La Marcha De La Puebla: Heroes Not Villains

Presented by: La Cultura Del Mundo

Protesting on August 1st, 2025, the community united to show all of America that "America's" people were marching in solidarity with the immigrants that truly keep the United States working. The goal of this protest was to demonstrate support for immigrants who were being tormented by our current administration. Our march showed the administration and the people of America that immigrants are heroes in our communities and not villains like the media makes them out to be. Our culture is deeply rooted in America's history, and we were not leaving or going to be thrown out. Our country needed to come together to show all targeted minorities that they were not alone.

At the time, we had at least 12 states across the United States that were protesting alongside us on August 1st. We were dedicated to getting all 50 states to come together in support of immigrants / the indigenous communities across the United States.

This movement was led by youth. La Cultura Del Mundo was founded by Cesar Vasquez during his freshman year (2023) and served over 600 youth with different teams across the Central Coast, ranging from middle schoolers to college students. Over the past 3 years, we managed over $13,000 of grant funding.

We asked for support to bring this movement forward and to the front lines. We were in need of resources, financial support, and support from different communities across the United States.


How you can support ongoing efforts:

Our funding goes to:

• Workshops that educate youth on organizing and empower them to continue their work

• Giving back to immigrant communities through direct services and mutual aid

• Providing resources to make future protests and community actions as safe and impactful as possible

Why La Marcha De La Puebla?

La Marcha De La Puebla wasn’t just a name - it was a statement. We chose “Puebla” to reference both the Mexican state and the spirit of unity and resistance it represented. In history, Puebla stood as a symbol of defiance against oppression - and during this movement, we carried that spirit forward.

Using “La” made this more than just a march - it became the march. A single, unified movement. One voice. One stand. While the U.S. was divided into 50 states, we came together as one Puebla - one resistance.

America was built on stolen land - taken through genocide, colonization, and violence. It was a settlement, and one we hoped was temporary. This march united people from across these so-called “states” to rise in defense of immigrants, Indigenous communities, and all oppressed peoples.

This was not just a protest. It was a reckoning. It was La Marcha De La Puebla.

The Narrative:

• Not just a march — it was a national movement rooted in truth, art, and people.

• A non-violent protest: calm, strong, unified, and symbolic.

• We aimed to show America that immigrants are the heroes and true builders of the American dream.

• We led with culture, art, and story to reframe the narrative.

• “Immigrants are the backbone of America.”

• Art = Resistance; Food = Culture; March = Unity.

• “Heroes Not Villains.”

• We were surrounded, protected, and unified with what many assume are "The American People."

• This movement was led by immigrants and fieldworkers.
  

Who We Reached:

• Immigrant families

• Fieldworkers

• Latinx youth

• Immigrants of all backgrounds (Asian, African, South American, European, Etc.)

• Misrepresented and underserved communities

• White Americans

• Working Class

• Regretful Republicans

• Politicians
  

Giving Back:

• Distributed food through local food banks

• Offered lessons on how to support youth and remove stigmas

• Taught lessons on how to organize and lead movements