CITY OF NAPA
PROCLAMATION
In Honor of César Chávez
WHEREAS, on March 31, 2023, we celebrate the life and legacy of César Estrada Chávez, who was born on March 31, 1927 in Yuma, Arizona, and dropped out of school after the eighth grade to help support his family by joining them in the California fields as a migrant farm worker; and
WHEREAS, Chávez, who witnessed firsthand the inequities of an economy that only serve those at the top and left millions of hardworking Americans behind, courageously dedicated his life to improving conditions for workers across the country; and WH
EREAS, Chávez founded the United Farm Workers of American alongside Dolores Huerta, and drew national attention to the many agricultural workers who experience inhumane working conditions and unlivable wages. Through strikes, marches, and boycotts, he inspired millions of people across the county to fight for a safe and healthy workplace, better wages, improved workplace protection from sickness and disability, and other core rights and protections; and
WH
EREAS, Chávez, who died in 1993 at the age of 66, is best remembered for spearheading a grape boycott in 1965 that spread nationwide in 1968 and lasted until 1978, resulting in higher wages for farmworkers and focused attention nation in its difficult situation; and WHEREAS, Chávez’s efforts changed the lives of countless farmworkers and his motto, ‘¡Sí, se puede!’ continues to resonate and inspire to this day; and
WHEREAS, Napa is enriched by its Hispanic population, many of which came to work in Napa’s agricultural industries, and the community honors Chávez and his impact on generations of Napans with both a mural and bronze statue; and
WHEREAS, the City of Napa recognizes the César Chávez holiday as a time to remember his accomplishments, as well as reflect on the ways we can continue his work to honor our diverse community.
NO
W, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Scott Sedgley, Mayor of the City of Napa, along with the City Council, do hereby recognize and celebrate March 31, 2023 as César Chávez Day and call upon the Napa community to observe this day with appropriate reflection and learning. In Napa, we are “Better Together.”
Da
ted: March 30, 2023
SCO
TT SEDGLEY, MAYOR
CITY OF NAPA
ATTACHMENT 1