The family of César Chávez has expressed their desire for independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to stop referencing the late labor and civil rights leader on the campaign trail. The family, led by Chávez’s eldest son, Fernando Chávez, issued a letter requesting Kennedy to cease using images of their father to associate himself with him, stating that this association is untrue and deceptive. They also mentioned the possibility of pursuing legal action if Kennedy does not comply with their request. Kennedy’s campaign spokesperson emphasized Kennedy’s support of farmworkers and his dedication to fighting against the poisoning of workers and consumers.
Ahead of César Chávez Day, the Chávez family formally endorsed President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign, with one of Chávez’s granddaughters serving as Biden’s campaign manager. Dolores Huerta, Chávez’s partner in founding the UFW, has also remained a Biden ally. In 1968, Kennedy’s father, former Attorney General Robert Kennedy Sr., showed support for Chávez by joining him in his efforts after a water-only fast. This support played a significant role in the Democratic Party’s embrace of the farmworkers’ labor rights movement. Kennedy Sr. was assassinated in 1968, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy for social justice.
Kennedy Jr. is planning an event in Los Angeles to celebrate the life and legacy of Cesar Chavez, with the invitation including a photo of Kennedy Sr. and Chávez together. Kennedy has spoken publicly about his family’s close relationship with Chávez, highlighting his father’s alliance with Chávez during his presidential campaign in California and his own friendship with Chávez throughout his adult life. Kennedy’s ties to Chávez and the farmworkers’ movement have been a significant part of both his family’s and his own political legacy
The Chávez family’s request to Kennedy highlights their concerns about his campaign’s use of their father’s name and imagery for political gain. They believe that this association is misleading and does not accurately reflect their father’s values and goals. With the family’s endorsement of President Biden’s re-election campaign and their continued alliance with him and Dolores Huerta, it is clear that they do not support Kennedy’s use of Chávez’s legacy in his campaign. The Chávez family’s stance on this matter reflects their commitment to honoring their father’s memory and ensuring that his legacy is not exploited for political purposes.
Despite the Chávez family’s request, Kennedy Jr. has continued to showcase his ties to César Chávez on the campaign trail, with plans for an event in Los Angeles dedicated to celebrating Chávez’s life and legacy. Kennedy’s remarks about his family’s close relationship with Chávez and his father’s support for the farmworkers’ movement underscore the significance of Chávez’s influence on the Kennedy family’s political history. However, the Chávez family’s opposition to Kennedy’s use of their father’s name and imagery demonstrates their commitment to protecting their father’s legacy and ensuring that it is not misrepresented or exploited for political gain.
