SWOPblogger

500 people gathered today at the National Hispanic Culture Center to Celebrate the life and legacy of Cesar Chavez. Walkouts and Marches were planned across the nation to commemorate his work and also push to have a national holiday in his name. In Albuquerque, Recuerda a Cesar Chavez Committee planned a march followed by a program of speakers that have all been impacted by the work of Cesar Chavez and the farm worker struggle.

SWOP board member Benishi Albert felt honored to speak about the man she met during a visit with Native American communities, Cesar Chavez visited her community in order to build solidarity across Latino and Indigenous peoples. Since then he has inspired her.

Yesenia Garcia, a SWOP youth member and member of the committee gave praise to the opportunities that have now been made available to young people because of people like Cesar Chavez.

He writes, "It is not enough to teach our young people to be successful...so they can realize their ambitions, so they can earn good livings, so they can accumulate the material things that this society bestows. Those are worthwhile goals. But it is not enough to progress as individuals while our friends and neighbors are left behind."

Those present today echo the same message of solidarity and struggle across communities. The representation of different organizations shows that we can UNITE in the name of justice. Present in the event was representation from Labor organizations like NM Central Labor Council, NM Federation of Labor, community organizations like SWOP and SAGE Council, Students, Artists, Danzantes Aztecas, Poets and Musicians. Over 50 organizations donated to the Recuerda Cesar Chavez Committee.
Other SWOP members participated in the event including emcee's Commissioner Teresa Cordova and Acequia/Water Rights Worker James Maestas.

We want to thank the committee and the volunteers for making this event come to life and for reminding us que Si Se Puede! Viva La Raza!

Labels: Albuquerque, Cesar Chavez, Civil Rights