GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) – Scholars from Southwest Middle High School and Union High School took part in a march to honor what would have been the 98th birthday of labor leader and civil rights activist Cesar E. Chavez.
The event started at the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, directly across the street from Cesar E. Chavez Elementary School. Scholars from Southwest Middle High, along with local dignitaries, released balloons to mark the 25th anniversary of the march.
“It's a great day for them to learn about Cesar Chavez’s legacy,” said Southwest Middle High School Principal Julian Ramirez Torres. “It's important to bring students here so they can continue to learn of the work that he did. He united different kinds of people in a pursuit of making life better for others.”
Following the march down Cesar E. Chavez Avenue, a program was held at The Potter’s House, with several speakers and performances.
“My hope is that they see how he was able to unify people, how to how he was able to get different people to work together for the same common cause,” Torres explained.
The march and program were organized by The Committee to Honor Cesar E. Chavez.
