Joe Baca: “As we approach the end of March, we approach the birthday of Cesar Chavez, a positive role model for the Latino…”

“As we approach the end of March, we approach the birthday of Cesar Chavez, a positive role model for the Latino community, a hero. Caesar Chavez touched the lives of millions with his nonviolent struggle for justice, education, and equality. He was a beacon of hope. But Cesar Chavez views the challenges he faced as a motivation to help farmworkers whose suffering he shared. In 1962, Caesar Chavez founded the National Farmworkers Association, the predecessor to the United Farmworkers of America. He organized farmworkers to campaign for fair working conditions, reasonable wages, and decent housing and health conditions. He sacrificed himself for human rights and for dignity. He left a legacy for each and every one of us, and for generations to come. He has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Martin Luther King, Jr., Peace Prize, and was nominated for the Nobel Prize. No one better symbolizes Latino empowerment than does Caesar Chavez. He is a symbol of hope, and we will never forget his words. The challenge of life, justice, and equality will ever ring in our lives: Si, se puede; yes, we can. We should honor his birthday by celebrating it, and I am hopeful we will pass that legislation.”