DPNM Remembers Cesar Chavez

31 March 2010
For Immediate Release

Albuquerque, NM – Today the Democratic Party of New Mexico, along with citizens across the state, celebrate the life, legacy, and accomplishments of César E. Chávez.

César Chávez represents the timeless vision of non-violent social change; he fought perilously for equal justice, civil rights, and consumer and environmental awareness. Chávez is undoubtedly one of the most influential figures of the 20th Century.

Throughout his life, Chávez led several successful strikes and boycotts, eventually leading to the 1975 California Agricultural Labor Relations Act, protecting farm workers in California and meaningfully impacting the lives of America's workers across the country. For his tireless work of behalf of America's working classes, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Freedom in 1994 from President Clinton, the highest civilian honor an American can receive.

In 2008, then-Senator Barack Obama commemorated the birth of César Chávez by calling for a national holiday, stating that “it is time to recognize the contributions of this American icon to the ongoing efforts to perfect our Union.” Although to date no such holiday exists, Americans remain committed to bring about the vision that César Chávez fought tirelessly for and to recognize the achievements he accomplished.

Born on March 31, 1927 on a farm near Yuma, Arizona, Chávez had first-hand knowledge of the struggle for equality and justice for all Americans. In honor of César Chávez, we must continue to fight and defend these two fundamental freedoms.

The Democratic Party of New Mexico will continue its’ fight to protect the principles and ideals César E. Chávez left behind.

Sincerely,

Javier M. Gonzales
Chairman, Democratic Party of New Mexico