News

Statement following the shocking revelation of allegations of sexually abusive and monstrous behavior by Cesar Chavez, for whom a street in Kansas City’s Westside is named:

“Following recent reporting of multiple allegations of horrifying and abusive behavior by Cesar Chavez towards women and children, Kansas City, MO must begin the process of removing Chavez’s name from 23rd Street Trafficway in the Westside. I hope that our City Council will follow the lead of the United Farm Workers (formerly known as the National Farm Workers Association) in acting swifting in the light of these allegations.

“Our community must be willing to confront difficult truths. Far too often has a culture of machismo and impunity for those in power paved the way for the abuse of Hispanic women and children. When credible allegations of sexually abusive and deeply troubling behavior emerge, we have a responsibility to stand with survivors.

“I know how important the grape and lettuce boycott led by the National Farm Workers Association is to Hispanic union families and how culturally significant the street name is to many Westsiders, particularly as gentrification has reduced the presence of Hispanic families in the neighborhood.

“It is my sincerest hope that when 23rd Street is renamed, we find a new way to honor and involve the Westside’s Hispanic community or the women of the National Farm Workers Association - like Dolores Huerta - who fought for a better world.”

###

Rebeca Amezcua-Hogan is a candidate for Kansas City, MO’s 4th District City Council seat. She is the former Vice-President of the Westside Neighborhood Association, an experienced advocate and activist, and backed by almost every labor union in the region. Rebeca grew up in Mexico, where, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography in Mexico (INEGI), 66.1 percent of all women ages 15 and older have experienced some kind of violence in their lives. She will be the first Latina in over two decades and youngest woman ever elected to Kansas City’s city council.