Photos and Story By Yanelli Zavina Robles
‘Education not deportation!” echoed through Chicano Park during the May Day March. Powerful voices filled the air with an immense crowd made up of people from all age groups and of different ethnic and religious backgrounds.
The event highlighted the significance of May Day, historically recognized for labor rights and international solidarity, intertwining it with a crucial message on educational equality during times of increased immigration enforcement. The march, organized by the Chicano Park Steering Committee, Association of Raza Educators, and Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment amplified the message of their mission, that education is a fundamental right that should be protected.
Marysol Duran, San Diego Chapter Coordinator for A.R.E., began the rally with an impactful speech. Duran expressed how those in power target our children because they recognize that the youth is the future. She emphasized that las semias (our youth) are destined to grow and eventually dismantle this oppressive system.
“We are fighting for our community.” Duran continues. “We are teaching our children to resist, to empower themselves, to stand up and to protect their community, to protect their history and to protect their culture.” She concluded her speech with a final chant of “education not deportation.”
The march began in the parking lot of Chicano Park, a space already rich with cultural significance. As the crowd gathered the air filled with the scent of sage and the mesmerizing sounds of flutes, played by the Danza Azteca performers who led the procession. The march moved onto Logan Avenue, the heart of Barrio Logan, where murals served as backdrop to the demonstration. The march proceeded through Cesar E. Chavez Parkway, a street named in honor of the iconic labor leader, adding symbolic layers of meaning to the rally.
Powerful visual representation of the community’s demands and values through vibrant signs and eye-catching art. Attendees carried signs throughout the streets of Barrio Logan. Many advocated directly for the students with messages emphasizing their rights to education and safety. Others drew strengths from faith, displaying bible verses that spoke to justice and compassion. A significant number of signs demanded equality for all, regardless of background or immigration status.
