KCUR reported Friday that Kansas City and other places are reevaluating the legacy of Cesar Chavez, a prominent labor leader in the 1960’s and 1970’s, following allegations that he had sexually abused women within his own movements.
Since Mr. Chavez’s death, numerous cities, including Kansas City, have named streets and buildings after him. But a New York Times story from Wednesday reported that two women came forward to the Times with allegations of sexual abuse that stretched from around 1972 to 1977.
The Times did some subsequent investigating and found extensive evidence to support their allegations as well as more victims. One of Mr. Chavez’s victims was Dolores Huerta, one of his key allies. The Times interviewed more than 60 people close to Mr. Chavez, including top aides, relatives, and former United Food Workers members. They also reviewed documents, emails, and other pieces of evidence.
The repercussions have already begun. The United Farm Workers, the organization that Mr. Chavez co-founded, announced that it would not participate in any activities celebrating his birthday on March 31st. In Kansas City, people are already calling for the city to remove Mr. Chavez’s name from the 23rd Street Trafficway. Other places around the country are also reevaluating his legacy.
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