Washington - On the 84th birthday anniversary of Cesar Estrada Chavez, US Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today honored his legacy by introducinga resolution that recognizes him as one of the country's most important civil rights and labor leaders. For the fifth year in a row Republicans blocked this resolution from being adopted by Unanimous Consent, preventing an official honor for Chavez in the Senate.
Sen. Menendez said, "I am proud to celebrate the life and legacy of Cesar Chavez on the 84th anniversary of his birthday. He was one of our nation's most important civil rights leaders. Chavez's work was instrumental in paving the way for social progress and the respect of hardworking American farmers and workers. His legacy serves as a source of inspiration for those who continue to seek greater justice and dignity for all Americans. Chavez always said the fight is always about people, and that fight continues."
Born on March 31, 1927 in Arizona, Cesar Chavez was a Mexican American farm worker whose life circumstances showed him firsthand the injustices and hardships of farm workers and led him to dedicate his life to helping those who spent their lives picking the food that Americans eat, ensuring they received the respect and benefits they deserved. His efforts led to equality, justice, and dignity not only for Hispanic farm workers, but for all workers in the United States. His success can be measured by the lasting impact he made toward ending workplace discrimination, unsafe and unfair working conditions, low wages, and child labor.
Link to resolution: http://menendez.senate.gov/download/?id=20ccd804-28d5-448e-a82a-d5b9ed25e074
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