Celebrate Cinco de Mayo con Orgullo in Ashland

By Community Prevention of Alcohol-Related Problems (CommPre)

The alcohol industry has stolen Cinco de Mayo and created instead another drinking holiday in the United States. As a consequence, many people do not know the origin of this historic event in the Mexican culture.

On May 5, 1862, the French attacked Puebla and the Mexican Army, under General Ignacio Zaragoza, defeated the French Army despite the Mexican’s weak armament. For Mexico, this win united the country and generated a stronger sense of patriotism.

The Chicano Movement in the 1960’s decided to use May fifth as an event that reflected their identity struggle in the U.S. Cinco became a holiday to mobilize neighborhoods and address social justice issues within the Chicano community.

In the late 80’s the alcohol industry began assuming ownership of May 5th (Cinco de Mayo) to promote their alcohol products.

 In order to promote the true meaning of Cinco de Mayo, a coalition of community organizations in unincorporated Alameda County will be hosting the 9th annual Cinco de Mayo con Orgullo (with pride). 

The event will include a health resource fair (listed below with sponsors), free food for the community, raffles, traditional Mexican entertainment such as a Ballet Folklorico performance and a Youth Expo. Youth will express their talents through the arts in support of creating healthy communities.

Unincorporated Alameda County rejects sponsorship by the alcohol industry to create a fun and safe environment free from the sale, promotion and use of alcohol and other drugs. 

Jesse Garrett, Prevention Specialist and Event Coordinator with CommPre says, “We must stop the alcohol industry from exploiting a cultural event and provide a substance free alternative that promotes a greater sense of community and family and that encourages all of us to say ‘Our Culture is Not For Sale’”  

Date:               Saturday, May 7, 2011

Time:              11:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Location:         Ashland Community Center

                        1530 167th Avenue

                        San Leandro CA  94578

Why?

Heavy drinking on Cinco de Mayo leads to fights, domestic violence, drunk driving and binge drinking among young people. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), since 1999, impaired drivers caused an average of 43% of all highway fatalities on May 5th, [and over the weekend following], with blood alcohol content (BAC) levels of 0.08 percent and above.

 Sponsors

This community event is sponsored by Community Prevention of Alcohol-Re­lated Problems (CommPre), a program of Horizon Services, Inc., Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D.), Alameda County Deputy Sheriffs Activities League (DSAL), Alameda County Supervisor Nathan Miley, and Latinas Actively Taking Initiative Through Networking And Social Activity (L.A.T.I.N.A.S.) of Cal State University East Bay.

Financial and in-kind donors include: Eden Township Healthcare District, Kaiser Permanente, Pacific Gas & Electric Company, Office of Supervisor Nathan Miley, Alameda County Redevelopment Department, St. Rose Hospital, St. Rose Hospital FACES for the Future Program, and San Lorenzo High School Leadership.