13th Annual Watsonville Peace and Unity March

Watsonville, California

About 150 community members marched and rallied for peace at the Thirteenth Annual Peace and Unity March. The participants came together to honor those who have died in violence, listen to family members of community members who had been murdered, and pray, bless, rally, and support el pueblo de Watsonville with peace. Also, families who have lost a member to violence, set-up memorials, or altares,to remember them and for the community to see.

The peace rally always begins with a blessing from Watsonville's Mexica danza group, Ixtatutli/White Hawk. Ixtatutli/White Hawk leads the march, and blesses the barrios and pueblo of Watsonville through out the march. This group reminds the community that Mexicanos, Chicanos, Mexican-Americans, have strong indigenous roots and history, so that an alternative exists to the gang history that is so interesting to the youth.

Though out the peace rally community members commented about violence and peace. Family members remember and share their loved ones. Many mothers want all violence to end and do not want to avenge their loved ones' deaths, rather they want the VIOLENCE TO STOP. The mayor of Watsonville and City Council member, Oscar Rios, also plea for the community to come together to end violence.

The Watsonville Brown Berets presented the annual Barrio Award to Francisco Rodriguez. Rodriguez is a tireless teacher and advocate for unions in Watsonville. He exemplifies the kind of community members we need to end violence as he creates opportunities for raza youth and adults to be strong examples of peace in the community.

The march commenced with a blessing from a preacher and people filing behind Ixtatutli. People marched through out various barrios, inviting people to join in the march and chanting, “Si Se puede,” “Que queremos? Paz! Como? Justicia!” etc. Participants and on-lookers created a spirit of peace that will last in el pueblo until the next Peace and Unity March in one year.