Latine leaders say César Chavez Day opens door for discussion

By Mark Muckenfuss

César Chavez Day is not just a time to recognize the leader who brought the issue of farmworker rights to the American consciousness. It is also an opportunity to appreciate the contributions of others in that movement, the societal changes that resulted from it and the ongoing challenges that today’s farmworkers face, say Cal State Monterey Bay’s Latine leaders.

CSUMB President Vanya Quiñones said Chávez’s life continues to be relevant.

“César Chávez Day at Cal State Monterey Bay is more than a celebration—it’s a reaffirmation of our commitment to justice and the transformative power of education,” Quiñones said. “Chávez’s legacy inspires our mission to create pathways of social mobility for our students and their families, uplifting communities through opportunity and empowerment.”

While the state holiday is officially César Chavez Day, many organizations recognize it as the César Chavez and Delores Huerta Day of Service. Huerta, along with Chavez and Gilbert Pedilla, founded the National Farm Workers Association, which eventually became United Farm Workers, in the mid-1960s. 

“A lot of people, when they highlight César Chavez, they talk about Dolores Huerta,” said Lara Arias, student coordinator for El Centro, a support organization. “It’s important to recognize her and all these other connections.”

Rudy Medina, director of the Otter Cross-Cultural Center, said Huerta visited CSUMB twice while he was a student. He went to see her both times.

“I come from a farm-working family,” Medina said. “I heard a lot of stories from my parents, and my grandpa too, about the boycotts and participating in the strikes. Both César Chavez and Dolores Huerta meant a lot to me.

“She’s a powerful figure,” he added. “The first time I met her, it was in building 53, the science building. I must have been a freshman. I took a shirt that had the UFW logo and she signed it for me. It was a really powerful experience. I still have that shirt.”

Guadalupe Barragan, El Centro’s coordinator, said Chavez is a good starting point for recognizing all of the things that have come out of the farmworker rights movement. 

“We want to make sure we pay tribute to Filipino labor leaders,” Barragan said. “They played a critical role in the grape strike.”

It was Filipino members of the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee who organized the first strike against grape growers in Delano, California, in 1965. That action led to a national boycott movement. 

Suzanne García, associate professor of bilingual education and the faculty affiliate for El Centro, said she is encouraged that the importance of the farmworkers' rights movement is being handed down generationally and that young people such as Barragan and Arias are aware of its history and continuing importance. 

“I’m excited,” García said, as they sat talking about the issues. “César Chavez Day raises awareness and creates discussions like this.”