The City of Lansing has canceled its annual Legacy of Cesar Chavez Dinner, one of several events traditionally held to commemorate Cesar Chavez Day on March 31, amid emerging national controversy surrounding the late labor leader.
“The Legacy of Cesar Chavez Dinner scheduled for March 25, 2026 has been cancelled,” the City of Lansing said on Facebook. “In light of the recent statement released from the Cesar Chavez Foundation, we have decided to join other communities and cancel this year’s event. “We remain committed to honoring the Latino community, and the service, dignity, and rights of farmworkers. We will be working on further events and celebrations in the future.”
City officials announced the cancellation of the March 25 event following recent sexual misconduct allegations involving Cesar Chavez, which have prompted widespread reevaluation of celebrations tied to his legacy.
The Lansing dinner, a key local observance honoring Chavez’s contributions to farmworkers and civil rights, will not take place this year. Officials said the city is exploring alternative ways to recognize farmworkers and the Latino community moving forward.
The decision comes as similar cancellations and postponements occur nationwide. Organizations, including the United Farm Workers, have withdrawn from Cesar Chavez Day activities, while parades, marches, and festivals in multiple cities have been called off.
Cesar Chavez Day, observed annually on March 31, is a federally recognized commemorative holiday celebrating the civil rights leader’s legacy. However, the recent allegations—made public in March—have led to growing debate and a shift in how communities mark the occasion.
The Cesar Chavez Foundation statement released Tuesday said,
“The Cesar Chavez Foundation has become aware of disturbing allegations that Cesar Chavez engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with women and minors during his time as President of the United Farm Workers of America (UFW).
We are deeply shocked and saddened by what we are hearing.
The Foundation is working with leaders in the Farmworker Movement to be responsive to these allegations, support the people who may have been harmed by his actions, and ensure we are united and guided by our commitment to justice and community empowerment.
In partnership with the UFW, we are establishing a safe and confidential process for those who wish to share their experiences of historic harm, and, if they choose to, participate in efforts toward repair and reconciliation. In addition, we are investing time and resources to ensure the Foundation promotes and strengthens a workplace culture that is safe and welcoming for all.
We ask for our community’s patience as we learn more. Throughout this process, our organization and our partners in the movement will continue our work together to protect and uplift the families and communities that we serve.
Today, the Cesar Chavez Foundation impacts the lives of millions of Latinos and working families across the Southwest by inspiring and transforming communities through social enterprises that address essential human, cultural, and community needs.”
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