Recuerda a Cesar Chavez Committee
Grants Awarded
The Dolores Huerta Day of Service aims to connect K-12 students with lessons on César Chávez, Dolores Huerta, and sustainable agriculture through hands-on activities at Sanchez Farm Open Space. Participants will cultivate crops, create art, and learn about local ecosystems, fostering environmental stewardship and a deeper appreciation of agricultural heritage within the community. By engaging students in these experiences, the program promotes awareness and advocacy for sustainable practices and cultural history.
The mission of the Recuerda a César Chávez Committee (RCCC) is to educate our youth and communities about the legacy, life and work of the great American civil rights leaders, César Chávez and Dolores Huerta. We do this by promoting universal values and timeless vision for a better world and engaging our communities in the spirit of service. Our vision is a community that knows its history, celebrates together, understands the importance of service, is actively engaged in improving the life opportunities of its people, and strives for justice for all. The RCCC was founded in 1993 — upon César’s death — and is comprised of a diverse group of dedicated volunteers. Since then, the RCCC is proud to have organized the annual César Chávez Day march and celebration. In 2006, the RCCC established the “Sí Se Puede” awards, given to two individuals who have served their community in the spirit of César Chávez and Dolores Huerta. In 2009, the RCCC began hosting the annual César Chávez Day of Service and Learning where hundreds of local students participate in a seed planting, working of the land, and a planting ceremony at La Plazita Gardens (Bernalillo County’s Sanchez Farm Open Space). The day was later named in the honor of Dolores Huerta to reflect the spirit of service for others, community, culture and environment. This special day is aimed to inspire a new and existing generation to engage and actively participate in their communities. The Day of Service and Learning provides participants with the knowledge, skills and opportunities to improve their lives and the conditions of their communities in the spirit of service. The RCCC has also been engaged in community organizing and civic engagement activities that have led to the naming of the César Chávez Community Center, renaming of Stadium Boulevard to Avenida César Chávez and renaming Bridge Boulevard to Avenida Dolores Huerta. The RCCC also successfully advocated for legislation in 2001 to establish an official César Chávez Day state holiday which passed the New Mexico legislature, but was vetoed by then-Governor Gary Johnson. Dolores Huerta Day was also established in the state, recognized by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham in 2019.