WATSONVILLE — Street violence was the major topic taken on by a group of about 200 people Sunday in Watsonville Plaza during a gathering and march through downtown neighborhoods by family and friends of those killed in gang-related violence.
Various individuals, including seven local mothers who lost their children to violence, were guest speakers during the 24th annual Peace and Unity March.
“We have to remind ourselves how important non-violence is and what an important role it plays in our community,” said Nahum Rivera, vice president of SOMOS LGBT. “We’re out here to make a stand against violence.”
Former Assemblyman Luis Alejo, currently a Monterey County Supervisor, reminded attendees of the importance of assembling for such an event.
“We started this march with about 15 young people in honor of Jessica, 9, and Jorge Cortez, 14, who were both tragically killed in 1994,” Alejo said. “We made a promise to ourselves to not forget their names, their faces and their ages. Jessica would be 32 years old today and Jorge would be 37. Would Jessica be a teacher, would Jorge be an engineer? Would they have their own businesses?
“And so here we are 24 years later; are we a better community? We are more connected with our police department and that is important. We are moving forward.”
Following the warm congregation in the plaza, which was wrapped around a expanse of altars cluttered with marigold flowers, sugar skulls, memorabilia of passed ones, including photos, the congregation assembled in a march and headed out around the city to honor those that have passed in senseless violence.
