Cesar Chavez Day is a holiday that commemorates the work of farm labor activist Cesar Chavez. It is celebrated in ten states on March 31, the day of his birth. Cesar Chavez Day was officially celebrated in Nebraska for the first time on March 31, 2008.New America Media: ...Calling For National Holiday (March 31, 2009)
A National Holiday?
There are current efforts, by the supporters of Chavez, to make Cesar Chavez Day a national holiday. On March 31, 2008, President Obama stated, "I support the call to make Cesar Chavez's birthday a national holiday. It's time to recognize the contributions of this American icon to the ongoing efforts to perfect our union."New America Media: ...Calling For National Holiday (March 31, 2009) The statement gave hope to the supporters that their efforts, which began in 2000, may not be in vein.
Cesar Chavez Facts:
- Birth name: Cesar Estrada Chavez
- Born: March 31, 1927
- Place of Birth:Yuma, Arizona
- Occupation: Farm worker, labor leader, civil rights activist
- Organization: United Farm Workers
- Died: April 23, 1993
- Personal statement: Si se puede! (Yes, it can be done!), that was later used by United Farm Workers
References
Fast Facts
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Celebrated
March 31, Cesar Chavez's birthday
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Fact:
State holiday in California, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, New Mexico, Utah, Illinois, Wisconsin, Nebraska
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Fact:
In 2008 Cesar Chavez Day was celebrated for the first time in Nebraska
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Fact:
California's governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, declined to have a state observance in 2004 and 2005, to save money
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Fact:
Arizona and Colorado consider it an optional holiday
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Fact:
A website and a national campaign have begun to promote turning the observance into a national holiday
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Fact:
Carlos Santana, Edward James Olmos and Martin Sheen are national campaign co-chairmen
