4/1/06, Los Angeles: More than 5,000 walked to honor Cesar Chavez and his legacy of service to others–including the immigrant workers throughout the United States. Click to see photos of the event. Viva Chavez!
Video will be available in near future
Saturday a.m. at Historic Olvera St.
Thousands walk to honor Cesar Chavez
on the 79th anniversary of his birth
Thousands of Southern Californians gather Saturday at historic Olvera Street for the start of the 8th Annual Cesar E. Chavez Walk marking the 79th anniversary of the legendary farm worker and civil rights leader’s birth. The walk also marks the sixth 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 include UFW President Arturo Rodriguez, Chavez family members and thousands of school-aged children. After a brief welcome, participants will trek a five-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. Afterwards, a special “Youth Action Corner” will host a roundtable discussion about Chavez and his legacy of non-violent social action for students, including those who have been walking out of class as part of immigration reform protests.
What: 8th Annual Cesar E. Chavez Walk spotlighting the UFW founder’s legacy of nonviolence and respect for working people, including farm workers.
Who: Thousands, including UFW President Arturo Rodriguez, members of Cesar Chavez’s family, elected officials and co-sponsors of the event, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Councilmember Jose Huizar, as well as gubernatorial candidates Steve Westly and Phil Angelides, peace and labor activists, K-12 students and celebrities, including actors Esai Morales, Ed Begley Jr., Sal Lopez, Evelina Fernandez, Jose Luis Valenzuela, Luis Avalos and Mexican regional banda music singer Carmen Jara. Performers include the Chicano reggae band Quinto Sol, conscious hip hop artist Malverde and the movement music of Los Perros.
When: Program begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2006; walk immediately follows; walkers return for program and festival at approximately 11:30 a.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.
Official Sponsors of the event include Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, Councilmember Jose Huizar, Vons, AARP, ABC, Univision, La Opinion, La Raza 97.9, Latino 96.3, Super Estrella 107.1, LATV