Cesar Chavez

WASHINGTON, March 31, 2009 -- Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement in commemoration of Cesar E. Chavez's birthday:

"I would like to pay a special tribute to the legacy of Cesar E. Chavez. He dedicated his life to championing the rights of farm laborers and all working people, and he did it through nonviolence.

"Chavez was a second-generation American. He was born March 31, 1927, in Yuma, Ariz., and raised during the Great Depression.

"The lessons he learned during his time inspired him to dedicate his life to improving the lives of other less fortunate even than himself.

"I am proud to celebrate his memory and contributions to our country."

Source: Dept. of Labor

March 31, 2008 -- Chicago, IL - Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement to commemorate Cesar Chavez's birthday and express his support for a national holiday to honor Chavez's success in "making America a stronger, more just, and more prosperous nation."    » read more »

Senator Menendez, co-chair of the Senate Hispanic Task Force, says action further illustrates how Republicans are out of touch with Latino values

March 31, 2008 -- Washington - Today marks the 81st anniversary of the birth of one of the nation’s foremost civil rights and labor leaders, Cesar Estrada Chavez. Despite the ongoing efforts of Democrats in the Senate to pass a resolution honoring this prominent Latino civil rights leader, Senate Republicans blocked it last year and have done so again this year.

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), co-chair of the Senate Hispanic Task Force, issued the following statement, illustrating the importance of Chavez’s legacy and decrying the Republican objection to the resolution.    » read more »

March 28, 2008 -- Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today in honor of the 81st anniversary of Cesar Chavez’ birthday on March 31:

“Cesar Chavez championed the causes of justice and equality and inspired millions with his vision of hope and prosperity for working people. With enormous passion and dignity, he claimed for America’s farm workers the rights that must be possessed by all workers: a good job, a fair wage, and a safe workplace.
Cesar Chavez    » read more »

August 28, 2007, AUSTIN, Texas — Site preparation has begun for the bronze statue of civil rights leader Cesar Chavez, which will be unveiled Oct. 9 at The University of Texas at Austin during a celebration to honor his legacy as an advocate for social justice.    » read more »