In the words of Chavez, "Sí, se puede" or "Yes, it can be done."

Cesar Chavez is one of the foremost non-violent civil rights leaders of our time.  His focus on the rights of farm and migrant laborers that began in the 1970s is an important social justice movement that continues to be fought to this day.  His legacy deserves to not only be honored, but carried forward as an institutionalized part of our national identity.  Making a Cesar Chavez National Holiday will put labor rights on the social and political map of the United States and educate further generations about the struggles for equality and justice within labor that they are also entitled to. Eleven states have already created a community oriented day of service learning in his honor.  Let us be the ones to take it to the next level!

Cesar Chavez, born in Arizona, was dedicated to the civil rights of migrant laborers in the United States. Though he only had an eigth grade education, he became one of the most influential union organizers of his time and is often compared to Martin Luther King, Gandhi, and other purveyors of civil rights and non-violence. Raised in a family of migrant farm workers, he was intimately familiar with the injustices, inequality and risks inherent to hard working people like him. Chavez inspired thousands, led massive marches, boycotts, and even hunger strikes to gain basic labor rights that agricultural laborers were largely excluded from before 1975. Robert F. Kennedy, by his side as he broke a 25 day fast, stated that Chavez was, “one of the heroic figures of our times”. Through keen leadership and true courage, Chavez jump started a social justice movement that continues to push forward today.

Please help us ensure all Americans learn about Cesar’s life and work. The Cesar Chavez National Holiday Coalition is gathering signatures on petitions asking Congress to designate March 31, Cesar’s birthday and the day the UFW was founded, as Cesar Chavez Day. Eleven states have established official Cesar Chavez Days including California, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Utah, Michigan, Illinois, New Mexico, Wisconsin, Rhode Island and Nevada.  Rep. Joe Baca (D-CA) has introduced HR 213 in the House of Representatives with 43 co-sponsors. HR 213 urges Congress to establish a legal, public holiday for Cesar Chavez.

Sign the petition today. Help ensure Cesar's legacy is recognized and celebrated throughout our nation with a federal paid holiday and a day of service and learning in our public schools.

Photo Credit: Manuel Acosta

Petition Credit: United Farm Workers