Every year on March 31, a day proclaimed by President Barack Obama in 2014, communities across the United States honor César Chávez, a champion of labor rights and social justice.

Chávez, a Mexican American labor leader, co-founded the United Farm Workers to fight for better wages and improved working conditions for farmworkers. His efforts, which included strikes, boycotts and marches, brought national attention to the injustices faced by agricultural laborers.

Chávez spoke out against those injustices through nonviolent action.

“His protests helped people finally see what these people have to go through, and it also made it so companies would notice and make changes,” freshman Isaac Cortez said. “Being nonviolent made people respect him and made it so that they would hear him instead of being against him.”

For many, learning about Chávez’s legacy is a deeply personal and inspiring experience.

Junior Eliana Perez reflected on her own family’s journey.

“My parents just described how difficult it was, and moving here was the better option,” Perez said.

Stories like hers highlight the ongoing challenges immigrant families face and the sacrifices made in pursuit of better opportunities.

Senior Jasmin Alvarez emphasized the resilience it takes to advocate for change.

“After learning about Chávez, I understood how much strength and courage it takes to make a change and advocate for things like labor rights and social justice,” Alvarez said. “It’s not an easy thing to do and requires a commitment and community effort to be able to make a change for the good, which Chávez did with pride.”

As students reflect on Chávez’s influence, they are reminded that his legacy lives on in the fight for equality and justice.