La Marcha 2007We participated in La Marcha in May of this year for the 3rd year straight. It was a little smaller than usual this year. There was no imperative political issue at stake at the time. The first year was amazing. There were 17,000+ marching down Yakima Avenue, with 2 Mariachi bands loud speakers, etc. Chelsea marched the second year with employees of Smart, Connell & Childers, P.S. We provided water for the marchers and worked on voter registration.
I will forever have in my mind the image of Elena "Leni" Gamboa standing on a picnic table in the middle of Miller Park screaming into a loud speaker urging people to register to vote. We served as runners passing out forms and encouraging people to complete the forms, which we then filed for them. Her normally squeeky little voice seemed to have the strength of a mighty warrior. For me, this was one of the most powerful examples of the 1st Amendment that I have ever witnessed. The right to peaceably assemble against criticism and against the current of popular thought in our community. I was so proud to watch her stand like a soldier armed only with a megaphone, but behind it was the voice of thunder. It was truly a beautiful moment in my professional career.
Miller Park (the park right next to our law office), the gathering spot for the marchers, pre-march speeches, and post-march music, etc.
Marching out onto 3rd Street
"Diego" marching with his Mexican flag.
Our most righteous event shirts created by Raul Rodriguez, Teresa's husband.
Christopher and Darrell preparing the flags for the march.
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