LANSING, MI — On Friday, August 13, 2010, the Lansing for Cesar E. Chavez Committee and the Old Town Commercial Association announced the street re-naming to Cesar E. Chavez Avenue (commencing at Oakland and ending at Pine Street). Both organizations were in agreement to file joint applications to the Lansing City Council to re-name Grand River Avenue to an honorarium street name of Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and also rename the city owned, Lot 56, to The Cesar E. Chavez Plaza. Both parties agreed this seemed to be the best way to honor Chavez.
Chavez was the son of an impoverished migrant farm worker who formed the United Farm Workers Association in 1962. He has been recognized for his major contributions to the nation by organizing farm workers to campaign for decent wages, better housing and safe and fair working conditions. He was an advocate for human rights and civil rights. He was recognized by former President Bill Clinton, posthumously, with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the highest award and honor that a civilian can receive from the U.S. government.
On October 16, 2010, there was a parade that proceeded up E. Grand River/Cesar E. Chavez Avenue into Cesar E. Chavez Plaza. The celebration featured live bands and entertainment, and an award ceremony.
Elva Reyes said, “It was so exciting. Keynote speaker, Elva Revilla-Mikloicik used work tools of our migrant background during her speech to get her point across. Maria Luz Ballet dancers were so beautiful with their colorful costumes and had the crowd clapping their hands to the traditional folk tunes. It was great time and we look forward to our next celebration.”
