I rise today in appreciation of the life and lasting legacy of civil rights activist and labor leader. Cesar ChAvez. C6sar Chavez came from humble beginnings. born on March 31. 1927. in a small farm outside of Yuma. AZ. Through his experiences as a laborer and migrant worker in the fields of the southwest United States. he recognized a need for change. change that would bring social and economic equality to those who tilled Americas soil and harvested Americas crops. The exploitation and discrimination experienced and observed by Mr. ChAvez energized his courageous fight for fair and equal treatment for his hardworking colleagues of all backgrounds.