General – Page 3 – Cesar Chavez Foundation

From Grand Rapids to San Luis: Cesar’s Legacy Lives On

April 21, 2025, by CCF

Cesar Chavez’s legacy lives on through grassroots organizations that continue his fight for justice, dignity, and equity. This March, from Michigan to Arizona, communities gathered to honor his memory and keep his mission alive through action.

The annual Cesar E. Chavez March for Justice in San Antonio, TX, on March 25, 2025.

One of the largest tributes to Chavez’s legacy takes place in San Antonio, Texas, where thousands of marchers unite for the annual Cesar E. Chavez March for Justice. This event, deeply rooted in community activism, brings together families, students, and advocates to honor Chavez’s contributions and highlight ongoing social justice issues.

Local organizers in Grand Rapids, Michigan, host a social justice march, gala, and scholarship program supporting young leaders. Visalia, California, continues its commitment through events led by Roberto Capitan Bustos.

In San Luis, Arizona, Maria Robles and her team at WeAreSomos—including former UFW members—have established a visitor center dedicated to Cesar Chavez’s life and mission. The center serves as a hub for education and reflection, offering programs that connect the past struggles of farmworkers with today’s ongoing labor movements. Robles shares, “We must pass on from generation to generation the importance of working as a team for the common good, following the model of Cesar Chavez, who unified and transformed the issues of farm workers into impactful actions by working together.”

San Luis, Arizona Street Sign Donation on March 6, 2025.

A significant recent addition to the San Luis visitor center is a street sign donated by the City of San Luis, now proudly on display. This milestone was made possible through the collaboration of the National Chavez Center Archives and WeAreSomos, further cementing Chavez’s presence in the heart of the community.

During a recent visit to the San Luis Center, Manuel Bernal, President and CEO of the Cesar Chavez Foundation, saw the newly installed Cesar Chavez street sign donated by the City of San Luis. “We’re deeply grateful for the grassroots commemorative groups who honor Cesar’s legacy year after year—not for recognition, but out of love for their communities and a lasting commitment to justice,” said Manuel Bernal, President and CEO of the Cesar Chavez Foundation.

The annual Cesar E. Chavez March for Justice in San Antonio, TX, on March 25, 2025.

Andres Chavez, Executive Director of the National Chavez Center, added, “From Grand Rapids to San Antonio, Visalia to San Luis, these efforts are not isolated—they’re part of a national tapestry of remembrance and action. Each scholarship, each march, each community event is a reminder of my Tata’s legacy and how the movement remains alive. What these communities show us is that we only lose if we give up. As long as we keep organizing, educating, and believing in our collective power, we continue moving forward. The fight for justice isn’t over—and thanks to these local leaders, it never will be.”

From Michigan to Texas to California and Arizona, these grassroots groups exemplify the power of local activism in keeping Cesar Chavez’s spirit alive. As we reflect on his legacy, we celebrate the individuals and organizations who continue championing his vision for justice, dignity, and equality for all.

California Resources Corporation’s Commitment to Cesar Chavez’s Legacy

March 28, 2025, by CCF

We are thrilled to announce California Resources Corporation (CRC) as one of the presenting sponsors for the 2025 Cesar Chavez Legacy Awards.

Cesar Chavez dedicated his life to uplifting the lives of the most vulnerable people. He envisioned a future in which the causes he championed would prevail and his community would prosper. Today, the Cesar Chavez Foundation is committed to carrying on Cesar’s Legacy by uplifting and transforming communities through social enterprises that address essential human, cultural, and community needs.

CRC is a key partner that shares our vision, is deeply committed to environmental stewardship, and works to provide local, responsibly produced energy and innovative carbon management solutions.

Beyond their environmental efforts, CRC plays an active role in transforming communities. They have made significant investments in student enrichment programs, including supporting educational field trips to the National Chavez Center (NCC), an arm of the Cesar Chavez Foundation.

“CRC has been a great partner to the National Chavez Center over the last year as they have demonstrated their strong commitment to our mission and work through their support of NCC programs and events. The support CRC provided has enabled the NCC to offer a number of field trips to youth and their families, allowing them to visit the César E. Chávez National Monument and surrounding area. We look forward to our continued partnership with CRC to expand the legacy and values of Cesar Chavez,” shared Andres Chavez, Executive Director of the National Chavez Center.

Through specialized programs, students can learn about the life of Cesar Chavez and the causes he passionately supported. They are able to engage in many different activities, including art projects, hiking, and yoga, an activity Cesar faithfully embraced throughout his life.

“At CRC, we are committed to making a lasting, positive impact on families and communities across California by investing in education, economic empowerment, and sustainability. Our partnership with the National Chavez Center reflects this commitment, providing immersive experiences that honor Cesar Chavez’s legacy and connect individuals to history, culture, and social justice. Through the ‘A Day in the Life of Cesar’ educational trips, we are proud to help bring communities together, fostering a deeper understanding of civil rights activism and inspiring future generations. We look forward to continuing this partnership to enrich even more lives,” shared Francisco Leon, Chief Executive Officer and President of the California Resources Corporation.

CRC has made a lasting and transformative impact on students, shaping their futures and empowering them to make meaningful contributions to society. Through our shared efforts, we will continue to uplift and inspire communities, honoring Cesar’s legacy and creating positive change that strengthens communities for generations to come.

A message from Chavez Foundation President Manuel Bernal

March 26, 2025, by CCF

The ideals and values of our founder remain steadfast in the work of our organization and in the countless commemorative events, marches, and celebrations taking place as Cesar Chavez Day approaches. From Yuma, Arizona, to San Antonio, Texas, I’ve gathered and marched with thousands of you to honor and uplift Cesar’s legacy.

Our Movement has always been about more than wages or working conditions—it is about people: the right to be seen, to be heard, and to be valued. Now, more than ever, we must ensure that Cesar’s life’s work and vision endure for future generations. We draw strength, courage, and resolve from remembering our Movement’s roots and the unwavering belief that change is possible when we stand together.

Cesar’s faith in people moved the masses to believe they could overcome even the most insurmountable odds. He taught us that you only lose when you give up. That message is just as powerful today as it was over 60 years ago, when this Movement was founded to challenge the weight of poverty, discrimination, and powerlessness.

As we carry that spirit forward, I want to share news of an important transition within our leadership—one that reflects our continued growth and unwavering commitment to our mission.

I’m proud to share that Dr. Celia Garcia Alvarado has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Chavez Foundation. With a distinguished history at the Foundation—most recently serving as Executive Vice President of the Education Fund—Celia brings deep strategic insight and operational excellence. Her leadership will help us advance our mission and strengthen the organization.

I’m also excited to announce that Sarah Grams has been promoted to Executive Vice President of the Education Fund. Sarah has been instrumental in advancing our education initiatives, and in her new role, she will continue to lead growth and innovation in this vital area.

I look to the future of the Chavez Foundation with great confidence in their leadership and dedication.

My personal commitment remains steadfast: to continue advancing our mission of transforming lives, guided by the enduring values that Cesar instilled in all of us. Recent events have prompted us to reaffirm our dedication to inspiring and transforming communities. We have formed a task force to strengthen our organization and ensure staff and community safety. It will actively monitor policy changes to provide aligned responses that reflect CCF’s core values.

Together, we will keep building a future rooted in justice, compassion, and unity. Thank you for your continued support.

Manuel H. Bernal
President and Chief Executive Officer
Cesar Chavez Foundation

Boston Financial Announced as Presenting Sponsor of the 2025 Cesar Chavez Legacy Awards

March 12, 2025, by CCF

We are proud to celebrate Boston Financial, a presenting sponsor of the 2025 Cesar Chavez Legacy Awards.

At the Cesar Chavez Foundation, we carry on Cesar’s life’s work of uplifting and transforming Latino and working families by inspiring and transforming communities through social enterprises that address essential human, cultural, and community needs. We are committed to creating opportunities that empower people to thrive on all fronts.

For almost 60 years, Boston Financial has been at the forefront of affordable housing capital solutions and investment management, creating hundreds of thousands of affordable housing opportunities nationwide. Boston Financial is America’s largest syndicator of affordable housing and envisions a future where everyone has a home. With each investment, they are steadily working toward this transformative goal.

“Boston Financial could not be more proud to serve as a presenting sponsor of the 2025 Cesar Chavez Legacy Awards,” said Roy Faerber, Senior Managing Director at Boston Financial. “There is an undeniable correlation between stable housing for families and the health, educational achievement, and economic opportunity for an entire community. We have immense respect for the decades of work that the Cesar Chavez Foundation has put into raising up communities and bringing the dignity of affordable housing to thousands of families.”

Boston Financial has been an instrumental partner in the creation of the Chavez Foundation’s newest affordable housing community, Plaza Ysabel “Mac” Ortiz II—a high-quality, service-enhanced community for working families in El Monte, California.

Plaza Ortiz II, named in honor of the 19-year-old El Monte native who was killed during the Korean War and whose remains were returned nearly 70 years after he was reported missing in action, offers 53 units of 100 percent affordable housing, along with community services such as the Si Se Puede Learning Center, the Chavez Foundation’s flagship after-school program for K-5 students.

The combined efforts of the Chavez Foundation and Boston Financial have had a positive and lasting impact on the El Monte community, including residents like Marlee Martinez. “Living in Plaza Ortiz has positively changed my family’s life. Our new home has brought us closer together and provided great educational and healthcare opportunities” said Marlee.

“Affordable housing is not just about developing housing; it’s about building thriving communities. Partners like Boston Financial, with their expertise and dedication to affordable housing investments, play a crucial role in ensuring long-term, sustainable solutions. Their commitment to fostering economic growth and stability within communities helps create environments where residents can truly thrive. Together with the residents, they lay the foundation for transformative change, setting the standard for what can be achieved both individually and as a community” shared Alfredo Izmajtovich, Vice President of the Cesar Chavez Foundation’s Housing and Economic Development Fund.

We are thrilled to have Boston Financial as a presenting sponsor for the 2025 Cesar Chavez Legacy Awards and celebrate their commitment to positive change.

We look forward to our continued partnership as we work to achieve our shared mission.

Announcing the 2025 Speakers Bureau

The National Chavez Center Speakers Bureau is a year-round program dedicated to sharing Cesar Chavez’s life and legacy. Official Speakers and representatives from the National Chavez Center present at nationwide conferences, community-based events, marches, universities, and more, lending contemporary meaning to Cesar’s core beliefs and values.

To learn more, please submit a Speakers Request Form.