César Chávez & Dolores Huerta

“¡Sí se Puede!”

More than sixty years ago, civil rights activists César Chávez and Dolores Huerta ignited a movement that transformed Latino communities by championing the rights of farmworkers and working people. They believed it was important to support working families, Latinos, and immigrants to create lasting community empowerment.

The Story of César Chávez

The story of César Estrada Chávez begins near Yuma, Arizona. Cesar was born on March 31, 1927. He was named after his grandfather, Cesario. Regrettably, the story of César Chávez also ends near Yuma, Arizona. He passed away on April 23, 1993, in San Luis, a small village near Yuma, Arizona...

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César Chávez Day, celebrated annually on March 31st

César Chávez Day, celebrated

annually on March 31st,

commemorates the birth and legacy

of the Mexican-American labor leader

and civil rights activist, Cesar Chavez. It is a time to reflect on his impactful work in organizing farmworkers and promoting social justice through nonviolent means. While not a federal holiday in the traditional sense, it is a state holiday in California and a recognized commemorative day nationwide.

The significance of César's life transcends any one cause or struggle. He was a unique and humble leader, as well as a great humanitarian and communicator who influenced and inspired millions of Americans from all walks of life. César forged a national and extraordinarily diverse coalition for farm worker boycotts, which included students, middle class consumers, trade unionists, religious activists and minorities. liked to say that his job as an organizer was helping ordinary people do extraordinary things.

Dolores Huerta

Dolores Huerta was a co-founder of the United Farm Workers of America (UFW) organization and the Chicano movement, along with César Chávez. Dolores Huerta is an activist who has fought for over 60 years for the rights of laborers, women, and immigrants. The rally cry, and Adelante's Charter School motto, “¡Sí, se puede,” which means “yes, it is possible” in Spanish and is credited to Señora Huerta.

In 2012, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama and through The Dolores Huerta Foundation, she continues her grassroots approach to community organizing. The Foundation advocates for all social justice movements from civic engagement to LGBTQ+ rights.

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Dolores Huerta in Delano, CA, during Grape Strikes, 1965 (left) and her receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama in 2012. (National Archives Identifier 219775169)