For several decades, César Chávez has been a widely renowned figure in California history, celebrated as a hero for his ground-breaking contributions to the Latino community. He, along with his partner Dolores Huerta, dedicated their lives to political activism, co-founding the National Farm Workers Association in 1962 and organizing several strikes and boycotts to secure better wages and working conditions for migrant farm workers. He is best known for the Delano Grape Strike of ‘65, a movement that paved the way for the California Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975.

However, as of March, 2026, his legacy is experiencing a major re-evaluation as investigations of sexual abuse and rape allegations have been publicly released. Just last month, The New York Times reported that during his time as a public civil rights leader, he simultaneously engaged in sexual misconduct for years, including the abuse of underage girls and the rape of his co-founder, Dolores Huerta. At age 96, Huerta was finally ready to speak out regarding her experience, claiming the recent investigation motivated her to make a stand.

Huerta claimed in interviews with several journalistic platforms that not only was she unaware of the extent of Chávez’s sexual endeavors, but she and so many others also remained silent for so long out of shame and fear. Huerta claimed that she worried exposing the truth would tarnish the UFW and the farmworker movement she and Chávez had worked tirelessly to build, a cause Huerta prioritized as her life’s work. Finally, decades later, she decided her silence would end here.

According to The Times, Chávez used his position for sexual gratification from multiple women and minors involved in his movement. Reports also testify he raped Huerta on two separate occasions, both encounters resulting in pregnancies she kept secret for decades. These children were raised by other families to protect the farmworker movement during the time.

Following these revelations, multiple cities and states, including California and Arizona, began steps to rename “César Chávez Day” on March 31 to “Farmworkers Day,” and are in the process of removing his name from schools, streets, and parks.

Even more pressing, the entire Latino community’s response to the March reports have been characterized by profound shock, collective grief, and a swift movement toward systemic accountability. While the news has been devastating for those who viewed him as a “faultless hero,” there is a widespread shift in focus from honoring a single individual to celebrating the collective farmworker movement.

Here in Livermore, a Latino member of our own community also had much to say about the recent allegations.

Señora Martha Gracia, one of the Spanish language teachers at Granada high school, voiced her reaction to these reports. Having known him during the height of his political prominence, she was equally appalled by the developments. In our interview, she spoke about her personal experience with Chávez and her involvement in the farmworkers movement.

Gracia stated she began working with César Chávez indirectly when she was in college. As the president of MEChA club, a student-led organization at Cal State East Bay dedicated to promoting higher education, Chicano culture, history, and community empowerment, she felt very strongly about his efforts, which were so near and dear to her own family.

“His representative approached us as a club and asked to speak to us about how we could support his cause,” commented Gracia, “He came to East Bay, at the time known as Cal State Hayward, and we had him present to our members and talk about his cause. Our club actually helped support the boycott of grapes and purchasing of wine.”

“Many of us could relate,” she said. She recalled that she herself, and much of her community, had worked in or had parents that worked in agriculture and knew what it was like to work under such exploitative conditions. She described how just knowing that someone wanted to help improve these circumstances was inspirational in itself.

Being so long ago, Gracia mostly remembers how important the movement was and how excited she was to participate in something that would benefit her community, or “mi gente” as she put it.

After his presentation, Gracia was given the opportunity to introduce herself and ask questions.

“I don’t remember having seen anything unusual or out of place about his behavior with my peers. The interaction was brief and professional.

“I was with my mother when I met him. I introduced myself and we spoke about our own experiences and took a picture together. He seemed enthusiastic and excited to see so many young people be interested in his cause.”

Despite her own positive experience, Gracia sympathizes with the victims who suffered at his expense.

“Being such a huge role model for our community, these reports are uneasy and confusing. A definite culture shock.

“For the people who were involved, how many we do not know for sure, but I can only imagine the pain they must feel. That is not something you can erase overnight,” she said.

At the same time, Gracia feels that Chávez, like any human being, made many mistakes during his life and should be remembered in accordance.

“It’s not to be forgiven and there should be consequences, but unfortunately he is not here to face them nor to defend himself. You cannot overlook the good that he’s done, but at the same time, you have to look at the injustices and figure out what can be done to correct it.”

Finally, when asked whether she believes his actions are excusable or outweighed by his many positive contributions to the Latino community, Gracia did not give a direct answer. Instead, she asked a very insightful question in return that, ultimately, must be decided upon individually.

“When we look at our own character, our founders, even our more recent heroes like Martin Luther King Jr.; all of them also have faults and have made mistakes. The question is, are you going to erase every hero for their shortcomings? We would have to go back and think; how many people are we going to erase from history books?”

At the end of the day, Gracia concluded that a person can be revered for their accomplishments, while simultaneously reprimanded for their less honorable actions.

“When César Chávez is taught about in school, people should be educated about both the good and the bad that he did. We have to recognize the positive contributions and how this individual helped our community and changed lives, while also being able to recognize his faults openly and bring justice to those involved in any way we can,” remarked Gracia.

“You can’t change the past, but you can change your future.”