Sen. Padilla, Rep. Ruiz Push for National Park Named for César E. Chávez

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

United States Sen. Alex Padilla (DCA) and Congressman Raul Ruiz (DCA-25) last week introduced bicameral legislation to create the “César E. Chávez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park.”

The bill calls for preserving nationally significant sites associated with labor and civil rights leader César E. Chávez and the farmworker movement in California and Arizona. The legislation is co-sponsored by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and U.S. Congressmembers Raul Grijalva (DAZ-7) and Rueben Gallego (D-AZ-3).

“On César Chávez Day we commemorate the work and legacy of an iconic Latino civil rights leader,” Sen. Alex Padilla said in a statement. “Establishing the César E. Chávez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park will pay proper homage to Chávez’s tireless work for the dignity, respect, and equal treatment of farmworkers.

Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared March 31, 2023, Cesar Chavez day in California.

Padilla continued, “Our National Park System tells the story of our nation and preserves the people and movements that we value as Americans. Yet our park system does not yet adequately preserve the full culture and diverse legacy of all Americans. This legislation would bring us closer to the recognition farmworkers have earned and deserve.”

Chávez is a Latino icon and civil rights leader, labor leader, and community organizer whose legacy is intricately connected to the story of California, the farmworker labor movement, and the push for worker and civil rights.

Chávez empowered Latinos and farmworkers to fight for fair wages, health care coverage, pension benefits,