Reed Honors Enduring Legacy of César Chávez

Press Release

In observation of César Chávez Day, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) joined Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and a number of Democratic colleagues in supporting a resolution to honor and commemorate civil rights leader César Estrada Chávez. Reed will also commemorate and honor the late labor activist by delivering remarks this evening at the César Chávez-Tam Tran Scholarship Awards Celebration in Providence, where several undocumented students who are part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program will be receiving scholarships.

"César Chávez was a great American who proudly served his country and defended labor rights for workers everywhere. He overcame discrimination and was a tireless champion for civil rights and social justice. César Chávez deserves to be recognized for improving countless lives and his actions, words, and deeds will continue to resonate and inspire," said Senator Reed.

César Estrada Chávez was born 86 years ago, on March 31, 1927, in Arizona to poor migrant farm workers. Following the principles of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., in 1962 César Chávez co-founded the first successful farm workers union in the United States -- the United Farm Workers (UFW) to campaign for safe and fair working conditions, reasonable wages, decent housing, and the outlawing of child labor. He inspired hope in these workers through his great rallying catchphrase, "Sí Se Puede." Chávez was a recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Prize during his lifetime and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on August 8, 1994.

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