'It's the right thing': Milwaukee cancels 'Cesar Chavez Day' celebrations after sexual abuse accusations

CBS 58

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- In Milwaukee, celebrations for Cesar Chavez Day -- originally scheduled for Tuesday, March 31 -- were canceled. 

The City of Milwaukee made the official announcement two weeks ago, after sexual abuse accusations started to come to the surface in connection to Chavez. 

"Canceling the celebrations and canceling the remembrances and all these different things that were going to happen across the country is what needed to be done, it's the right thing to be done and we just have to continue on working forward, you know the labor movement has to continue to work and thrive," said Jose Ramirez, with the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA).  

Milwaukee County announced March 31 will be recognized as "Worker Justice Day" in replace of Cezar Chavez Day. 

California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed a bill to rename the day "Farmworkers Day." 

Several other states are following suit or striking the day from the calendar altogether.

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