13TH Annual César E. Chávez March & Celebration
Additional Information
Working Together in the Spirit of César E. Chávez
The César E. Chávez Commemoration Committee will pay tribute to American hero and civil rights leader, César E. Chávez, during Lubbock’s 13th Annual César E. Chávez People’s March and Celebration, from March 24th thru April 1, 2012, with the march being held Saturday, March 31, 2012.
Committee members will work collectively with many organizations, and especially college student organizations from Texas Tech and South Plains College, to continue to build awareness of César E. Chávez, the UFW, and farmworkers.
This year the observance will commence with a week of activities revolving around César E. Chávez, and will be coupled with student led activities daily, as well as promote history, health and wellness, address issues impacting farm laborers and agriculture today including:
• DODGING DIABETES TOURNAMENT
Friday, March 24th, 1 pm
At Texas Tech Rec Center, Indoor Soccer Court
Email: s09patel@gmail.com
Sponsored by Delta Epsilon PSI of Texas Tech
• LOTERIA - MEXICAN BINGO NIGHT WITH COMMUNITY
Tuesday, March 27th, 7 pm
At Maggie Trejo Supercenter, 3200 Amherst Prizes,
Light Refreshments and Prizes, FREE
Sponsored by Multicultural Sororities & Fraternities of Texas Tech
• FAJITA COOK OFF
(In conjunction with the 47th Annual Hispanic Student Society Culture Week Celebration)
Wednesday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Texas Tech Student Union Building - Free Speech Area
• ONE VOICE, OUR VOICE
Display Tables Showcasing Awareness About
César E. Chávez and Other Issues Impacting Efforts Today.
Thursday, March 29, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Texas Tech Student Union Building - Free Speech Area
Hosted by Multicultural Student Organizations
• SPIRIT OF CÉSAR E. CHÁVEZ EVENT
Sponsored by LULAC Young Adults
Join student groups, with community leaders to read history, quotes, and honor a community individual with the spirit of César E. Chávez Award
Friday, March 30, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Texas Tech Student Union Building - Amphitheater
• 13th Annual Cesar E. Chavez March
(Pedometers will be provided by Community Health Centers of Lubbock)
Saturday, March 31
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• HSS SALSA NIGHT
(In conjunction with the 47th Annual Hispanic Student Society Culture Week Celebration)
Saturday, March 31
10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
at the Firehouse Bar, 1719 Buddy Holly Avenue
• Palm Sunday Mass by Celebrant Father Andres Mendoza
Sunday, April 1
10:30 a.m.
at Our Lady of Guadalupe, 1120 52nd Street
The march will be the highlight event and will include a visit from two of the nieces of César E. Chávez, and daughters of the late Richard Chávez, brother of César, who visited Lubbock in 2006 - Lupe Chávez Gilbreath and Dorothy Chávez Velazquez.
The march will begin on N. University and César E. Chávez Drive, up south University, and will conclude in the parking lot of Cavazos Middle School.
"We changed are excited to host the nieces who will share first-hand accounts of the this monumental time in history, more so, we are excited to bring the community together to celebrate the contributions of Chávez, and of the collective effort of working for the greater good of people," said Christy Martinez-Garcia, event chair adding that efforts will be made to take the women to speak at various schools and events.
The commemorative event will also encourage voter registration. A large collection of students will become deputized and help to begin voter registration efforts, and, encourage student voter participation/engagement.
The event is organized by a citizen driven committee, and the march attracts people from all backgrounds and helps build public awareness about Chávez 's legacy. Last year about 400 marchers walked in honor of Chávez.
Chávez 's significance and impact goes beyond any one cause or struggle. The son of migrant laborers, Chávez led a nonviolent boycott against California grape growers, protesting poor working conditions and the use of pesticides harmful to farm workers. He is recognized for his non violent approach to handling adversity, and even fasted to call attention to the migrant workers' cause. Although his dramatic act did little to solve the immediate harms, it increased public awareness of the problem. The boycott was finally successful in winning new rights for workers.
For additional information please call Christy Martinez-Garcia at (806) 544-6526, or email christymartinez@suddenlink.net, or Amaris Garcia at (806)831-6072.
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