Brawley’s Cesar Chavez Day rebranded following Chavez allegations

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA) - The annual Cesar Chavez Day Celebration in Brawley will continue as scheduled, only with a shift in recognition, as it will no longer be named after the civil rights leader.

The change comes as communities across the country reconsider how to mark the holiday following recent allegations against Chavez.

Organizer Eric Reyes says the celebration will shift the focus away from Chavez and direct the attention toward farm workers in Imperial County.

He says the goal is to honor the labor movement while recognizing the sacrifices of the workers in the Valley.

Reyes explained, "The celebration itself must continue because it's about a farmworker movement and a farmworker community and how we have advanced as a community through the hard work of all the movemientas, so it's called El Movemientos Celebration."

He noted that the alleged victims should be given space and time to tell their stories, all all claims should be investigated.

Imperial County Chief Public Defender Ben Salorio says the rebranding makes sense as it will focus on the Mexican-American and Filipino farm workers, who helped lead the Delano Grape Strike in 1965.

"I think recognizing the Filipino and Mexican Farmworkers, along with the current farm workers, is not just appropriate, but probably long overdue," Salorio explained.

Salorio is set to make an appearance at the event as part of his campaign for Imperial County Superior Court Judge in this year's election.

Despite the shift, the event will feature a march, community activities, and resource tables for those in need.