The annual Cesar E. Chavez March for Justice returned March 26, after a two-year in-person hiatus since it had been canceled due to COVID-19.
The march honors late Latino activists Cesar E. Chavez and Dolores Huerta and their fight for justice. Chavez and Huerta worked effortlessly alongside farm workers for better working conditions and fair wages.
The march, which began in 1997, was organized by the Cesar E. Chávez Legacy & Educational Foundation, or CECLEF in an effort to keep Chavez’s legacy alive.
This was Cassandra Flores’, Texas A&M University-San Antonio kinesiology freshman, first time participating in the march.
“I am here in support because I like what Cesar Chavez stood for, his political view and how he used his voice to bring light to the community,” Flores said.
At least 15 students and staff from A&M-San Antonio participated in the march with the Mays Center of Experiential Learning.
Many community leaders attended the event including Mayor Ron Nirenberg, Ernest Martinez, chair of CECLEF, as well as Paul Chavez, son of Cesar Chavez who is also president and CEO of the Cesar Chavez Foundation.
This year’s theme was ‘La Causa Sigue’ (‘The Cause Continues’), it stands as a reminder that there is still work to be done. The fight for racial justice, fair wages, freedom and labor rights continues.
Thousands gathered at the intersection of Guadalupe St. and Brazos St. for a commemorative program and were welcomed with snacks and drinks before the march started.
This event offered its voice to other causes such as the Ukrainian crisis, Bring Lina home, Free Melissa Lucio and many more.
“We support gathering to make sure the legacy of Cesar Chavez never fades,” San Antonio Police Department Chief William McManus said during the march.
This year’s grand marshals for the event were Erika Prosper Nirenberg, the first lady of San Antonio and Chavez.
“As much as it was to fight for justice for all workers, it really was about reminding everyone that human beings exist and do those jobs to help us move forward in life,” Erika Prosper Nirenberg said during a speech.
Community leaders made speeches and marchers observed a moment of silence for Ukrainians whose lives were lost followed by a release of white doves.
Sarah Piedra, A&M-San Antonio biology junior, said she was there to support all causes.
“I grew up with Cesar Chavez,” Piedra said.
Piedra explained the significance of supporting important causes and attending these marches to help make a difference in the community.
The march ended at Hemisfair Park followed by live music featuring Little Joe y La Familia and Piñata Protest.
For more information about the CECLEF, the march and future events click here.
