Students at southern Arizona elementary school honor César Chávez’s legacy
SAN LUIS, AZ (AZFamily) — Students at César Chávez Elementary took part in a peaceful march across their campus to honor the life and legacy of César Chávez.
The annual tradition is celebrated on March 31 and pays tribute to his impact.
Chávez’s activism played a crucial role in transforming the rights of migrant farming communities. San Luis holds special significance in Chávez’s life, as it was where he spent his final days in 1993. His teachings live on.
Yahir Muñoz is a sixth-grade student who’s been learning about Cesar Chavez.
“With protesting, that’s how people got their freedom and how they fought against the government to change the rules,” said Munoz, who marched alongside hundreds of his fellow students.
Migrant school advocate Julio Castillo said the school is home to a diverse group of Latino students, including over 100 migrant students whose parents work in agriculture, causing them to relocate throughout the year.
“Migrant families adapt quickly , however they do need the support,” said Castillo.
Castillo said advocacy is important, especially in times like these. Since the start of the new Trump presidency, Julio said various challenges have emerged.
“The lines are becoming way too divided, even within our Latino Hispanic community in this area,” said Castillo.
In a community where families may have mixed immigration status, Castillo said their students are learning to advocate for themselves and one another by exercising their rights.
“Self advocacy is so important because it happens at job sites, in the home,” he said.
That’s where Munoz said he watches the news and sees what’s happening in migrant communities across the country. Like César Chávez, he believes he can also be a voice for his community.
“Something really important needs to be done so people don’t get deported to their old countries and get in danger again,” said Munoz.
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