"Si Se Puede"- Cesar Chavez March

 

On March 27, 2011, the 10th annual Cesar Chavez march took place in downtown Austin, TX. The event was organized by PODER (People Organized in Defense of Earth’s Resources), along with several social justice and student groups including the Hispanic Student Association of St. Edward’s University and Austin Immigrant Rights Coalition. The march began at the Terrazas Library on E. Cesar Chavez Street and ended at the Austin City Hall. There were hundreds in attendance, consisting of a mix of students, young children and adults. 

Although the march was led in honor and remembrance of Cesar Chavez, other current issues were addressed including immigrant and refugee rights, human rights, as well as House Bills 505 and 1202.  I parked my car at the Capitol Building and walked down South Congress to meet the group at Cesar Chavez and Nueces. Protesters carried signs that read, “Si, Se Puede”- a famous cheer of Cesar Chavez during his historical demonstrations for civil rights and worker’s rights in Texas and throughout the U.S. After about 1.5 miles of marching, with police escort and all- the group arrived to the Capitol steps where representatives from the sponsoring agencies spoke. There was also a presentation of Mexican folk dance and a musical performances.

Legislation discussed at the event included HB 505 which proposes to do away with the state holiday commemorating Cesar Chavez birthday as well as HB 1202 which seeks to make it a crime punishable of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment for knowingly employing an undocumented immigrant in TX. Students also spoke out in support of the DREAM ACT. Personal student testimonies spoke against the detention of immigrant students and their lack of access to higher education in the U.S.  The message of the day-- speak up! Call your legislators! I was so impressed and moved by the power in each speaker’s presentation at the Capitol. I was empowered with new knowledge and had the opportunity to put faces to names for some of the main leaders nonprofit organizations associated with immigrant rights here in Austin. The event appeared to be extremely well organized. There were designated event leaders in Cesar Chavez shirts who directed crowds and passed out water and snacks. This event was a true testament of the voice PODER has established in the Austin community.