César Chávez Day is in March, 2012. It celebrates the birthday of César Estrada Chávez and it serves as a tribute to his commitment to social justice and respect for human dignity.

César Chávez National Holiday was established by Los Angeles volunteers who organized and led the effort in California that won César Chávez Day, the first legal state holiday and day of service and learning in honor of farm worker leader César E. Chávez. The legal holiday bill introduced by then State Senator Richard Polanco (Los Angeles-D) was signed into law by then Governor Gray Davis (D) on August 18, 2000. The holiday is celebrated in California on César E. Chávez’s birthday March 31st. This marked the first time that a labor leader or Latino has been honored with a public legal holiday.

The California legal holiday set into motion a wave of initiatives resulting in optional and commemorative César Chávez Days in nine additional states (Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin and Rhode Island.)

César Chávez Day brings together hundreds of thousands who engage in celebrations, service and learning projects, and other actions that further the many causes which César Chávez worked for.

The mission of César E. Chávez National Holiday, a public benefit organization, is to work for national recognition of César E. Chávez on his birthday March 31. We are forming national, state and local coalitions; organizing volunteer committees; and providing education about the value to our nation of honoring César E. Chávez.

For additional information please visit www.cesarchaveznm.org