Heinrich Introduces Resolution Honoring The Life And Achievements Of César Chávez

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) joined his Senate colleagues in introducing a resolution to commemorate the life and legacy of civil rights leader and labor champion César Estrada Chávez.

“César Chávez was a fearless leader and deeply committed to improving the lives of others,” said Heinrich. “He was a champion of justice, tirelessly fighting for better working conditions and fair wages, and inspired a generation of community organizers across the country.”

Heinrich continued, “César Chávez’s ability to bring the plight of America’s farmworkers before the world not only resonates in the Hispanic community, but it resonates across all lines of ethnicity, race, and background. His legacy and spirit live on in New Mexico through the tireless work of those who strive to make their communities better. Let us continue César Chávez’s vision of service and work together toward creating a more prosperous nation filled with hope and opportunity for everyone. ¡Si Se Puede!”

César Estrada Chávez was born on March 31, 1927, in Arizona to poor migrant farm workers. In 1962, 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. Following the principles of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., Chávez committed to nonviolent protest to call attention to the terrible working and living conditions of American farm workers. He inspired hope in these workers through his great rallying catchphrase, "Sí Se Puede." César 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.

The resolution, led by U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.). A similar resolution was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Tony Cardenas (D-Calif.).

A copy of the resolution can be found here.