On March 31, Californians have the perfect opportunity to take a moment and consider the legacy of César Chávez, born on that date in 1927. Though it’s not a federal holiday like Martin Luther King Jr. Day, in California, Chávez’s birthday has been an official state holiday and day of service since a bill introduced by state Sen. Richard Polanco was signed into law by Gray Davis in August of 2000.
In California, March 31 is recognized as an official holiday with state offices, schools and many private businesses closed. Some states have also designated March 31 as a holiday, and it has been marked as a commemorative day by President Barack Obama. For his part, current Oval Office tenant Joe Biden has a statue of the labor leader ensconced behind the Resolute Desk.
The holiday is unique because it encourages citizens to participate in an act of community service that pays homage to Chávez’s lifetime of work as an American farm laborer, union organizer and civil rights activist. With Dolores Huerta, he cofounded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers. Chavez died of natural causes in 1993 at the age of 66.
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