“Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed. You cannot un-educate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore.”Cesar E. Chavez
This quote is one of those quotes that once I heard it, I could never forget it. And, I was moved to get to work and find ways to make social change. I’ve found various ways to do just that both nationally and in my own community.
Locally, the Cesar E, Chavez Legacy and Education Foundation (CECLEF) works year-round to support a community working for social justice. CECLEF raises money for college scholarships to our youth, gives back to families through the Annual “The Jaime P. Martinez Thanksgiving in the Barrio” in the inner city West Side of San Antonio, and the Annual Cesar E. Chavez March for Justice. In 2012, I took my family out to the Annual Cesar E. Chavez March for Justice for the very first time. And we’ve been back almost every year since. I wrote this in a blog post in 2012:
“An unexpected result from this experience that puts a smile on my face is now my sons will randomly begin to chant “¡Sí se puede!” I know they don’t understand it now but I do believe that if I expose them to standing up for justice and equality, they will begin to understand why it is important to participate.” And guess what?! It’s only been 7 years and my chiquitos are still chanting “¡Si se puede!” They still march even my husband was moved to get involved. He recently joined to serve on the board of CECLEF.
This year, we’ll march together as a family and at the end of the march, I’ll be the MC of the after-march festivities in Mexico Plaza at Hemisfair Park. I’m so, so proud because 2019 theme is “Voices and Votes for Education, Social Justice, and Equality.” There will be music by our favorite Selena tribute band Bidi Bidi Banda and Latin Grammy Winner Joe Posada! There will also be dance performances by Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center and remarks from CECLEF Chairman Ernest J. Martinez, Grand Marshall Cesar Luis Chavez (grandson of Cesar E. Chavez), and Honorary Grand Marshall & Texas A&M University – San Antonio President Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson!
Join me at the 23rd Annual Cesar E. Chavez March for Justice on Saturday, March 30. The march begins at 10 a.m. at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center and ends at Mexico Plaza at Hemisfair Park. ¡Si se puede, Queridos!
