EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso will mark March 31 as an official city holiday this year under a new name, shifting the longtime César Chávez Day observance to Community & Labor Heritage Day.
The city said the updated observance follows established policy and reflects a commitment to keeping public programming “respectful, inclusive, and aligned with community values,” while continuing to recognize the history and contributions of farmworkers, working families, labor leaders and community advocates who have shaped the Borderland.
The change comes amid what the city described as “a time of national reflection” following recent concerns involving allegations of sexual abuse tied to César Chávez.
The city said it acknowledges “the seriousness of those grave reports as they continue to be addressed publicly,” while also emphasizing the importance of recognizing people whose “labor, sacrifices, and lived experiences are too often overlooked.”
Civil rights icon and labor leader Dolores Huerta has publicly alleged that she experienced sexual abuse at the hands of fellow farmworker movement leader Cesar Chavez, ending what she described as more than six decades of silence.
With March also recognized as Women’s History Month, the city said the observance is also meant to underscore “the importance of honoring the dignity, safety, and rights of women, and of listening to experiences that may have too often gone unheard.”
Community & Labor Heritage Day and related programming planned throughout March will focus on community, culture and shared values including service, resilience and collective action, according to the city.
The city said events are intended to create space for learning, reflection, creativity and connection while honoring the dignity and contributions of farmworkers and working families.
City facilities will observe the March 31 holiday under normal holiday operations.
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