Wednesday, March 29, 2023

No Holiday Birthday Celebration Events Announced For 2023 At Milwaukee City Hall And At The Southside César E. Chávez Bronze Statue Outdoor Plácita

Two-days left for celebrating the annual holiday birthday of César E. Chávez, the late United Farm Workers union leader throughout the country except at Milwaukee's City Hall and at the Southside location where his life-size bronze statue was erected at the placita (plaza) located at the El Rey Supermarket.

By H. Nelson Goodson 
Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

March 29, 2023

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - As of Wednesday, March 29, 2023, there has been no official announcement by both Milwaukee City Hall officials and groups that have sponsored an annual César E. Chávez Holiday celebration at City Hall and at the Chávez Bronze Statue Placita (Plaza) located at the El Rey Supermarket property.

The Chávez national holiday celebration falls on Friday, March 31, 2023. 

Today, none of the Hispanic State Assembly Representatives have attempted to introduce an optional Chávez Holiday for State employees, nor have they announced a recognition citation for Chávez Birthday including from the Governor Tony Evers (D) administration.

Former Wisconsin State Representative JoCasta Zamarripa (D) in 2014 attempted to introduce an optional Chávez Holiday for State employees, but the GOP controlled legislature blocked it.

Zamarripa is the current Alderwoman for the 8th Aldermanic District in the Southside of Milwaukee. Also, the Milwaukee Common Council President and Alderman from the 12th Aldermanic District is Jóse G. Pérez.

A lack of GOP support in the state Assembly shows the lack of recognition and accomplishments of the late United Farm Workers labor leader, Chávez.

In April 2014, the Milwaukee Common Council on a vote of 13-1 approved an annual César E. Chávez city worker optional holiday, the resolution was sponsored by the Southside former Alderman T. Anthony Zielinski.

In March 31, 2016, the Chávez life-size bronze statue was unveiled at the El Rey Supermarket property located at the 900 block of S. César E. Chávez Drive in the Southside of Milwaukee.

Milwaukee became the 8th location in the nation and first Midwest City to unveil a Cesár E. Chávez life-size bronze statue.

According to a City of Milwaukee source, a Chávez Holiday celebration event is scheduled at the City Hall Rotunda for Friday, March 31, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., but no official announcement has been made by City officials.

Rod Richardson, President of the Richardson Companies and Special Asst. to the UMOS CEO contacted Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) and says that "USDA Undersecretary Jenny Moffitt will be visiting the state on Friday to promote the new Farm and Food Workers Relief Program and speak at the annual Cesar Chavez Day event at city hall." Unfortunately, HNNUSA couldn't located no press release from the City Hall website, Common Council and Mayor's Office announcing that Moffitt will be at the annual City Hall Chávez event on Friday.


Update: Press release from City Hall on Wednesday afternoon at around 3:00 p.m. confirming  the annual César E. Chávez Holiday celebration at City Hall.





No comments: