Lubbock to hold 19th Annual César E. Chávez March & Celebration
LUBBOCK, TEXAS
19th Annual César E. Chávez March to be held on the 31st of March
Lubbock, TX - The César E. Chávez Commemoration Committee will pay tribute to American hero and civil rights leader, César E. Chávez, during Lubbock's 19th Annual César E. Chávez People's March and Celebration, with the annual march to be held Saturday, March 31, 2018, announced event organizer Christy Martinez-Garcia.
This is also Chávez's birthday. He stood as one of our nation's most outstanding leaders for peace, justice and non-violence. A strong believer in the principles of nonviolence practiced by Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., he effectively employed peaceful tactics such as boycotts and fasts.
Chávez also maintained his commitment to non-violence even in the face of violent attacks from growers. In 1968 he embarked on a spiritual fast for 25 days to affirm his personal commitment and that of the farm labor movement to non-violence.
"We take pride in honoring this great American hero who humbly stayed committed to nonviolence, and humanity," said Martinez-Garcia, annual event organizer.
"This march is significant because it is a re-enactment of the initial march led by Chávez, more so, his most profound undertakings for the cause, which were inspired by his deep spirituality, and to peace and non-violence."
She said that all are invited to join community and student organizations, and many individuals committed to quality of life for migrant and farm workers, and to non-violence.
"In a time when there seems to be a growing amount of hate and violence, we must take steps to assure peace...even if it begins with a march for peace," concluded Martinez-Garcia, especially encouraging Veterans, church groups, non profits, students of all ages, and the general public of all backgrounds.
The event is organized by a citizen driven committee that are committed to bringing public awareness about Chávez's legacy.
MEDIA ADVISORY
WHAT: Cesar E. Chavez People's Honor March and Commemoration. Theme: "Stand Up for Dreamers" WHEN: 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, March 31, 2018 (Shuttle service will begin at 12:15 p.m. from Cavazos Middle School (Drop spot for cars), to Canyon Lakes/Buddy Holly Recreational Area (Starting point of march), march will end at Cavazos Middle School. A food truck will be available for those wanting to have lunch while marchers are delivered to the starting point. The march will begin at 1 p.m.
WHERE: March begins at N. University and Cesar E. Chavez Drive in Lubbock, Texas, to Cavazos Middle School parking lot, 210 N. University Ave.. ETC: The public is encouraged to wear sunscreen, wear comfortable shoes, and hats. Groups are encouraged to bring their banners and wear their organization t-shirts. Seniors or those disabled may drive behind the marchers.
For additional information please call Christy Martinez-Garcia at (806) 544-6526, or email christymartinez@suddenlink.net, or contact Amaris Garcia at (806) 831-6072.
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About César E. 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 nonviolent 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.
