00:00Troubling allegations against one of the largest and most iconic Chicano figures in history.
00:06United Farm Workers Union is halting Cesar Chavez celebrations over claims possibly involving abuse of young women or minors.
00:14Fox 11's Haley Winslow live now with what we know and how it's impacting events celebrating the Chicano labor leader.
00:21Haley.
00:23Yeah, Christine, the late labor leader was such a legend.
00:27His name lives on on street signs, including the one right in front of us, Cesar Chavez Avenue, as well
00:32as schools and parks.
00:33But the union calling these allegations deeply troubling, involving family matters,
00:38and serious enough to cancel all their planned events with the upcoming holiday.
00:45For decades in L.A., Cesar Chavez Day has meant marches, music, and a movement,
00:52all to honor a civil rights icon who fought for farm workers across California.
00:56Cesar Chavez co-founded the United Farm Workers Labor Union, leading strikes and boycotts that changed laws and inspired generations.
01:03But this year, the U.F.W. and Cesar Chavez Foundation is canceling planned activities for the March 31st state
01:10holiday,
01:11following profoundly shocking allegations of historic abuse while serving as union president.
01:16In a statement Tuesday, the union says allegations that very young women or girls may have been victimized are crushing.
01:22I think the good should outweigh the bad, I don't know, I haven't read anything about the allegations.
01:28His legacy is really important for everyone, you know, freedom, asĂ se puede, yes, we can.
01:35You know, the pressure to the government of the United States for us as immigrants.
01:40Other Cesar Chavez events will still go on, organizer Ruben Rodriguez says, including his,
01:45one of the largest, one of the largest, called March for Justice, that draws thousands.
01:49The allegations being made have to be at least 60 years old, maybe 70.
01:54For the people here, we are dealing with real issues affecting the community.
01:59At least for the march we're having on the 22nd, we're asking for amnesty now.
02:05From celebration to reflection, Cesar Chavez Day is taking on a different tone this year
02:10as the community grapples with how to honor a legacy that now feels more complex.
02:17The union now asking allies and supporters to instead take part in immigration justice events
02:23and acts of service in their own community, especially on the holiday, which is March 31st.
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