Cesar Chavez Day falls quiet in San Luis
SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) - Cesar Chavez Day looked different this year in San Luis.
For years, the city has marked the day with celebrations throughout the month. But this time, public events were canceled, leaving a normally festive day quiet.
The change follows recent allegations against farmworker movement leader Cesar Chavez. A report by The New York Times alleged Chavez abused women and girls, along with similar claims raised by fellow labor leader Dolores Huerta.
The allegations have sparked questions about Chavez's legacy, including whether statues, buildings and celebrations in his honor should remain.
Some residents said the moment calls for reflection.
"It was also a mistake to praise or idolize one person so much, right? At the end of the day, we’re all human and imperfect," said Mirta Molina, a San Luis resident..
Molina also questioned the claims saying, "It could be some kind of plan to discredit the work he did, right? And also, he helped a lot of Latinos, people like me, to get benefits, and as a human being, you can understand that maybe he made mistakes."
At the state level, Arizona lawmakers have moved to repeal Cesar Chavez Day just one day before the holiday, with Gov. Katie Hobbs expected to sign the bill into law.
In San Luis, the impact was visible. A sign outside the Cesar Chavez Cultural Center said the office was closed in observance of the day, even as public celebrations were canceled.
Still, some residents said Chavez's work, especially for farmworkers, should continue to be recognized.
"I think for the workers in the fields, they should continue with them," said Eladio Alvarez, another San Luis resident.
Alvarez also said they are left with questions.
"In my opinion, it feels a little unfair because so many years have already passed. Why didn't they say something when he was still alive? That's just how I see it," Alvarez said.
