Stories With Video

Vanessa Bautista, 8, a member of El Centro La Raza, a civil rights organization in Beacon Hill, holds a sign in support of farm workers civil rights leader Cesar Chavez during the dedication of the park named after the late activist in the South Park neighborhood. Photo by Steve Shay

Cesar Chavez Park dedicated in South Park

By Steve Shay

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Cesar Chavez Park opened grandly April 17 with an architectural and musical dedication honoring its namesake, the famous civil rights activist and labor organizer for the farm worker. The site is on a fifth acre lot on 7th Avenue South and South Cloverdale Street in South Park.

Mariachi music trumped the drizzle as band members played to the performance of Concord Elementary School dancers and young members from El Centro de la Raza holding photos of Chavez chanting "Si se puede" or "Yes we can." The Beacon Hill organization promotes self-esteem and connectedness to family and culture recognition and social justice in all communities.

Hispanic granite sculptor Jesus Moroles came in from his hometown, aptly named Rockport, Texas, to demonstrate his three monoliths that stand in the park. Named "Musical Steles," these works contain thin slices for air to pass. When caressed with a stone these "slices" make music evocative of a xylophone.

Moroles has had a write-up in the New York Times, and a traveling exhibit originating in the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art.

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