In the wake of a bombshell investigation conducted by reporters at The New York Times, groups across Milwaukee are reckoning with their connections to Cesar Chavez, the famed labor unionist and political activist who is best known for co-founding the organization that eventually became the United Farm Workers.
The article, published March 18, details allegations that the labor movement hero sexually abused women and girls, some as young as 12. With Cesar Chavez Day approaching March 31, schools and businesses across the city are rethinking their plans.
The United Farm Workers said they had received no direct reports of abuse and did not have firsthand knowledge of the allegations prior to the investigation. The organization said it is taking urgent steps to learn more and provide space for people who may have been victimized. The UFW also said it would not be celebrating Cesar Chavez Day and instead asked everyone to participate in immigration justice events.
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Chavez’s legacy touched many corners of Milwaukee. In 2005, a section of S. 16th St. was renamed Cesar E. Chavez Drive, and the street is home to the Cesar E. Chavez Drive Business Improvement District. Murals of Chavez and his co-founder Dolores Huerta, who is also an alleged victim, can be seen throughout the district. A statue of Chavez stands outside Nuevo Mercado El Rey (El Rey Foods).
Ernesto Villareal, co-founder of Nuevo Mercado El Rey, said in a video published to his Facebook page on March 19 that the family had covered the statue outside the business and it would eventually be removed. The statue was removed the next day.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said in a statement shared with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he would be in discussions with elected officials and community members to determine next steps for the city.
The Marcus Performing Arts Center has hosted a celebration and student contest honoring Chavez since 2019. The event was created to promote teaching children in Milwaukee schools about Chavez’s legacy and his contributions to the labor movement. Students were encouraged to enter a writing, speech and art contest. The center canceled this year’s event due to the allegations.
“After careful consideration, organizers of the 8th Annual César Chávez Celebration have made the decision to cancel this year’s event,” a statement on the event posting said. “We will thoughtfully consider future programming that will continue to inspire and uplift the youth of our community, supporting their artistic and creative spirit.”
Many business owners on Cesar E. Chavez Drive expressed heartbreak and disappointment over the investigation. Elena Rosales, an employee at Agencia de Viajes Mexico, told Wisconsin Watch she wants the city to “get rid of everything” related to Chavez. Olivia Villarreal, co-founder of El Rey, said she was devastated.
County Supervisor Juan Miguel Martinez said on Facebook, “I never thought he would be sexually abusive but I have no problem saying goodbye to his legacy and condemning the man and his actions.” Martinez is advocating for Cesar E. Chavez Drive to be renamed Dolores Huerta Way.
“Yes, I have a UFW tattoo and one of grapes, and plan on finishing the sleeve because the significance of that movement was built not just by Cesar Chavez but by Dolores Huerta, Gilbert Padilla and Larry Itliong and all the organizers that never received any recognition,” he said.
JoCasta Zamarripa, the alderperson who represents part of Cesar E. Chavez Drive, released a statement in support of the victims who came forward. She said she is meeting with community members and the Business Improvement District board to discuss how to move forward in the coming weeks.
“The farmworker movement was never one man,” she said. “It was built by thousands of workers, organizers, and families who gave their lives to the fight for dignity and justice. Dolores Huerta’s courage and moral clarity built something that outlasts any individual. That legacy belongs to the people.”
