12 noon Sunday, April 18, in Salinas
Six years after his death, Cesar Chavez’s followers honor the legendary UFW founder by marching to continue his legacy and work
To mark the sixth anniversary of his death, hundreds of Latinos and other followers of Cesar Chavez will march in Salinas Sunday to remember the legendary farm labor leader and support the movement he founded.
Among those leading the march will be Dolores Huerta–who with Chavez co-founded the United Farm Workers in 1962–as well as local labor and political leaders.
Since Chavez’s death on April 23, 1993, parks, schools and streets in cities across the nation have been named for him. In 1994, President Clinton posthumously awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Chavez remains an American hero for millions of Latinos and people from all walks of life, most of whom will never work on a farm.
Under Chavez’s successor as UFW president, Arturo Rodriguez, the union has won 18 straight elections and signed 22 new contracts with growers. On the central coast, the UFW is focusing on helping strawberry workers organize to improve their lives.
Who: Hundreds of central coast farm workers and supporters led by UFW co-founder Dolores Huerta as well as musical and theater groups.
What: Marchers marking the sixth anniversary of Cesar Chavez’s death and vowing to continue his work.
When: 12 noon, Sunday, April 18, 1999.
Where: Start at Cesar Chavez Park, 250 North Madeira Ave. (cross street), in Salinas.
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