| We are heartbroken feeling the profound grief in our communities from the emerging allegations of sexual abuse by Cesar Chavez. We stand with all of the survivors, from Dolores Huerta herself to those whose names we may never know. Far too many women are harmed by powerful men while giving their blood, sweat, and tears to social movements, and choose silence in order to protect the work they have dedicated their lives to. These revelations are even more hurtful as they run contrary to the very spirit of worker organizations which exist to harness the collective power of workers against those who use their power to cause harm. We must all recommit ourselves to the work of making our movements safe places to call home and condemn leaders abusing their power in all forms.
Social movements have always been far more than singular leaders. The farmworker movement did not begin with Chavez nor has it ended with him. Farmworkers in our region have been organizing for dignity and justice since before his birth and continue today. Millions of ordinary people across the US and abroad took part in the historic upswelling of the farmworker movement sparked by the United Farm Workers, leading boycotts, strikes, and marches that changed the course of history. Countless farmworkers bravely fought for fair working conditions and livable wages, risking their livelihoods and facing down the barrels of guns. Their undeniable legacy continues today with grassroots organizing led by immigrant and indigenous farmworkers here in the Central Coast and across international borders. They are the heroes of this movement and always will be. |
