In 1994, youths from the communities of Watsonville organized the 1st Annual Peace and Unity March in order to address the on going violence in the community, particularly after the slaying of two young people ages 9 and 16.

The Peace and Unity March has been a safe space for families of victims and our local community to come together to organize an event to speak out against violence in the streets in South Santa Cruz County.

Today, the march is still organized by local youth, local community groups and the growing number of families who have lost loved ones to violence.

PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Peace and Unity March is expected to take place on Saturday, November 1st, 2014, to commemorate those lost to violence on Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.

Watsonville's 21st Peace & Unity March, bringing together numerous community groups, to take place Nov 1

Mothers who have lost children to street violence will lead a broad coalition of community groups. Altars to honor loved ones will be placed on the Main Plaza

WATSONVILLE, CA — On Saturday, November 1st, a group of mothers will lead local residents, community groups, churches, police, businesses and unions participating in the 21st ANNUAL WATSONVILLE PEACE & UNITY MARCH, to remember and honor the lives of over 71 local residents who lost their lives to domestic and street violence since 1994.

Rosa de Ramirez, a founding mother who has lost two sons to violence said “It is so important for families who have lost someone to street violence to feel that we are not alone.”

Led by mothers and families who lost their lives to domestic and street violence, Watsonville residents and over 60 community organizations will gather in the Watsonville Plaza at 11 AM. A ceremony will remember and honor the lives of residents. The March, beginning at 12:30 PM will go through the neighborhoods of Watsonville. Day of the Dead alters, or Altares de Dia de los Muertos, will be displayed at the plaza beginning at 9am.

In addition, Assemblyman Luis Alejo will unveil a plaque and bench in honor of Jorge and Jessica Cortez killed in 1994 in gang related violence which inspired the first Peace & Unity March.

Last years’ Chair, Yovanna Bravo said, “I, like many others, remain inspired by the young people who first organized the march in 1994. The youth in Watsonville continue to play a vital role in organizing the march.”
Co Chair of the 21st Annual Peace & Unity March, Alan Hicks, said, “With the killing of 4 year old Jaelyn Zavala last week by gun violence, it is more important than ever for the entire community to come together to create a violence free community. We want to create an on-going dialog among all sectors of the community to identify solutions to this cloud over our community.”

WHAT: The 21sth Annual Watsonville Peace & Unity March
WHEN: Saturday, November 1st, 2014
TIME: 11:00am Welcoming Ceremony, 12:30pm March Begins
WHERE: Watsonville City Plaza & March will take place throughout various neighborhoods. This grassroots event is sponsored by the Watsonville Peace and Unity Coalition, a coalition of students, parents, teachers, law enforcement, local businesses, unions, community, arts, churches, and family members who have lost their loved ones to violence.