workers for better pay and safer working conditions was the main purpose behind Chavez’s leadership. He and the United Farm Workers Union (UFW) wanted recognition of the importance and dignity of all farm workers. Chavez succeeded through nonviolent tactics, such as boycotts, pickets and strikes.

This was the beginning of La Causa, which is supported by organized labor, religious groups, minorities and students.

The event marked the fifth annual César Chavez March in San Antonio, Texas.

Among those honoring Chavez were local officials, community leaders and students. Henry Cisneros, former Mayor of San Antonio; Ciro Rodriguez, U.S. Representative; and Richard Chavez, Cesar Chavez’s brother, attended. Palo Alto students and faculty also participated in the march representing the Movimentio Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan (M.E.Ch.A).

Susana Segura, Psychology major at the Texas A & M-Kingsville System Center-Palo Alto, said, “This is my fourth time participating, and every time I go I love to see the reaction and excitement from marchers and bystanders.”

Representatives Ciro Rodriguez and Charlie Gonzalez are sponsoring a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives to make Chavez’s birthday a federal holiday.

“A leader should be honored for his hard work, commitment, time and effort,” said Enrique Romero, Spanish and Mexican-American Studies Major. “César Chavez was all of the above. It is just a matter of time before this will come into effect, similar to that of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his national holiday.”

March 31, 2001, did not only mark the birthday of Chavez, but it also honored his legacy. If you would like more information or to join the M.E.Ch.A organization on campus, please e-mail susanasegura@hotmail.com.