Dallas College integrated Cesar Chavez Day, observed March 31, into its academic calendar. The institution’s campuses closed for the day.
Chavez, a prominent figure in the American Labor and Civil Rights Movements, co-established the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee.
This organization later evolved into the United Farm Workers labor union, formed in collaboration with Dolores Huerta.
However, many students may be unaware of the activists and their movement and advoca-cy for civil rights on behalf of Hispanic and migrant workers.
“He might not have been known as Martin Luther King, but he still made a big change,” said Sofia Alva, a Richland Campus student and staff writer for the Richland Chronicle.
Chavez spearheaded a movement originating in California.
This movement focused on the pro-tection of Mexican American workers and migrant laborers, advocating for their rights and the attain-ment of improved wages. His contributions are recognized for their role in the advancement of equality.
“Well, I’m glad we celebrate it and his work, as well as the people who worked with him, and the women,” said Alba Carvajal, world languages and ESOL manager at the Richland Campus Language Center.
Chavez’s efforts to organize a union for agricultural workers is considered a major contribution to the progression of American workers’ rights. The impact of his achievements is acknowledged as a factor in the ongoing development of American society.
Labor Day functions as a designated period for reflection on the social and economic achieve-ments of American workers, as well as the historical context of labor movements.
“This holiday is important for looking into our past roots for a better future,” said Curt Childress, professor of government at Dallas College, Richland Campus.
Chavez’s method of activism relied on nonviolent strategies, which significantly influenced the goal of social progress. The use of violent tactics is considered likely to have engendered harm to people and societal tension.
His commitment to peaceful movements draws clear inspiration from the princi-ples of Martin Luther King Jr. The inclusion of this holiday displays the college’s acknowledgement of the importance of Chavez’s work.
