His name is everywhere, on schools, parks and UA buildings. In November, his name may even be on the ballot. Cesar Chavez, political activist for migrant worker rights, is well known for achievements with the United Farm Workers Union. And while Chavez is recognized throughout the nation for his contribution to the civil rights movement, a local organization wants to take it up a notch by trying to change what's already recognized throughout the state as an unpaid holiday into a paid one.
As you probably figured out Wednesday, it's something some cities have already done. Tempe and Phoenix did it as of last summer. So why not get the rest of the state in on it as well? A grass-roots group called Arizona United must collect 122,612 votes by July 1 to put the issue on our next ballot. And it's about time, too.
Cesar Chavez, born in Arizona into a family of migrant workers, traveled from farm to farm working in the fields. He's probably most famous for his part in organizing and encouraging a California grape-pickers strike while getting Americans to boycott grapes in the 1960s. It was a five-year struggle resulting in victory for the migrant workers as sellers recognized consumer demand for grapes with the UFWU label.
Through fasting, strikes and boycotts throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he and the UFWU sought higher wages and improved working conditions. His contribution to the field of Chicano rights, as well as to the greater field of civil rights was essential. Recognition for such a valuable role is only fitting.
Currently, California is the only state with March 31 marked as a paid holiday in his honor. As a non-paid holiday, like it is in parts of our state, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas, we place Chavez on a level where he is acknowledged, yes. It does note his achievements. But, it's not quite the same as a paid holiday. By not recognizing him in the manner we would Martin Luther King Jr., we go from celebrating to simply observing. Cesar Chavez deserves more than that.
And in Arizona, especially, recognition is important. The Hispanic presence in the state is a significant fact of everyday life. One cannot go down the grocery aisle without noticing the Spanish influence while passing by an entire section devoted to tortillas.
Yet, it's as journalism sophomore Gwen Collins asks, "Why is it that I've always heard about Martin Luther King Jr., but am just now hearing about Cesar Chavez?"
While some of us here have been doing reports and listening to other students' presentations on Chavez since we were in elementary school, not everyone can say the same. It's a pity.
Cesar Chavez was an important Hispanic leader. But more than that, he was a role model and a principal character in the development of worker rights in this country. His message of fighting social injustices with radical actions and through negotiations goes far beyond all racial borders and into the heart of what this country stands for.
Celebrating the impact his life has had on our society can be seen in things like tomorrow's third annual Cesar E. Chavez day of service with ASU and South Phoenix's Brooks Academy. And the recognition he's received by cities like Phoenix and Tempe is wonderful. We need to take it one more step forward; simply observing just doesn't cut it anymore.
Rosie Cisneros is a journalism sophomore. Reach her at rosie.cisneros@asu.edu.
