Erica Smiley: For Us, César Chávez Day Isn’t Just A History Lesson. His Life’s Work Remains Our Unfinished Mission.
On Thursday, Jobs With Justice released a statement commemorating César Chávez Day in recognition of the iconic labor and civil rights leader and co-founder of the National Farmworker Union.
Erica Smiley, Executive Director of Jobs With Justice stated the following:
“Today, we honor César Chávez, a fearless champion for social justice and workers’ rights whose tireless activism improved the lives of countless farmworkers, immigrants, and their families. As an organization, we could not be prouder to carry forward alongside our partners the legacy César Chávez set forth to fight for social change and economic justice for working people every day. As a titan of the labor movement and human rights, his example inspires our shared fight today for safer, healthier working conditions in the face of a pandemic, a deeply unequal economic crisis, and a national reckoning on racial and economic justice.
“Throughout the pandemic, our nation’s more than two million farmworkers risked their lives and that of their families to put food on tables across America. They and America’s other essential workers are the backbone of our economy and deserve fair wages, healthy working conditions, and worker protections. The American dream for all.
“For us, César Chávez Day isn’t just a history lesson. His life’s work remains our unfinished mission: to put the American Dream within reach for all. Dignity. Respect. Justice. ‘¡Sí se puede!’”
###
