Friday’s first-ever Cesar Chavez Solidarity Walk defeated the odds, similar to the civil rights and labor leader who was born March 31, 1927.
Nearly 50 holiday marchers braved a light but steady rain on a half-mile route that led to downtown Saginaw’s new Delta College Learning Center, where another 50 joined the ceremonies.
Earlier, Saginaw’s 17th annual American G.I. Forum Chavez Scholarship Luncheon drew a capacity audience at UAW Local 699 Hall.
Joseph Stricker, Solidarity Walk organizer, recruited Garber Buick to join his own Sombreros restaurant as sponsors along with Delta, and Saginaw Valley State University also played a leading role.
For some participants, it was their first encounters with the two new college presidents — Michael Gavin at Delta and George Grant Jr. at SVSU.
Keynote speaker John Ayala, a retired General Motors accountant, explained how Chavez influenced his personal values, going back to when he was a teen during the era of grape and lettuce boycotts, and Gandhi-inspired fasts that brought attention and justice at the price of physical suffering.
In his research, Ayala told the audience he was reminded that history books and lessons rarely delve into the high level of extreme violence that threatened the men and women who enlisted with Chavez and Dolores Huerta in the United Farm Workers.
He also brought home a did-you-know aspect, noting that among young Cesar’s first acts of civil disobedience was refusing to give up his seat in a segregated theater seat in the Southwest, similar to Rosa Parks on a passenger bus in the Southeast.
For a copy of Ayala’s remarks, click here.
Gilberto Guevara summed up the scholarship luncheon as follows:
“Congratulations to the American GI Forum of Saginaw-Men Women for a very successful SOLD-OUT Cesar Chavez Scholarships Luncheon.
“We want to THANK all our donors, sponsorships, Book Ads, and our M.C. Daniel Soto for a super job. Thank You to all Members.
“Special Certificate of Recognition awarded to Bob Stricker, William Lucio, Frank Ornelas, and Gilbert Guevara for our dedication to the American GI Forum. Your work has made an immeasurable impact in your community and the State of Michigan, signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II.
“Thank you, Christine Maul, Community Engagement Specialist from the Governor’s Office.”
