The César Chávez Peace and Justice Committee of Denver (CCPJC) began a tradition honoring César Estrada Chávez in 2002. The memory of the late labor leader and humanitarian continues in Colorado on Saturday, April 13, with an in-person celebration at César Chávez Park in north Denver. The theme of the 23rd Annual celebration is “Cultivating César Chávez’ Social Justice”.
This year’s celebration will begin with a traditional Catholic Mass at 9am, St. John Francis Regis Chapel, 3333 Regis Boulevard, Denver, CO 80221.
The traditional Marcha will begin after the Mass at 10:30am, starting from the Regis Chapel to César E. Chávez Park, on 4131 N. Tennyson St., Denver, CO 80212.
The program and awards ceremony will begin after the Marcha at César Chávez Park. Each year, the CCPJC of Denver honors individuals and organizations who embody the ideals and vision of César Chávez. The event will present the awards to the following recipients: Carlota Espinoza will be honored with the Anciana Leadership Award; Dr. Nicki Gonzales will be presented with the Adult Female Leadership Award; Milo Marquez will receive the Adult Male Leadership Award; Alessandra Chavira will receive the Youth Female Leadership Award; and the Community Organization Award will be presented to Homies Unidos Denver.
The celebration will feature food and entertainment.
In the late 60’s and early 70’s, Chávez led a nation of support for the country’s farmworkers who continually faced abuse, low pay and sometimes no pay, and inhumane working conditions. He created awareness for the people who had no voice, and was instrumental in creating the United Farm Workers (UFW) union, demanding rights for the people of the fields.
In 2001, former Colorado State Representatives Frana Mace and Rob Hernández sponsored a bill to create a state holiday, and former Denver City Councilwoman Ramona Martínez initiated a City holiday in Denver recognizing Chávez and his accomplishments.
Over the past two decades, the committee has worked with the City and County of Denver Parks and Recreation to rebuild the César E. Chávez Park in northwest Denver, which in 2015 included the unveiling of a bust featuring the parks’ namesake. The park was rebuilt to increase access and include cultural icons important to the struggle for equal rights of all people.
For further information visit the César Chávez Peace and Justice Committee of Denver’s facebook page.
