FARMWORKERS DAY

(EDITOR’S NOTE: On March 31, states and communities across the nation will recognize a “new” holiday. Formerly named after civil rights and labor movement leader César Chávez, this day has always honored the work of those in the fields, which in 1975, led to the passage of the California Agricultural Labor Relations Act. Moving forward, “Farmworkers Day serves as a reminder of our commitment to fair wages and overtime pay, safe working conditions and heat illness prevention, and much more,” writes LA County Library.)

Remembering the legacy and impact of a movement

By Janice Lee, Contributing Editor

What was the grape strike, who were the leaders and why is it so important in U.S. history?

“The Delano Grape Strike”

Video by the May 19 Project; run time – 2 minutes (estimated)

What was the original source of the recent sexual abuse allegations against women including minors in the farmworkers movement?

New York Times
investigative
journalism article
By Sarah Hurtes and Manny Fernandez, March 18, 2026

How was Dolores Huerta affected and where is she now?

Democracy Now! host Amy Goodman interview with Latino USA journalist Maria Hinojosa

Aired March 20, 2026; run time – 20 (estimated)

What do you do immediately if you are sexually abused?

Call 911 if you are in danger.
Write down details including date, time and place. Keep it in a safe place.
Do not shower, bathe, use the bathroom, brush your teeth, brush your hair or change clothes until after you get medical attention, as you do not want to remove any DNA, fluids, hairs and other evidence of the perpetrator.
Go to a hospital. Ask for a forensic exam from a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) and choose an anonymous report. These registered nurses are specially trained to provide compassionate care to survivors of sexual assault even if English is not your first language. You will be tested and treated for sexually transmitted infections, HIV prevention and pregnancy risks. Your sexual assault kit will be collected and preserved by law enforcement for up to 20 years, but it will not be tested unless you decide to pursue a formal investigation or seek legal action.
Tell a trusted parent, friend or confidential advocate who can provide emotional support, help you personally decide what to do next and be a witness to your story. If anyone makes you feel shame, talk to another person you trust instead.

How do we protect our children from predators?

It only takes two minutes to read child sexual assault prevention tips online. Start with teaching children that “no one should touch your private parts” and “no one should ask you to touch theirs.”
Provide a loving and supportive environment where your children can freely talk to you even about situations that are embarrassing to them.
Know who is spending time with your children, including family members and what they are doing.
Be cautious of how we talk about heroes. Political figures, movie stars, pop idols, sports superstars, faith leaders and even community icons. Stories are increasingly surfacing about parents who offer blind trust to their heroes, unknowingly putting their children at risk.
For more information, visit KidsHealth’s guide “Monitoring Your Child’s Media Use.”

What else should we be aware of on Farmworkers Day?

United Farm Workers updates
The Oakland Post story about the Trump Administration’s intention to cut migrant farmworker wages
National Immigrant Justice Center info about your rights during ICE raids
Immi database to find free legal service organizations in your area and language
American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) database of immigration lawyers by state and with individual credentials (Note: The government does not provide free attorneys for deportation cases.)

Be safe.