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Press Release: Civil Rights Leader Cesar Chavez Honored Nationwide With Marches and Celebrations. LULAC urges Senators and Members of Congress to Pass a National Cesar Chavez holiday. March 31, 2009 For more information contact: Washington, DC - The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the nation’s oldest and largest Hispanic civil rights organization in the country, organized events in celebration of Cesar Chavez’s legacy and what would have been his 82nd birthday. Cesar Chavez is known by many as an environmentalist, a labor leader and co-founder of the United Farm Workers. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) introduced legislation today in the Senate to pass a resolution declaring National Cesar Chavez Day. Similar attempts were blocked by some Republicans in the Senate. Nine states have adopted the Cesar Chavez holiday, which is celebrated March 31st. “Cesar Chavez is a true American hero. He fought for the rights of farm workers and all Americans and deserves a national holiday honoring his legacy,” said LULAC National President Rosa Rosales. “Our LULAC leaders from around the country are honoring his work by holding vigils, rallies and marches.” Some of the states and counties that celebrate the holiday include California, Michigan, Pima County in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin and Rhode Island. The California legal holiday set into motion a wave of initiatives resulting in optional and commemorative Cesar Chavez Days. LULAC is one of the partners of the Cesar E. Chavez National Holiday along with other national organizations. The United Farm Workers Union along with LULAC are pushing for comprehensive immigration reform and an end to immigration raids. The UFW has advocated for the rights of low-wage workers and health care for farm workers. The labor leader's rallying words “Sí Se Puede” “Yes We
Can,” hold powerful emotions for American workers who fought for better
working conditions and for a better life. The League of United Latin American Citizens advances the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health, housing and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 700 LULAC councils nationwide. # # # |