East Palo Alto residents rally to show their powerful support for immigrant communities

Sign carried by one of the marchers at the March for Peace and Justice in East Palo Alto on April 7, 2025. Photo by Ivan Temes

The March for Peace and Justice in East Palo Alto honoring civil rights and United Farmworkers of America icon Cesar Chavez attracted a large crowd representing many local organizations. As the crowd marched up University Avenue from Bell Park to St. Francis of Assisi Church they were accompanied by East Palo Alto police officers and welcomed by the honking of support from passing motorists. 

East Palo Alto City Council member Ruben Abrica, who is also a representative of the group Comité Latino, was the event organizer, “We wanted to advocate for peace and justice and also support our immigrant community,” Abrica said.

 “The march helps let people know that immigrants are not criminals,” Abrica added.  Abrica joined Father Goode from St. Francis of Assisi Church and community activist Maria Rocha to lead the parade, which was characterized by a variety of signs to support a number of causes.

Marchers at the rally for Peace and Justice in East Palo Alto on April 7, 2025. Photo by Ivan Temes

Cesar Chavez Ravenswood Middle School, which is located in East Palo Alto has carried Chavez’ name since 1994 and it helped sponsor the parade.  Leif Erickson, who served for 16 years as the director of Youth Community Service (YCS), another key event sponsor, said that he was proud that the group on many occasions heard directly from relatives of Chavez.   The Chavez’s family’s involvement continued this year as Barbara Medina-Aranda, Chavez’ niece, spoke to the crowd by phone and thanked everyone for their support. After the march ended at St. Francis, the participants  were treated to, activities that included guest speakers, music, dancing and Mexican food specialties.   The singing of De Colores, a popular song that became the anthem of the United Farmworkers of America, produced a heartfelt moment in the church community room.

Other march sponsors included the City of East Palo Alto, Canopy, San Mateo County Libraries, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Peninsula, St. Francis of Assisi and Anamatangi Polynesian Voices, an East Palo Alto nonprofit. These groups joined  with other community organizations to provide 20 onsite booths designed to inform and share educational resources with the public. YCS, for instance shared information about the programs it had developed programs to educate students on the history of the farm workers.   Student posters decorated the walls of St Francis community room with information about several civil rights leaders.   In one poster, Cesar Chavez is quoted as saying, “The work for civil change and against social injustice is never ended.”

The following participants at the event wanted to share their thoughts about it. City councilman Webster Lincoln said, “We care about all our people and their rights and want them to know we are here to support them.” 

Mora Oommen, YCS’ executive director and a main event organizer reveled at seeing many of her students participate and learn from others.Paulina Cisneros-Arreguin, representing the Menlo-Atherton high school newspaper said she could write about many inspiring stories she heard. Community volunteer Cheryl Menifee, originally from Trinidad, said that the main theme of the event for her was FREEDOM.    Karen Friedman, another advocate might have spoken for many when she said, “It’s a joy to be part of this occasion.”  Upcoming related events include: - The YCS Day of Service event at the Mitchell Park Community Center in Palo Alto on April 27, 2025 from 2-5 p.m.  Cinco de Mayo celebration on May 4, 2025 from noon to 6 p.m. at Bell Park in East Palo Alto.

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