LCLAA 17TH NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP CONVENTION
ORLANDO, FL
AUGUST 4-8, 2008

RESOLUTION:

16.    National Holiday for Farm Worker leader Cesar E. Chavez on his birthday March 31

Whereas, from humble beginnings in 1927, Cesar E. Chavez, founder of the United Farm Workers, rose to be a major force in American history, making him one of the heroic figures of the 20th century, and

Whereas, through personal sacrifice, Cesar E. Chavez focused national attention on the plight of farm workers, making the world aware of their demands for safe and fair working conditions in the fields of our nation, and

Whereas, millions of Americans from across the nation, of all races and nationalities, joined Cesar E. Chavez in the movement for farm workers rights, and

Whereas, Cesar E. Chavez was also a champion for civil rights, labor rights, voting rights, women's rights and was an early environmentalist, warning the public of the devastating affects of pesticides on both farm workers and consumers; and

Whereas, as a result of these and other valuable contributions, many cities and ten states now celebrate Cesar E. Chavez's birthday, March 31, as a holiday including California, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin and Rhode Island; and countless schools, streets, libraries, and other public institutions have been named after Cesar E. Chavez, and

Whereas, the life of Chavez, who like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was an adherent to nonviolent civil disobedience, serves as a model for all Americans; and

Whereas, Cesar E Chavez National Holiday is an organization based in Los Angeles that is spearheading the national effort to win support for a national holiday and day of service, learning and action to be established on his birthday, March 31, and

Whereas, in March 2008, the Cesar E. Chavez National Holiday coalition held events for the holiday in over 70 cities in 31 states in the most wide ranging commemoration of Cesar Chavez's birthday in the history of our nation; and

Whereas, LCLAA was one of the first national organizations to declare its support for the establishment of a national holiday for Cesar Chavez and many of our chapters across the country have mobilized for this goal;

Therefore Be It Resolved, that the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) calls on the U.S. Congress and President Bush to establish an official federal holiday and day of service, learning and action for Cesar E. Chavez on his birthday, March 31, and

Be it Further Resolved, that the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) calls on all candidates for President of the United States and U. S. Congress to support a national holiday for Cesar Chavez, and

Be It Further Resolved, that the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) agrees to join the Cesar E. Chavez National Holiday coalition and in so doing become an active partner alongside of Latino, labor, civil rights, interfaith, and other organizations, leaders, elected officials, and celebrities who are working together to insure that the legacy of Cesar E. Chavez is recognized, celebrated and emulated throughout our nation, and

Be it Further Resolved, that the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) supports HR 76, a House Resolution introduced by Rep. Joe Baca (CA) with 53 Congressional Co-Sponsors, that puts House members on record in support of a national holiday for Cesar E. Chavez, and

Be It Further Resolved, that the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) agrees to honor the life of Cesar E. Chavez by participating in service, learning and action events that celebrate his birthday, March 31; and join other actions throughout the year that call for a national holiday.

Respectfully Submitted by:

Los Angeles LCLAA Chapter

REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE: SPECIAL ISSUES COMMITTEE
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