LCLAA on César Chávez’s legacy

Washington, DC - “Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed. You cannot un-educate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore.” - César E. Chávez

César E. Chávez was a fighter for equality at the polling booth, in the workplace, and on the fields. He was one of the key founders of the National Farm Workers Association, a precursor to the United Farm Workers (UFW), and led action after action to ensure that farm workers had the right to organize and collectively bargain. Through his work, the Delano Grape Strike, and the 340-mile march, he made the voice of farm workers undeniable. 

Chávez became a beacon of representation and showed hundreds of Latino/a workers they could make a difference in the fight to improve working conditions for all. On César Chávez Day we are reminded of our power, our influence, and our ability, as Latinos/as, to change our industries for the better. 

Yanira Merino, National President of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement on César Chávez Day, “César Chávez fought tirelessly for us, for Latino workers he would never meet. He was resolute in la causa and organized to protect workers too often forgotten. Years later, as our movement encounters new challenges, we are reminded of his defiance and conviction in the name of justice.”