“I have never identified myself as a victim, but I now understand that I am a survivor—of violence, of sexual abuse, of domineering men who saw me, and other women, as property or things to control…There are no words strong enough to condemn those deplorable actions that he did. Cesar’s actions do not reflect the values of our community and our movement.” 

We are moved by these powerful words today from civil rights pioneer Dolores Huerta, who has bravely shared her story alongside Ana Murguia, Debra Rojas, and other survivors accusing the late Cesar Chavez of years of sexual abuse and assault.  

Survivors often feel like they have no choice but to carry a burden this heavy: to protect their family, their community, and in this case, to protect a movement.  

It takes tremendous courage to speak up about any experience of abuse, and even more so when someone’s legacy carries such significant meaning. We stand with the survivors who have come forward. Know that your strength will give others the power to find theirs, too.