Beyond The Individual: Revisiting the Legacy of the Farmworkers Movement
By Loureyna Pablo
Within a week of sexual assault allegations released by the New York Times, a California bill was passed to rename César Chávez Day to Farmworkers Day.
The news resulted in the hasty removal of his presence in murals, statues and other tributes to the revered labor rights activist. Chávez helped lead the Farm Workers Movement, which garnered change for poor working conditions and paved the way for labor rights. Until now, he embodied the heart and soul of it.
From school names to street signs, Chávez was more than just a name in a textbook. He was an inspiration, prompting generations of Chicano activists and Democratic leaders.
What took the shock of the nation to another level was Dolores Huerta's statement of her own against Chávez. Huerta was a lead figure in the movement, as well co-founder of the United Farmworkers (UFW) union. She was a negotiator, strike and boycott organizer, lobbyist and a part of a successful union contract in 1970.
Huerta decided that the progress they had achieved was something she wanted to separate and protect from his actions. Her experience, along with the various other women who came forward with their statements, highlights the mistreatment of women at the hand of Chávez that intersected with the progressive nature of the farm workers movement.
But the progress was beyond the power of an individual. Thousands joined the 280-mile march to Sacramento in 1966, and many more participated in numerous boycotts, walkouts and strikes. The struggles of the many throughout the movement resulted in the successes of higher wages, better working conditions and a federal credit union for members.
With César Chávez Day renamed as Farmworkers Day, the celebration of the holiday should shift to just that — a tribute to the farmworkers who fueled the movement. From celebrating the wins of the Delano Grape Strike, to remembering the community support of childcare centers for strikers, there is much history to recall and people to honor.
The pivotal change is also a reminder of why the holiday exists. Education beyond textbook learning is necessary, especially for communities susceptible to erasure. PBS offers a brief history on the movement by way of video, and Chaffey’s library has accessible texts for Panthers. Before the holiday rolls around again, educators can gear up to frame discussion around events and groups within the movement with a more honest lens.
Action is another way to celebrate the holiday. In March, Chaffey hosts a day of service. It includes a volunteer fair with community service opportunities, now to honor Dolores Huerta. By extending the legacy of community support, there is preservation of the progress Huerta wanted to protect.
It is also important to acknowledge the sexual abuse that occurred. In a message for Chaffey, the college’s president stated that the school stands “firmly in support of all victims of sexual abuse.” Instead of dismissing it after some time, Farmworkers Day can be a moment to spread awareness, promote resources for victims and ensure safe spaces for everyone.
Rebranding means recognizing the many people who fought for decades to combat the workers' struggles. Rather than totally erase the holiday, Farmworkers Day can be a reminder that significant change means coming together as a community.