DENVER — Each year the César Chávez Peace and Justice Committee of Denver selects individuals who embody the values and commitment of César Chávez to social justice to receive awards. Award recipients will be honored at the public celebration on Saturday, April 5, following the Marcha and observance of Chávez's life and contributions. 

Martín Gonzales of Alamosa, Retired District Judge of Colorado’s 12th Judicial will be honored with an award. 

The 24th Annual César Chávez Peace and Justice Committee of Denver Celebration will take place on Saturday, April 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Celebration will begin at 8:30 a.m. with a Mass at Regis University Saint John Francis Chapel on the Regis campus at 333 Regis Blvd. in Denver. After Mass, marchers will assemble in front of the Chapel and then march to César E. Chávez Park located on 42nd and Tennyson streets arriving at 10:30 a.m.  

Opening ceremonies will include a blessing followed by dance and music performances, a Keynote Address by Hans Meyer, Denver Immigration Attorney and Award Presentations. 

The César Chávez Peace and Justice Committee of Denver will recognize the three following 2025 Award Recipients at the 24th Annual Marcha and Celebration at César Chávez Park on April 5, beginning at 10:30 a.m. 

• Anciano - Martín Gonzales of Alamosa, Retired District Judge of Colorado’s 12th Judicial District Court and Chair of The Maestas Case Commemoration Committee, which commemorates the Alamosa School Desegregation Case of 1914.  
• Anciana - Geri Roybal, Former Recreation Coordinator at Aztlan Recreation Center in the Sunnyside neighborhood and known as Mama Northside for her community work in Denver’s Northside.
• Organization - La Sociedad Protección Mutua de Trabajadores Unidos (SPMDTU), the Oldest Active Hispanic Civil Rights Organization in the United States, founded in Antonito on Nov. 26, 1900, 125 years ago.

The César Chávez Peace and Justice Committee of Denver’s mission is to pay tribute and homage to the ideals of justice and non-violence embodied by César E. Chávez as one of the Americas’ greatest leaders, whose legacy for global working-class interests and whose contributions towards peace and humanity for all should be remembered and practiced. 

The César Chávez Peace and Justice Committee of Denver is accepting donations and funds to help with the cost of putting on the Celebration. Funds provided are used to cover expenses such as permits, materials, food, speakers and entertainment.   

Individuals or organizations that would like to donate or would like more general information can text or call either of the co-chairs: Charlene Barrientos Ortiz at 303-656-3949 charbarrientos@YAHOO.COM or Dr. Ramon Del Castillo at 303-868-9025 rdelca2417@aol.com.