Photo: Jocelyn Sherman
Saturday, March 29 in East L.A.
Thousands walk to honor Cesar Chavez on the 10th anniversary of his death
Focus on UFW founder’s legacy of non-violence
Thousands of people from across Southern California will join together Saturday, March 29 in East Los Angeles for the 5th Annual Cesar E. Chavez Walk–marking the tenth anniversary of the legendary farm worker and civil rights leader’s passing. The walk¹s goal is to spread awareness among young people about Chavez’s messages on social justice and to especially to remind people during time of war of his legacy of non-violence.
Among walkers who will assemble at East Los Angeles College Stadium are UFW President Arturo Rodriguez, Chavez’s widow, Helen, Chavez family members, and California Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante. Mexico’s multi-platinum, Grammy nominated band “Jaguares” will join entertainment figures such as Esai Morales (“NYPD Blue”), Cris Franco (KCET’s “The Cris Franco Show”), Pepe Serna (“Kingpin”), Gregory Nava (Executive Producer and Director, “American Family”), Ed Begley Jr., and cast members from the play ”Cesar and Ruben,” currently at El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood, and Luis Avalos (“Paquitos Christmas” and “Resurrection Blvd”). After a brief welcome, participants will walk a five-kilometer route through the surrounding neighborhood before returning for free music and entertainment. “The best tribute to Cesar Chavez is the thousands of young people who will walk to show their commitment to continue his legacy," says the UFW’s Rodriguez.
“If he was here today, we know Cesar would be a leading voice for non-violent and peaceful resolution of conflict,” says actor/activist Ed Begley Jr. Chavez would have been 76 on March 31, an official state holiday in California. He died on April 23, 1993.
Who: Thousands, including United Farm Workers President Arturo Rodriguez; members of Cesar Chavez’s family; Calif. Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante; Esai Morales; Wilmer Valderama, Ed Begley Jr. and other celebrities; Mexico’s multi-platinum, Grammy nominated band “Jaguares”; elected officials, labor activists, students, peace activists and others.
What: 5th Annual Cesar E. Chavez Walk spotlighting the UFW founder’s legacy of non-violence and respect and dignity for working people, including farm workers.
When: Program begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2003; walk immediately follows. Walkers return for program and festival at approximately 11:30 a.m.
Where: Field by East Los Angeles College Stadium, 1301 Ave. Cesar Chavez (by Floral Dr. and Bleakwood) in East Los Angeles.
Sponsors supporting the 5th Annual Cesar Chavez Walk included ABC7, KMEX, La Opinion, Super Estrella, the City of Los Angeles, AARP, California Teachers Association, L.A. Department of Water and Power and the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, and Elemental Media.
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