César Chávez
Born in Yuma, Arizona, on March 31, 1927, César E. Chávez left a mark on the American labor movement and the fight for Latino civil rights. A devoted advocate for the rights of farm workers, Chávez dedicated his life to “la causa” – the struggle to improve the working and living conditions of those who toiled in the fields. He is a prominent face of migrant agriculture civil rights and an important figure to Riverside’s own citrus farming industry.
In 1994, President Bill Clinton posthumously awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States. Beyond accolades, Chávez’s legacy lives on in his ability to amplify the voices of migrant agricultural workers and his role in popularizing the phrase “Si se puede!” (Yes, we can!).
In Riverside, we honor his memory with a bronze memorial sculpture on Main Street in Downtown, depicting Chávez leading the way for migrant farmers. The César E. Chávez Community Center in the Eastside area serves as another lasting tribute to his profound influence.
Nationwide, César Chávez Day falls on his birthday, a day to remember and celebrate his unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and empowerment.