César E. Chávez was a Latino farm worker who became a great force as a union leader, civil rights leader, environmentalist, and humanitarian. With courage, sacrifice, and hope, he provided service to others and dedicated his life to bring justice, dignity, and respect to farm workers and to poor people.
He worked to improve the lives of farm workers and he led the United Farm Workers to victory in their fight for better working and living conditions. He led a nonviolent social movement to bring about change and to demand civil rights. His efforts against the use of harmful pesticides gained the support of citizens across the State of California and throughout the United States.
César inspired millions of people to work and support his efforts for social change and justice. He received numerous honors for his work including the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award, the highest honor awarded to a civilian, and the creation of a holiday and day of service and learning by the State of California.
He worked to improve the lives of farm workers and he led the United Farm Workers to victory in their fight for better working and living conditions. He led a nonviolent social movement to bring about change and to demand civil rights. His efforts against the use of harmful pesticides gained the support of citizens across the State of California and throughout the United States.
César inspired millions of people to work and support his efforts for social change and justice. He received numerous honors for his work including the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award, the highest honor awarded to a civilian, and the creation of a holiday and day of service and learning by the State of California.
History of the Kalamazoo Cesar E. Chavez March
The César Chávez March has been a part of our community for many years. The Kalamazoo Central High School Bilingual Club took over organizing this event in 2002. Since then, the club and Kalamazoo Public Schools members have partnered with members of Western Michigan University and the Hispanic American Council to keep the tradition alive. This event celebrates the life and achievements of César E. Chávez.
César took great strides for Civil Rights for all minorities and promoted higher education. The Kalamazoo Central High School Bilingual Club have used his memory to create an event that organizes the Hispanic Community in celebrating their rich cultural history, to remember the achievements of this person, and to teach our youth about social justice and making a change in our community. We march to honor his movement. We hope to keep his dream alive
The objectives of the march are exceptional. First, the march is designed to educate our students and community about this figure who fought for Civil Rights of farm workers, specifically migrant labor. Secondly, students participate in the planning process and build a sense of pride and confidence in their efforts to bring important people to our community. Third, the march provides a unique learning experience for our students about what an actual peaceful protest experience feels like. It takes the learning out of the classroom and onto our community streets. The march seeks to build identity among a student body who feels disengaged in the public school system, to build cultural pride and self esteem.
This event has grown from 15 original participants to over five hundred. Participants include members of Kalamazoo Central High School, Loy Norrix High School, Maple Street Magnet School for the Arts, el Sol, the Hispanic American Council, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Kalamazoo College, Bangor Public Schools, Dowagiac Community Schools, Lawton Community Schools, South Haven Public Schools and many other organizations and programs from the Southwest Michigan Region.
In the past 13 years we have been honored to bring speakers who can engage our youth in conversations ranging from social justice, organizing, protesting, film documentaries, public speaking and health issues. Our speakers have included poet, Michael Reyes, speaker Ms. Traslavina Stover, producer and documentarian Eric Byler, Dr. George Vargas, and Civil Rights Activist, Dolores Huerta. These speakers leave a lasting impact on our young people. They are role models that demonstrate how single actions can evoke a change in the world around us. They inspire participants and begin conversations that last a lifetime.
In order to fund the march, students are encouraged to fund raise during the school year. They sell food, perform car washes, work school events and hold events. The club has written several grants and received funds from the Kalamazoo Foundation, the Maroon Foundation, the Kalamazoo Education Association, Western Michigan University, the Hispanic American Council and the Lewis Walker Institute. The Southwest Michigan César Chávez Committee has supported the event. Additionally local businesses have donated funds such as; The Big Burrito, McDonalds and several more. Finally, Kalamazoo Public Schools have dedicated the use of resources for venues, staffing and transportation. We thank all who have contributed.
Cesar chavez March Route: WMU Bernhard Center to Bronson Park, Kalamazoo, MI
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