Cesar Chavez Day is a proclaimed Federal holiday in the United States by President Obama in 2014 which is celebrated annually on March 31st. The day is celebrated to commemorate the birthday and the legacy of civil rights and labor movement leader Cesar Chavez.
Only in states which have this day listed as a state holiday are state offices and schools closed. The states Arizona, California and New Mexico have declared this day a state holiday.
Cesar Chavez Day is celebrated all over the United States. On this day, many community and civil rights leaders take the opportunity to speak about the values of Cesar Chavez and the methods he used to make a positive impact on society. Discussions and debates also occur on this day to bring the public’s attention to key issues of the day.
Although declared as a federal holiday by President Barack Obama in 2014, The state of California and Nevada had already begun celebrating Cesar Chavez Day on March 31st since 2000 and 2003 respectively.
- He was born as Cesario Estrada Chavez on March 31, 1927, around Yuma, Arizona.
- In 1942, Cesar Chavez had to quite grammar school to work full-time in the fields
- In 1946, he enlisted in the Navy and served for 2 years
- He became a labor organizer in the 1950s
- He formed the National Farm Workers Association in 1962.
- In 1968, he headed up the La Causa Boycott against U.S table grape growers in California.
- In 1968, he went on a 25-day hunger strike
- In 1970, the UFW signed a contract with grape growers and ended their strike
- In 1972, he went on a hunger strike that lasted 24-days
- On April 23, 1993, Cesar Chavez died in San Luis, Arizona at the age of 66 years of age.
- S President Bill Clinton awarded the Medal of Freedom to Cesar Chavez in 1994