The Kennedy family finds themselves embroiled in controversy after a planned event honoring Cesar Chavez sparked backlash from the Chavez family.
In a statement on Saturday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. explained that the event was meant to honor Chavez and his close relationship with the Kennedy family, as well as his impact on the country. However, the Chavez family was not pleased with the event and expressed their disapproval in a letter that was sent to the Kennedy campaign’s press office address.
Mr. Kennedy stated in an interview on Sunday that he had tried to reach out to members of the Chavez family in the weeks leading up to the event, but received no response until reporters contacted him about the letter. He emphasized that if the Chavez family had asked him to cancel the event, he would have done so easily.
The bond between the Kennedy family and Cesar Chavez dates back to the 1960s when Robert F. Kennedy Sr. was a senator and became the first national political figure to support Chavez and the farm labor movement. In 1980, during Ted Kennedy’s presidential campaign, Chavez and his family collaborated with the Kennedys on Latino voter mobilization efforts.
The Chavez family’s letter expressed gratitude for the Kennedy family’s involvement in Cesar Chavez’s funeral in 1993, but criticized the use of images from the event in political campaign materials. They stated that they were offended by the exploitation of sacred moments for political gain.
The controversy highlights the delicate balance between honoring a historical figure’s legacy and respecting the wishes of their family. It serves as a reminder of the complexities of navigating relationships with influential figures and their loved ones, even decades after their passing.
