Nearly 250 Strong on Cesar Chavez's Birthday
Posted by 260 Miles of Blogging on Apr 02
Our march from Planada to Merced was our largest since the kickoff events in Bakersfield on March 5. What was remarkable about our march 2 days ago, more than 3 weeks since we first began our journey, was how it developed. We didn't start with a throng of people but by the time we were approaching Sierra Presbyterian Church we were nearly 250 strong. Somehow drums were drumming. Somehow megaphones were blaring call and response. Somehow our march grew into something that I had never been a part of before. I was merely just one of many people, overwhelmed by a cacophony of different sounds and people, union leaders like Marty Hittleman of CFT, George Popyack of AFSCME, Doug Moore of UDW and legends like Thomas Alejo Sr. who walked with Cesar Chavez himself.
There have been times when our march has had more modest numbers. On those occasions, I've been able to get to know most of the marchers and their stories. On March 31, this was not the case. But I think that's just fine. My hometown of New York generally has a bad reputation for being a city with too many people, doing too many things and moving way too fast. For the record, I think the pace is just fine. But moreover, there's an unspoken confidence across the 5 boroughs as well. That somehow we're all in sync. That if something were to happen--like on 9/11 or the Miracle on the Hudson--we'll unite and have each others' backs.
I felt a similar feeling walking amongst the unions that represent homecare workers, food and commercial workers, teachers, probation officers and many more. On March 31, all of these disparate interests and perspectives came together. All parts of the state were represented, from San Diego all the way north of Sacramento. We're all united. No more cuts!
We started the day with a kickoff at Houlihan Park in Planada.
Our unity cry of "Si Se Puede" was extra loud!
Marty Hittleman and Doug Moore speak.
Check out more photos here!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/album.php?aid=159072&id=288615498767&ref=mf
