Everyone has probably heard the horrible news by now. United Farm Workers co-founder Dolores Huerta publicly stated that Cesar Chavez forced her to have sex with him twice. She spoke out about it on March 18, the same week as The New York Times investigation on allegations that Chavez sexually abused and assaulted young girls.
Since the allegations, a whirlwind of panic has spread throughout the state and nation grappling with what to do about schools, buildings, parks, artifacts and the holiday named after Chavez. It’s quite chaotic.
Schools and buildings have been named after Chavez for decades. And to just rip the name away from public facilities in a span of a week is jarring. Not that I’m supportive of Chavez’s actions. I condemn the actions taken against women and young girls just like a lot of people do.
We should all stop to listen to Huerta’s words before taking such swift recourse. She told everyone to focus on the farmworker movement and to continue the work, advocacy and community organizing.
On March 24, Hayward Mayor Mark Salinas requested that the city do something to address the allegations. Council members agreed on Salinas’ proposed action to make a formal statement directly addressing the sexual allegations against Chavez, review all city facilities, plaques and artifacts with his name, and remove them immediately.
Women who’ve been sexually abused are not victims, but survivors. The narrative about women seems to never end. Women are put in place, silenced and told they’re not enough. And instead of retaliating with mean words or violence, women choose to speak with kindness and say there is room for happiness, love and success for everyone, no matter what gender, race, sexuality, class and immigration status. That spirit is evident today.
We should all take the time to listen and support women who are affected by the allegations, although painful at first. But also follow Huerta’s lead and continue the work and build community.
