WASHINGTON, DC--Next week, President Obama will announce the establishment of César E. Chávez National Monument in Keene, California in honor of the Latino civil rights leader's legacy in the farm workers movement.

Inspired by his words, SEIU's International Secretary-Treasurer Eliseo Medina began his career in 1965 when he participated in the historic United Farm Workers' strike in Delano, CA alongside Chávez. For the next 13 years thereafter, he worked with the iconic leader in organizing and defending disenfranchised workers throughout the country. The following is a statement by Secretary-Treasurer Medina:

"The César E. Chávez National Monument will truly honor a friend who dedicated his life to workers' rights. This monument will not only capture the stature of a Mexican American icon, but also the historic significance of his contributions as a community organizer and spark plug civil rights leader.

"César created a movement that gave a voice to farm workers' fight for social justice and built the foundation for Latino activism in America. As one of the founders of the United Farm Workers, he was able to bring hope and change into the lives of many farmworkers and other Latinos in this country. He taught us how to engage in nonviolent action, fight for justice and tirelessly continue to promote change. His life's work and leadership empowered so many workers and communities to demand their basic rights and better working conditions.

"It is very fitting that his monument will be established at Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz. I have fond memories of La Paz where César, his family, Dolores Huerta and many more activists pushed our movement forward. The work we were able to accomplish there impacted communities everywhere.

"I am beyond happy and proud to see the recognition of a friend and leader's work that even today inspires the Latino community and working families in America to fight for our dreams and our rights. Thank you, President Obama, for establishing this important national monument."