"Cesar Estrada Chavez, the late founder and president of the United Farm Workers of America, had deep confidence in the ability of people to move mountains of injustice. In fact, under his leadership, farm workers moved the agribusiness mountain and won the first union contracts for agricultural workers in the grape fields.

The Mexican American labor leader was a humble man who gave of himself unselfishly to the cause of farm workers and all workers. He championed the cause of equality for Latinos like no one else. His courage in the face of some of our nation’s most powerful industries inspired generations of all races and nationalities to fight the good fight.

Millions followed Cesar Chavez on his journey which won monumental gains for farm workers, for civil rights, political representation for racial minorities and environmental justice. These achievements place him as one of the most outstanding leaders of the twentieth century.

On August 18th, the state of California recognized that legacy when Governor Gray Davis signed into law the creation of an official state holiday which will be celebrated starting in 2001 on Cesar Chavez’s birthday March 31st. Also established will be a Cesar Chavez day of learning and service in the state’s public schools where the state’s youth will be taught about Cesar and his union. This is the first time in the United States that a Latino or labor leader has ever received this tribute."

http://www.cesarchavezholiday.org/aboutcesarechavez.html