Cesar Chavez Day, March 31, is a U.S. federal commemorative holiday.
“Today we celebrate the life and legacy of César Estrada Chávez, a champion for social justice and advocate for hardworking people who build and sustain our Nation. Born into poverty and raised by migrant workers, Chávez courageously dedicated his life to improving conditions for workers across the country.” (from a Proclamation by the President of the United States)
Cesar Chavez was born on March 31, 1927, in Yuma, Arizona. During the Depression, Chavez’s family lost their homestead due to foreclosure. And the family moved to California in search of work.
Chavez dropped out of school to work in the fields. His experience as a farmworker that worked long hours in difficult conditions led him to grassroots organizing and mobilizing workers. Eventually, he, along with Dolores Huerta, co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (later the United Farm Workers union, UFW).
His persistent efforts and nonviolent protests for farmworkers continue to inspire labor and community leaders today in the ongoing effort for fair treatment and fair wages for farmworkers and other labors
What you can do to celebrate Cesar Chavez Day
- Learn about farmworker conditions and what you can do to improve them
- Purchase food from providers who practice fair and safe working conditions
- Give some service to your community in honor of Cesar Chavez’s life and work.
Resources
Cesar Chavez Day (Wikipedia)
Cesar Chavez (History.com)
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash