SJ Leaders begin work to move forward, support survivors in wake of Cesar Chavez allegations
The legacy of Cesar Chavez is deeply rooted in San Jose and represented in murals, art and community memory.
On Thursday, South Bay leaders discussed how they intend to move forward after the New York Times investigation exposing sexual abuse allegations involving young girls and a revered co-founder of the farmworkers’ rights movement.
As the community continues to reel following the news involving César Chavez, the Si Se Puede Collective in Santa Clara County addressed the harm, honored the survivors and called for accountability.
“This could create a spot of shame for our community, or it can be an opportunity for us to really rise to an occasion,” Santa Clara Co. Supervisor Sylvia Arenas said.
Anger, heartbreak and reflection – just some of the feelings many are experiencing, amid deeply troubling sexual abuse allegations against Cesar Chavez.
Now, local leaders are searching for ways to be honest about the harm, while honoring the farmworker rights movement that remains foundational.
MORE: Mural of Cesar Chavez painted over at well-known SF home after allegations of sexual abuse
“This movement was never about one person,” Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley’s Gabriela Chavez-Lopez said. “It was built by so many, by women, by families, by organizers and that legacy matters, and it belongs to all of them.”
The work to better focus on that legacy rather than on Cesar Chavez himself, is underway.
Celebrations have been canceled, landmarks bearing his name are being covered or removed and changes made to blur the focus on someone who has been a cultural icon for decades.
San Jose State University President Cynthia Teniente-Matson said the school will work to determine how spaces on campus with Chavez’ name properly reflect the values of the school and community.
“It is a powerful reminder that meaningful change only happens through the concerted efforts of many, and only takes root when it is grounded in understanding, mutual respect and dignity for all,” Teniente-Matson said.
Meanwhile, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors President Otto Lee says changes to the March 31 holiday at the county level could come as soon as their next meeting.
MORE: California lawmakers say they’ll change name of Cesar Chavez Day to Farmworkers Day
“We will definitely be changing the the naming of it, to commemorating the farmworkers legacy or some other individuals or like, you know, like, like Dolores Huerta, for example,” Lee said
Chavez-Lopez attended Chavez’ funeral as a child and agrees we all must move forward.
She believes it’s time to support survivors and the men and women who are still doing the work built on lessons learned from the Farmworkers movement.
“I think it’s just important that we remember those foundational values that were instilled in us, and that they will carry forward, into the future,” Chavez Lopez said.
The YWCA and Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence reaffirmed their commitment to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
In the wake of these events, they want to remind people of their important services here in the South Bay to anyone who may need it.
If you’re on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live
