WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) released the following statement honoring César Chávez’ life and legacy in recognition of his birthday, which is celebrated as a state holiday in California on March 31:   

“On César Chávez Day, we honor and celebrate the life and legacy of the civil rights and labor leader whose impact reverberated in California and across the world. For César Chávez, it did not matter where you came from or what your job was, he believed in the fundamental right to dignity and respect.  

“As the son of immigrants from Mexico and the first Latino to represent California in the U.S. Senate, I believe the movement César Chávez created is one that we all must carry on today. In the past year, our nation has praised our essential workers as heroes. We must recognize that right now, farmworkers, grocery store workers, and food service workers across the country are on the frontlines of this pandemic, risking their lives to keep food on the table for the American people. They deserve dignity, respect, and a pathway to citizenship.

“Today and every day, let’s recommit to continuing the work César Chávez began, or as he would say: La Lucha Sigue. We must not waiver as we keep up the fight for justice and equality for all.”

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