Washington, D.C. - Today Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) honored the visionary activist Cesar Chavez on his birthday March 31, 1927 by introducing legislation to provide Cesar E. Chavez with a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal. 

"Cesar Chavez has been an inspiration to millions of Americans, he has been a symbol of unity and drive for the Latino community for years," said Congressman Baca. "I believe that it is time that we offer Cesar Chavez and his accomplishments a Congressional Gold Medal, a true symbol of gratitude from a grateful country." 

Cesar E. Chavez was born in 1927, the second child and oldest son of Cesario Chavez a Mexican American farmer from Arizona. Cesar grew up in the fruit and vegetable fields and knew what it meant to work them from dawn to dusk. He knew the injustices that faced labor workers on a daily basis, and knew there had to be a change. 

Through the toil and struggle of migrant labor in California, Cesar Chavez rose to the head of the United Farm Workers of America (UFW). Due to his hard work and dedication he became a beacon of hope for millions of migrant workers and civil rights advocates across the nation. Instilling the principals of non-violence practiced by Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to the UFW, Cesar Chavez was able to forge a national support coalition of unions, church groups, students minorities, and consumers, gaining support for civil rights for migrant workers throughout the nation. 

"I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor a great man, who lived a great life and fought a great fight," said Congressman Baca. "Cesar Chavez has earned the Congressional Gold Medal. Unfortunately his body is no longer with us, but his spirit lives on in everyone striving for a better life. His spirit lives on in all who long for equality. His spirit lives on." 

The Congressional Gold Medal is awarded by Congress as its highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. Prior recipients have ranged from world leaders like Tony Blair to religious icons like Mother Theresa of Calcutta. 

Congressman Baca has received support from a number of his colleagues ( # ) including Chairman of the Democratic Caucus Robert Menendez (NJ-13) as well as by Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA-8) in his quest to award a Congressional Gold Medal to Cesar Chavez. 

In March of last year Congressman Joe Baca introduced House Resolution 112, Urging for the establishment and observation of a legal public holiday in honor of Cesar E. Chavez. It is currently under review by committee.

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