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SACRAMENTO – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today released the following statement regarding César Chávez:

"Every year on March 31st we pay tribute to the tireless and passionate efforts of a genuine leader who gave voice to millions of Latinos in their fight for economic equality and social justice. Having had the immense privilege of knowing César Chávez personally, I witnessed firsthand his unique ability to envision a plan for change and his determination to see it through to fruition.

"His many accomplishments include his historic 1966 Peregrinación, or Pilgrimage, from Delano to the steps of the state Capitol in Sacramento to draw national attention to the plight of farm workers. He also played an instrumental role in the passage of the 1975 California Agricultural Labor Relations Act, which afforded a number of basic, fundamental rights to migrant workers.

"Throughout his life, César Chávez remained fully committed to his ideals, always emphasizing the use of peaceful, non-violent strategies to bring attention to the plight of migrant farm workers. He remains an inspiration to me for his leadership and determined conviction to improve our world.

"As we near another celebration of this extraordinary man's life, his eternal words "si se puede," and his legacy continue to inspire people to organize and make their voices heard when confronted by inequality and injustice."

The California Department of Education makes standards-based model curriculum on the life and work of César E. Chávez available to schools at Introduction to César E. Chávez Model Curriculum. This site also lists many resources available for the general public.