LULAC Acclaims the Establishment of César E. Chávez National Monument in California

Contact: Paloma Zuleta
202-833-6130
PZuleta@LULAC.org

LULAC supports the decision by the Obama Administration to designate the California home of labor leader César E. Chávez as a national monument for the world renowned migrant leader who pioneered the struggle for labor rights in the United States. The property Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz in California formerly served as the national headquarters of the United Farm Workers of America as well as the home and workplace of César Chávez and his family. LULAC has participated in marches across the country in honor of César Chávez.

“We are proud to see the nation recognize Cesar Chávez as a great humanitarian and national American hero,” said LULAC National President Margaret Morán. “Working in the fields, he experienced firsthand the hardships that he would later crusade to abolish. His courage in the face of injustice serves as a model for future American generations to emulate.”

At the time of Chávez’s strides for labor rights, farm workers were deeply impoverished and frequently exploited, exposed to very hazardous working conditions, and often denied clean drinking water, toilets, and other basic necessities. The union César founded with Dolores Huerta, the United Farm Workers of America (UFW), still addresses these issues today.

“The love for justice that is in us is not only the best part of our being, but it is also the most true to our nature,” César Chávez once said.

To this day, his rallying cry of "Si Se Puede," evokes a unity of purpose among the Hispanic labor force. His movement strengthened our country, and his vision lives on in the organizers and people who defend the cause of justice for all.

On April 1, 2010, President Obama signed a proclamation declaring March 31st César Chávez Day.