To honor the Cesar Chavez holiday this coming Friday, March 31, a first-time local civil rights event is connected with an established scholarship fund-raiser.
First will come tradition, with the American G.I. Forum’s 17th annual Chavez Scholarship Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. at UAW Local 699 Hall on Bagley street.
After an afternoon break, the inaugural Chavez Solidarity Walk will commence at 4:15 p.m. near the edge of the Delta College downtown free parking area, at Jefferson and Johnson streets, and will proceed to Delta’s new school building on Genesee Avenue.
Last week, the G.I. Forum received a City Council proclamation on what was Student Government Day. In his remarks, longtime leader Gilberto Guevara took the opportunity to emphasize the 65-year-old national motto from Texas: “Education is our freedom, and freedom should be everybody’s business.” (To view the ceremony, click here.)
Guevara noted that the G.I. Forum scholarship fund-raiser, like many worthy causes, continues to bounce back from the COVID-19 shutdown. Last year’s luncheon supported eight scholars, including a valedictorian and basketball standout, Arthur Hill’s Elvis Machul Jr., who is wrapping up his freshman year at Saginaw Valley State University.
Young Elvis wrote: “I want to be a role model who kids can look up to, while creating a positive image that there is no athlete without the student before it. With me being the Valedictorian of Arthur Hill for the class of 2022, I want to show that it’s possible and very much necessary for athletes to have the grades as well. It will only help them in the long run.”
His teenage community service has included working with his father on the Christmas with Angels project, which provides holiday gifts for children from families in tough times:
Luncheon donations are $35 and seats may be reserved by contacting Miguel Guzman, Saginaw G.I. Forum commander, (989) 714-7080, or Lupe Guevara, women’s auxiliary chairperson, (989) 327-1122.
The Solidarity Walk is organized through Joseph Stricker, owner of Sombreros, at Bay and Pierce roads near the SVSU campus, who also produces a magazine he has named “Nostros Los Latinos.” Delta and Garber Buick are tri-sponsors joining Stricker, an entrepreneur who is contributing civic time even while devoting extra effort to open a second restaurant, this one in Bay City.
Participants in the symbolic march need not be concerned with looking for parking, or with coins for meters. The walking route. beginning near Jolt Park, is the same distance as a single lap around an outdoor track, and in case of wet weather, the scheduled ceremonial program still will take place indoors. Either way, walking or not, it’s a chance for first-timers to check out Delta’s new facility.
John Ayala, the featured speaker, began his career in local General Motors finance accounting as a 1960s Saginaw High co-op student. In retirement, his volunteer service has included grassroots outreach to persuade people who are reluctant, for whatever reasons, to overcome fears of covid vaccinations. Most recently, he has donated his expertise to assist with Mexican American Council finances, including an ARPA federal grant for youth programs and for building upkeep/upgrades at the MAC Center, in the former bishop’s residence across from Hoyt Park.
For information, Joe Stricker’s contacts are via social media or by calling (989) 992-9007.
Michigan’s official holiday honoring Cesar Chavez was signed into law 20 years ago, by Gov. Jennifer Granholm. The U.S.A. followed suit in 2014, signed by President Barack Obama.
Chavez is known for adopting Gandhi-inspired approaches to farmworker rights in the southwest, similar to Martin Luther King Jr. with civil rights in the southeast. Chavez was born March 31, 1927, and died 30 years ago, at the age of 66.
