Washington DC, 1 April 2023 (TDI): On this César Chávez Day, Vice President of the United States (US), Kamala Harris issued a statement honoring the legacy of the iconic labor leader and civil rights activist.
This César Chávez Day, we remember a leader whose fight for dignity, justice, and the right to organize continues to inspire so many today.
As we honor his legacy, let us recommit to carrying on his work of building a nation in which all people can thrive.
Sí, se puede.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) March 31, 2023
She noted that Chávez’s fight for dignity, justice, and the right to organize continues to inspire so many people today and that his tireless efforts helped pave the way for progress and equality in the United States.
“As we celebrate César Chávez Day, we remember a leader who dedicated his life to advocating for the rights of farm workers, immigrants, and all working people,” Vice President Harris said in her statement.
“His commitment to nonviolence, community organizing, and civil disobedience inspired a movement that transformed our nation and advanced the cause of social justice.” she further added.
The Vice President went on to emphasize the importance of continuing Chávez’s work, particularly in the context of ongoing challenges faced by working people across the US.
Likewise, she endorsed that economic and social disparities remain pervasive and that many communities continue to struggle for access to basic resources and opportunities.
“We must continue to fight for a nation in which all people can thrive, no matter who they are or where they come from,” Harris asserted.
“That means ensuring that every worker is treated with dignity and respect, that every family has access to affordable health care, education, and housing, and that we create good-paying jobs and economic opportunities for all.” Harris continued.
She concluded her statement by echoing Chávez’s famous rallying cry, “Sí, se puede” (Yes, we can), calling on Americans to recommit to the work of building a more just and equitable society.
About César Chávez Day
To mention, César Chávez Day is a holiday celebrated in the US on 31st March each year. It is a day to honor the life and legacy of César Chávez, a civil rights activist and labor leader who fought for the rights of farmworkers & other marginalized communities.
Born in Arizona in 1927, Chávez spent much of his life working as a migrant farmworker in California. In the 1950s and 1960s, he became involved in the labor movement, co-founding the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA) in 1962.
The organization later became the United Farm Workers (UFW), and Chávez served as its president until he died in 1993.
Throughout his career, Chávez led nonviolent protests, strikes, and boycotts to advocate for the rights of farmworkers, including the right to a living wage, better working conditions, and access to healthcare.
Furthermore, he was a powerful and influential leader, inspiring countless people to fight for social justice and civil rights.
In 2000, California became the first state to recognize César Chávez Day as a state holiday, with Texas and Colorado following suit shortly thereafter.
Since then, many other states have recognized the holiday as well, including Arizona, Michigan, and New Mexico.
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Today, César Chávez Day is celebrated throughout the US with parades, marches, and other events to honor Chávez’s life and legacy.
It is a day to reflect on the ongoing struggles for social justice and to commit to continuing the work that Chávez began so many years ago.
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