The Denver group planning an April march and celebration of renowned labor and migrant leader César Chávez said Wednesday it would cancel the event in light of credible allegations of sexual abuse by the late Hispanic icon.
A New York Times exposé of alleged rapes and other abuse of teenage girls brought the labor movement champion back into the spotlight ahead of national and local celebrations of his life. The César Chávez Peace and Justice Committee of Denver had planned their event for April 11, but issued an unambiguous cancellation on Facebook.
“The César Chávez Peace and Justice Committee of Denver has reviewed the allegations against César Chávez,” the statement said. “The committee unequivocally supports the abused women and children and their survivors. … The committee will plan a future event to continue honoring and celebrating the local unions and immigrant rights organizations who have participated in our past marches and celebrations. The committee continues to support their struggle towards liberation and social justice for all people.”
Colorado has a number of memorials to the civil rights leader’s 1970s activism.
The Times story quoted family members of Chávez saying they had no way to judge the allegations, but that they honored the experiences and voices of the women speaking up about the alleged abuse. Chávez marches and celebrations in other cities are also being canceled.
In 2001, The Denver Post said, “Denver Mayor Wellington Webb signed into law that the last Monday in March would be observed as a city and county holiday in honor of Chávez.” Chavez made multiple visits to Denver to support labor and civil rights movements.
The Denver Public Library has a César Chávez Latino Leadership Hall of Fame Award.