Ruiz, Padilla Announce Legislation To Create The César E. Chávez And The Farmworker Movement National Park

Statement

Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) and U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) announced bicameral legislation that would honor César Chávez's life and work by creating the César Chávez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park and the Farmworker Peregrinación National Historic Trail. The bill, the César E. Chávez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park Act, would help tell the story of historically underrepresented groups and share the impact of César Chávez's and the farmworker movement on our nation. The legislation is cosponsored by Senator Feinstein (D-CA) and Representatives Raúl Grijalva (AZ-03), Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), and Zoe Lofgren (CA-19).

"Growing up the son of farmworkers in the Coachella Valley, I remember seeing César Chávez and the sense of hope he gave to our communities and farmworkers across the United States. His story still inspires and motivates me even today," said Dr. Ruiz. "It is crucial that we amplify the stories of communities whose history too often gets left untold. My legislation with Senator Padilla, the César E. Chávez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park Act, will help the National Park Service embrace their role as storytellers of our nation and reflect the diversity and richness of our people."

"Our National Park System tells the story of our nation and preserves the people, ideas, and movements that we value as Americans," said Senator Alex Padilla. "Establishing the César E. Chávez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park will pay proper homage to a Latino icon and civil rights leader who fought tirelessly for the dignity, respect, and equal treatment of farmworkers and to the movement he created that carries on today. Our country is special because of our diversity and our never-ending endeavor for justice--yet our park system does not adequately preserve the full culture and diverse legacy of all Americans. I am proud to partner with the César Chávez Foundation to honor our uniquely American heritage so that more Americans can see themselves in our national parks and be inspired by the leaders who came before them."

"The legacy of César Chávez continues to shape our nation," said House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Raúl Grijalva. "His story and fight for dignity, livable wages and fair working conditions for farmworkers resonates today as much as it did during his lifetime. We have come a long way since the founding of United Farm Workers, and it is critical that we don't lose track of how we achieved this progress. This is a story that must be told. ¡Sí, se puede!"

"Throughout our nation's history, farm workers and immigrant communities have played vital roles in growing our country and building the prosperity we've come to know," said Rep. Ruben Gallego. "It is important our National Park system reflect their important role and that Latino leaders like Cesar Chavez are commemorated for their efforts. I am proud to help lead this fight for recognition and representation in our public lands."

"The successful efforts of San Jose's César Chávez to organize farmworkers is an inspiration to me and so many others," said Rep. Zoe Lofgren. "His work continues to shape the labor movement and paved the way for meaningful social change. The César E. Chávez and the Farm Worker Movement National Historical Park Act will honor César Chávez's legacy and ensure that future generations can learn of his fight for justice and dignity for farmworkers. The bill also leaves open the possibility for McDonnell Hall in San Jose to be added as a unit of the National Historic Park, reflecting César Chávez's importance to our local community."

"Establishment of a Cesar E. Chavez and the Farmworker Movement National Historic Park would pay tribute to one of the most influential leaders in U.S. history, but just as important it would recognize all the women and men who helped create and shape the movement," said Cesar Chavez Foundation President Paul F. Chavez. "It would teach Americans from all walks of life about what transformational leaders and activists could achieve in their struggle for civil rights and social justice."

"Honoring the Cesar E. Chavez and Farm Worker Movement National Historical Park would be a small token of appreciation to the thousands of farmworkers who have harvested the foods on our table. It is crucial that our national parks represent the diversity of America and respect the rich heritage of all of its people," said Teresa S. Romero, UFW President.

"Upon being elected to Congress, one of the first bills I introduced directed the National Park Service to initiate a historical resource study relating to Cesar Chavez's life and the Farm Labor Movement," said Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, First District. "Each year I was re-elected, I re-introduced the bill. It always passed the House, but it unfortunately stalled in the Senate. Finally, in 2008, my bill was passed and four years later, thanks to President Barack Obama, the César E. Chávez National Monument was established at Nuestra Senora Reina de la Paz in Keene, California in 2012. Today, I am grateful to Senator Alex Padilla and Congressman Raul Ruiz for taking the study a step further to establish a National Historic Park that represents a necessary step in our collective efforts to preserve Cesar's legacy."

"The history of the farmworker movement must continue to stay alive for generations to come, to remind us of the sacrifice and struggle to bring justice and dignity to our most essential workers," said TODEC Executive Director Luz Gallegos. "The Cesar E. Chavez & the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park Act will honor and give continuity and hope to movements to come. We congratulate Congressman Raul Ruiz for his vision and commitment to keep our history alive."

"The Cesar Chavez National Historical Park Act will recognize the crucial sites that were used for organizing the Farmworker Rights Movement. It brings us immense joy and pride that Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz is paying tribute and bringing recognition to our hard work and struggles that we overcame. La lucha sigue," said Mily Treviño-Sauceda, Executive Director of Alianza Nacional de Campesinas.

"We are deeply moved and thrilled by Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz and other Members of Congress and the Senate's efforts to ensure through our National Park Service a diverse, genuine and tangible source of inspiration for all people, especially our children, in this Country," said Suguet Lopez, Executive Director of Lideres Campesinas. "A wonderful way to preserve and tell the story of Cesar Chavez' legacy and the ongoing farmworker movement for generations to come."

BACKGROUND

In 2013, the National Park Service completed a Special Resource Study recommending that Congress establish a National Historical Park that incorporates several nationally significant sites in California and Arizona related to the life of César Chávez and the farm labor movement.

The legislation would:

Create the César E. Chávez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park. The park would include the following sites: Forty Acres in Delano, California; the César E. Chávez National Monument, which includes La Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz, in Keene, California; and the Santa Rita Center in Phoenix, Arizona. A map can be found here.
Upon written agreement by the site owner, the Department of Interior would be authorized to include McDonnell Hall in San Jose, California as part of the National Historical Park.
Designate the approximately 300-mile march route taken by farmworkers between Delano and Sacramento in 1966 as a National Historic Trail.
Require the Department of Interior to complete a general management plan for the historical park within three years.
The full bill text can be found here and a factsheet can be found here.

The César E. Chávez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park Act is supported by more than 50 Latino, civil rights, labor, conservation organizations; elected officials; and scholars and experts. This includes United Farm Workers, the Wilderness Society, Latinos in Heritage Conservation, and the Hispanic Access Foundation. A full list of supporters and additional statements of support can be found here.