Cesar Chavez Honored on Latino Walk of Fame
With mariachis playing, East Los Angeles residents and merchants celebrated as farm worker leader Cesar Chavez was honored with the first plaque on the Latino Walk of Fame.
About 100 people crowded a small stretch of Whittier Boulevard where officials unveiled the gold and red granite plaque emblazoned with Chavez’s name.
Many who turned out to honor the late founder of the nation’s first farm workers union said they hope the walk will not only beautify the street, but inspire young people in the area.
“These are leaders who fought for Latinos, and they are great examples for the youth of East Los Angeles,” said Chavez’s son Paul, who was on hand for the festivities.
Eventually, more than 200 plaques will line the boulevard that cuts through East Los Angeles, an unincorporated area of the Eastside. Former U.S. Rep. Edward Roybal (D-Los Angeles), teacher Jaime Escalante and actor Edward James Olmos are among those who will receive plaques in the future.
Organizers said this walk serves a different purpose than its more famous cousin in Hollywood. “This isn’t about celebrity--it’s about those who have made a contribution to society,” said Ray Abboud, chairman of the Latino Walk of Fame.
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