Native America Calling: A movement assesses the legacy for César Chávez

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Native America Calling

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Native America Calling: A movement assesses the legacy for César Chávez

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

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A movement assesses the legacy for César Chávez

Cities across the nation are moving to take down monuments, memorials and street signs honoring the late César Chávez following reports of his abusive behavior toward women and girls.

Organizers are cancelling the annual events planned in honor of his March 31 birthday. While his contributions for migrant farmworkers and Chicano-Americans are indisputable, Chávez’s heroic status among those he fought for is now challenged by troubling allegations surfacing in a New York Times investigation decades after the fact.

Tune into Native America Calling to discuss the future of the movement Chávez is best known for, likely going forward without his name. Also, also discuss any lessons his downfall may have for the tendency to build a cause around one man.

The Arch of Dignity, Equality and Justice by artist Judy Baca includes a commemoration of the late Cesar Chavez on the grounds of San Jose State University in San Jose, California. Photo: Henry Zbyszynski

Guests on Native America Calling

Brenda Nicolas (Zapotec), assistant professor in the Department of Global and International Studies at the University of California, Irvine

Arcenio Lopez (Ñuu Savi), executive director of the Mixteco/Indígena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) in California

Desiree Tody (Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa), Ashland and Bayfield County outreach program coordinator for the Center Against Sexual & Domestic Abuse in Wisconsin

Joaquín Baca, City councilor for district 2 in Albuquerque, New Mexico