BY SUSAN ZARATE

MERCED, California - Forty marchers arrived here June 15, as a part of a 750-mile march through the state organized to defeat the California Civil Rights Initiative (CCRI) and register people to vote. The march began June 3 in Sacramento, with 150 participating. CCRI is a ballot referendum that would prohibit affirmative action programs in employment, education, and contract work for the state.

At the rally site in Merced, the marchers and their supporter held a statewide meeting to plan the rest of their journey, which will continue through to San Diego arriving in time for the Republican Party Convention in August. The marchers told stories of the many supporters who came out to greet them on the road with water, burritos, sandwiches, and to walk with them for awhile. The majority of marchers are Chicano students from across the state. There are 10 students who plan to walk the entire 750 miles.

Sylvia Romo-Lara from Mesa College in San Diego and a member of the central planning committee, said that while they register people to vote they also ask them to sign pledge cards to vote against the CCRI bill in November. "This work has to be done and we think the spirit of our march will motivate others into action. We have to stop the snowball effect of Prop. 187," an anti-immigrant referendum passed in 1994, "and now CCRI. If you don't do something now it will get worse."

The March For Social and Economic Justice has been endorsed by more than 25 local and statewide organizations, including the Chicano Student Movement of Atzlan (MEChA), Feminist Majority, Mexican American Legal and Educational Fund, National Organization for Women, United Farm Workers, and others. For information on the March, daily activities, and how you can support the action call (888) 609-1907.

Susan Zárate is a member of the Oil Chemical and Atomic Workers union and candidate for San Francisco Board of Supervisors supported by the Socialist Workers Party.  
 
 
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