The legacy of late labor leader Cesar Chavez is celebrated today and Saturday with several area events.

Chavez, who co-founded the union that became the United Farm Workers, led the fight for better wages and working conditions for field hands.

The civil-rights activist is recognized with a state holiday on his birthday, March 31. A push is under way to honor him with a national holiday. Chavez died in 1993.

"He was one of the heroes of the ’60s and ’70s," said Tony Bocanegra, executive director of Sinfonia Mexicana in San Bernardino and a member of the Redlands Human Relations Commission. "He gave respect to people who put food on our tables."

The commission is helping sponsor today’s sixth annual Cesar E. Chavez Breakfast Celebration at 7 a.m. at American Legion Post 650, 1532 N. Church St., Redlands.

The following Chavez-related events are also scheduled:

Cesar E. Chavez Prayer Breakfast, Cesar Chavez Middle School, 6650 Magnolia Ave., San Bernardino at 8 a.m. Saturday. Contact Mel Albiso at (909) 381-1300.

Cesar Chavez Build Day, Lytle Creek Park, 380 S. K St., San Bernardino from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday. Community volunteers will build a playground. Contact Nick Gonzalez in Mayor Pat Morris’ office at (909) 384-5133.

Fontana/Rialto Cesar E. Chavez Inaugural Luncheon, Fontana High School, 9453 Citrus Ave. at 11 a.m. Saturday. Contact Armando Yepes at (909) 429-9093.