Honoring the Legacy of Cesar Chavez

Posted by Barbara Shailor / March 31, 2012

United Farm Workers leader Cesar Chavez, foreground right, addresses a large crowd at a rally in Calexico, California, Feb. 27, 1979. [AP File Photo]

On March 23, President Obama announced that Americans would celebrate March 31, 2012, in recognition of Cesar Chavez. Cesar Chavez, who made it his mission to "ensure respect, dignity, and fair treatment for farm workers," was a strong advocate for human rights and social justice -- for migrants, for workers, and for communities. His philosophy of nonviolence and his commitment to fighting discrimination and improving working conditions for migrant workers are key parts of the history of the civil rights and labor movements in the United States. They also serve as inspiration to activists and community leaders, here in the United States and around the world, who continue his work.

Today, I encourage everyone to take a moment to read the text… more »

Posted under: Behind the Scenes

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Inequality and the Lost Generation

Posted by Barbara Shailor / February 09, 2012

A young boy on a garbage heap in Mumbai, India, Oct. 3, 2011. [AP File Photo]

Recent events at the start of 2012 offer a glimpse of the struggles that lay ahead, both in the United States and abroad. From the Occupy Wall Street movement, to young people airing their grievances throughout the Middle East and beyond, all these events are indicative of a larger and more fundamental issue. The issue is one that President Obama framed for Americans clearly in his State of the Union Address:

"The basic American promise that if you worked hard, you could do well enough to raise a family, own a home, send your kids to college, and put a little away for retirement...[is] the defining issue of our time...how to keep the promise alive... No challenge is more urgent. No debate is more important...we can restore an economy where everyone gets a fair… more »

Posted under: Policy

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