Los Angeles to Rename César Chávez Day Following Recent Allegations
Los Angeles Moves to Rename César Chávez Day Amid Controversy
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is set to sign a proclamation on Thursday to officially change César Chávez Day to Farm Workers Day. This decision follows serious allegations against the late civil rights leader, who has been accused of sexually abusing girls and women, including prominent activist Dolores Huerta.
The mayor’s proclamation will designate the last Monday in March as Farm Workers Day. Bass will be accompanied by women members of the Los Angeles City Council during the signing ceremony, according to her office.
Additionally, Bass plans to collaborate with community members and the City Council to consider renaming various landmarks in the city that currently bear Chávez’s name.
"Real progress requires more than moments of reckoning – it demands sustained action to dismantle social, cultural, economic, and political structures that have hurt women throughout our history," Bass stated on Wednesday. "Mr. Chávez’s crimes do not diminish the courage of farm workers and workers everywhere who fight for their rights, equality for Latinos, and a stronger nation for everyone."
Los Angeles City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, whose district includes East Los Angeles and Boyle Heights—areas with significant Latino populations—expressed her support for renaming holidays and public spaces. This may include César E. Chávez Avenue, which extends from downtown Los Angeles to East LA.
"I am deeply troubled by the accounts about César Chávez that have emerged. No legacy should be beyond scrutiny," Jurado remarked. "These painful accounts mean that now is the time to rethink how we honor the farmworker movement and affirm our commitment to the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights."
Los Angeles County is also poised to take swift action regarding the renaming of buildings and institutions associated with Chávez. County Supervisor Janice Hahn called for the change of César Chávez Day to Farmworkers Day, expressing her horror upon learning about the allegations involving Huerta.
Hilda Solis, another LA County Supervisor with a history of collaboration with Huerta, announced plans to introduce a motion to rename César Chávez Day. She also intends to propose a review of the names of parks, streets, and facilities that currently honor Chávez.
“I am deeply shaken by the abuse involving César Chávez, including the horrific account shared by my close friend Dolores Huerta and other survivors," Solis stated. "These allegations are grave and deeply painful, and they demand a thorough, transparent, and trauma-informed response."
Furthermore, discussions are expected to commence regarding the potential removal of murals featuring Chávez’s imagery from public spaces throughout Los Angeles.
For more information on local landmarks named after Chávez, a comprehensive list is available.
