Linda Sánchez Statement on Anniversary of César Chávez’ Birthday (Mar. 31 2011)
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Linda Sánchez released the following statement today to honor the life and work of civil rights leader and labor organizer César Chávez. Today is the 84th anniversary of Chávez' birthday.
"I am proud to celebrate the life of a true pioneer and hero, César Chávez. He inspired a nation by organizing immigrant and minority farm workers to courageously fight for fair pay, fair benefits and fair working conditions. His legacy serves as a powerful reminder that every worker deserves to be treated with dignity and respect."
"On a personal level, César Chávez' work left a lasting impact on my family. As children, my brothers and sisters begged our mother to buy us grapes. Like Americans across the country, my mother refused to buy grapes in support of a grape pickers strike led by Chávez' United Farm Workers Union. The United Farm Workers won their fight and I learned a great lesson: when workers come together to stand up for what is right, they can do powerful things."