Contact: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Megan VandenBos, 213-241-6388 March 11, 2025
L.A. Unified Celebrates Cesar Chavez Day
Los Angeles School Board recognizes ongoing fight for social justice
LOS ANGELES, March 11, 2025 – The Los Angeles Unified Board of Education honored the life and legacy of civil rights legend and American hero, Cesar E. Chavez. Board Member Kelly Gonez’s resolution in honor of the upcoming Cesar Chavez Day on March 31 called for schools to provide curriculum and resources on Cesar Chavez’s work to advance justice, workers’ rights, and community empowerment, and school communities to participate in civic engagement actions, such as at the upcoming annual Cesar Chavez Day March for Justice in Pacoima. All Board Members joined as cosponsors of the resolution.
“Cesar Chavez’s legacy to the Latinx Civil Rights movement and the workers’ rights movement lives on, and his work serves as a model for civil rights organizers today,” said Board Member Gonez. “With the ongoing threats from the Trump Administration, we are proud to support ongoing organizing, advocacy, and mobilization on behalf of our Latinx communities, immigrants, workers, and all communities Trump seeks to marginalize.”
“Cesar Chavez was not only a champion for farm workers' rights, but a visionary leader for social change,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “We proudly honor his legacy by integrating service-learning projects and educational opportunities that reflect his life, work, and values in our schools.”
“César Chavez made it clear that we cherish and preserve the ethnic and cultural diversity that nourishes and strengthens this community – and our nation," said Board President Scott M. Schmerelson. "We must always remember this important legacy.”
“On March 31, 2025, the Cesar E. Chavez Day of Service and Learning, I encourage all to learn about his life and legacy as a civil rights leader, community organizer, labor movement leader, environmental crusader, and champion for nonviolence, and to participate in community service in honor of his life,” said Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill.
Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas stated, “Honoring the legacy of Cesar E. Chavez is about more than remembering his incredible contributions to social justice—it's about continuing his fight for dignity, equity, and respect for all.”
“By celebrating Cesar Chavez Day, we reaffirm LA Unified’s commitment to equity, justice, and the power of community action and recognize his lasting impact on civil and labor rights,” said Board Member Nick Melvoin. “This year, that recognition feels especially important, and we hope that continuing to teach students about his work helps inspire the next generation to advocate for fairness, dignity, and workers' rights.”
“The legacy of Cesar E. Chavez includes one of taking direct action against unjust labor practices and part of the larger Chicanx Movement and movement for Civil Rights,” said Board Member Karla Griego. “As a school district, we need to ensure that we do right by our employees who work hard to provide students with safe, clean, and vibrant learning environments every day. It is also important for our students to learn about these historical events and how they can take action against injustice today.”
“Cesar Chavez taught us many invaluable life lessons through his unwavering advocacy, leadership, and commitment to justice,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “As we honor his legacy, we encourage our students to carry his mission forward by engaging in civic activities and educational opportunities that instill the dignity and respect every person deserves.”
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