GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The people of Grand Rapids honored the life and legacy of civil rights activist and labor leader César E. Chávez Thursday.
The social justice march happens every year in his honor.
The events started on César E. Chávez Ave. in downtown Grand Rapids.
The street was named after the farm worker and civil rights icon in 2022 to show the true meaning of diversity within the city.
Chávez made many visits to Michigan and Grand Rapids and had a huge impact on the local Hispanic community.
"From humble beginnings, César created greatness. César went to 34 schools in eight years. Now, he could have given up, right? But he didn't," Lupe Ramos-Montigny said.
The annual commemoration kicked off with a Social Justice March at the Hispanic Center of West Michigan, which started at 11 a.m.
Then at 11:30 a.m., a Community Gathering took place at the Potter's House Chapel.
That was followed by a Unity Luncheon at Maya Mexican Grill at 1 p.m.
The commemoration also included Keynote Speaker Detroit Attorney Melvin Butch Hollowell, and there were performances from various student groups and a speech from Grand Rapids Community College President Charles Lepper.
"He graduated in eighth grade and he didn't go to a formal school anymore because he had to help the family," Ramos-Montigny added. "What they did was move from farm to farm...There's no excuse. If you have that determination, that perseverance...that you can do it, you can!"
