GRAND RAPIDS – Ferris State University students are invited to participate in the
2012 Cesar E. Chavez Social Justice March and Community Gathering on Thursday, March
22 in Grand Rapids.
It’s not too late to take part in the event that honors the late civil rights leader and labor activist, said Dawn Schavey, director of Student Services, Leadership and Activities in Ferris’ College of Professional and Technological Studies in Grand Rapids.
“The majority of student participants are K-12 students, but we highly encourage students and leaders in the higher ed community to participate,” said Schavey, who represents Ferris on the Cesar E. Chavez Unity Committee.
The committee also includes Aquinas College, Central Michigan University, Davenport University, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Public Schools and the Grand Valley State University Office of Multicultural Affairs.
The 12th annual march begins at 11 a.m. at Potter’s House School, 810 Van Raalte Drive SW in Grand Rapids, and will be followed by a community gathering at noon at La Paz Spanish Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1235 Grandville Ave. SW. The gathering will include music, remarks and a video.
The event, which promotes community unity, is free and open to the public.
Members of the Ferris community who need transportation should call Schavey at (616) 451-4777 or (800) 998-3425, or email her at [email protected].
The legendary Latino leader, who died in 1993, co-founded the United Farm Workers Union.
The event, which falls on his birthday every year, honors Chavez for his “mission to engage all, particularly youth, to carry on a timeless vision for a better world where all people are respected,” according to materials provided by Schavey.