WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of the 92th birthday anniversary of Cesar Estrada Chavez on March 31, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) today introduced a resolution honoring the legacy of Chavez, recognizing him as one of the country's most important civil rights and labor leaders. A similar resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Tony Cardenas (D-CA-29)

“Despite the lack of support of Republicans colleagues, I am honored to commemorate the accomplishments and lasting legacy of Cesar Chavez, one of our country’s most important civil rights and labor leaders,” said Senator Menendez. “At a time when loud and angry voices insist on spreading fear and stirring up hate against our communities, let us carry forward Chavez’ call for universal dignity and respect, and recommit ourselves to follow his unwavering devotion to our community and his guiding principle that we must leave the world a better place than we found it. I join New Jerseyans and millions across the country in celebrating Cesar Chavez, an American hero who showed us our voices can change the course of history and helped pave our nation’s way towards justice for all.”

Cesar Estrada Chavez was born on March 31, 1927, in Arizona to poor migrant farm workers. In 1962 Cesar Chavez 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." Cesar E. Chavez 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 Senate resolution is cosponsored by Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jackie Rosen (D-Nev.) Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass), Tom Udall (D-N.M.) Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).

The full text of the resolution can be found here.

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