Pelosi Statement on Cesar Chávez Day

Contact: Drew Hammill/Evangeline George, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today in honor of the 89th anniversary of Cesar Chávez’s birthday:

“Cesar Chávez made America more fair, more just, and more hopeful. A visionary organizer, Chávez used non-violent activism to lay bare the plight of America’s farmworkers – igniting an iconic movement to secure safe working conditions, fair wages, and proper protections for working families. Chávez challenged the nation to take up the cause of justice for working people as a common fight, ‘for their sakes and for our own.’

“Through the fasts, boycotts and marches he led, Cesar Chávez helped win crucial victories for the Latino community and, indeed, for all Americans. Today, we must channel the unyielding spirit of Cesar Chávez as we work to realize our nation’s dream of equality and justice for all. We must build an economy that works for everyone, with fair and rising wages and equal pay for equal work. We must stand up for hard-working immigrant families and grow our economy by passing comprehensive immigration reform. We must fight to guarantee that the voices of all Americans are heard at the ballot box, no matter their race or background.

“Each Cesar Chávez Day, we draw fresh inspiration to carry forward the great fight against xenophobia, racism and injustice. At every turn in his extraordinary life, Cesar Chávez reminded us that the struggle for civil and workers’ rights ‘is always about people.’ His legacy calls on us to recognize that America draws strength from the dreams, aspirations and success of all people across our nation. Let us rededicate ourselves to the life’s work of Cesar Chávez: putting the American Dream in reach for all.”

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