Raul Alonzo/Staff Writer
At 1:00 PM on March 31st, marchers will make their way down Agnes Street to celebrate the legacy of the labor and civil rights leader, Cesar Chavez. The 13th Annual Cesar Chavez March, organized by the Coastal Bend Cesar Chavez Committee, is a free participatory event complete with food and entertainment.
Sonya Cortez, president of the committee said, Chavez embodies a spirit of selflessness and ambition that serves as an inspiration to those who may not feel that they are capable of contributing to a more perfect world.
“Corpus Christi is a community of working-class people. We come from humble beginnings but that does not mean that we cannot make a difference. There are many people in this community that do things simply because it is the right thing to do. If they have the time and resources to give, they are happy to give them. That selflessness is what makes a community,” Cortez said.
The march will begin at the intersection of Port and Agnes on Cesar Chavez Memorial Parkway, head down Agnes and turn onto 19th Street. There will be a stop at St. Joseph’s Church for the Blessing of the Marchers and a speech from a keynote speaker. From there, marchers will continue down Agnes and proceed to the Antonio E. Garcia Arts and Education Center for additional speeches and enjoy entertainment provided by the Moody High School Mariachi Band and Drum-line, folkloric dancers and the Veteran’s Band and color guard with free food provided.
An art poster and essay contest will also be judged; winners will be awarded with scholarships collected by the committee through donations from community members and local businesses. Participants are encouraged to wear t-shirts of organizations they represent and to bring banners.
Previous marches saw attendance between 150 to 200 people. According to Cortez, some committee members recall larger numbers in earlier marches.
“I love to see events that get people out of their houses, that make them take a little time out of their busy lives to come together as a community. This year our goal is to have over 500 marchers. Si se puede,” Cortez said.
