A week after the annual Corpus Christi march in honor of César Chávez was canceled, the New York Times published an investigation in which the celebrated labor leader was accused of sexually abusing two underage girls.
Dolores Huerta, a renowned civil rights activist, was scheduled to visit Corpus Christi on March 28 for the 25th annual César Chávez Marcha, but pulled out two weeks ago.
After the New York Times article was published, Huerta released a statement revealing she was another victim of Chávez.
“The first time I was manipulated and pressured into having sex with him, and I didn’t feel I could say no because he was someone that I admired, my boss and the leader of the movement I had already devoted years of my life to,” Huerta said in a Facebook post. “The second time I was forced, against my will, and in an environment where I felt trapped.”
A flag waves in the wind in honor of American labor leader and civil rights activist César Chávez at the Antonio E. Garcia Arts and Education Center after the 24th annual César Chávez Marcha in Corpus Christi on March 29.
Nancy Vera, president of the Corpus Christi American Federation of Teachers and organizer of the annual march, said she found it puzzling when Huerta canceled. But when she heard about the article being in the works, she canceled the event on March 13, following suit of other cancellations across the nation.
“I know we made the right decision,” Vera said in a phone call on March 18. “When I read the article this morning, I didn’t realize the gravity of what this man allegedly did. As an educator myself, I find it disgusting and deplorable that people in leadership positions think that they can do whatever they please and not be held accountable for it.”
Gov. Greg Abbott released a statement on March 18 saying Texas will not observe the César Chávez holiday held on March 31, Chávez’s birthday.
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“In the upcoming legislative session, I will work with Texas lawmakers to remove Cesar Chavez Day from state law altogether,” Abbott said in the statement. “Reports of the horrific and widely acknowledged sexual assault allegations against Cesar Chavez rightfully dismantle the myth of this progressive hero and undermine the narrative that elevated Chavez as a figure worthy of official state celebration.”
The U.S. federal commemorative holiday was proclaimed by then-President Barack Obama in 2014 to celebrate the birth and legacy of Chávez.
Vera said she was in pain and tears when she read Huerta’s statement. But she said people should find the strength “Huerta has exuded in all of this.”
Nancy Vera, president of the Corpus Christi American Federation of Teachers, rallies marchers at the 24th annual César Chávez Marcha down Agnes Street in Corpus Christi on March 29, 2025.
“She had to endure abuse in silence,” Vera said. “I think many of the women during that time had to endure the same pain and abuse, and that’s unfortunate and disgusting. We need to take Dolores as an example of someone who is courageous, someone who exudes character and helps others.”
Originally, this year’s march was to be centered on Huerta. Due to the cancellation, Vera said a reception will instead be held at the YWCA on March 25 with a poster contest where students will be awarded for their submitted artwork related to Huerta.
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May Day, celebrated on May 1, is a holiday honoring labor movements and workers’ rights worldwide. Vera said she is considering celebrating Huerta on the day and possibly trying to see if she would come to Corpus Christi.
“We owe it to her and to everybody who’s undergone this type of abuse,” Vera said. “We need to continue celebrating her as a strong Latina woman.”
John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Have a story idea? Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Here’s why the César Chávez march is canceled in Corpus Christi