Recuerdo, KTNQ, and KPFK, Divine Forces Media, Jarritos, The Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs.