New allegations about César Chávez are prompting a swift and emotional reckoning with the legacy of one of the most iconic figures in Latino civil rights.

Why it matters: Chávez, who died in 1993, has long stood as a central symbol of Mexican American identity and labor activism — a legacy now being reassessed, with ripple effects already emerging in local governments, universities and beyond.

Catch up quick: A New York Times investigation published yesterday uncovered allegations that Chávez sexually abused women and girls over decades.

• Dolores Huerta, Chávez's longtime collaborator and labor leader, also said she was sexually assaulted by Chávez and became pregnant with two of his children.
• San Antonio's Chávez march was canceled earlier this month.
• Gov. Greg Abbott said Texas will not observe César Chávez Day.

What they're saying: "The pain of these allegations is so palpable," Lorena Oropeza, chair of ethnic studies at the University of California, Berkeley, tells Axios. "My heart goes out to so many women who decided or were told that silence was their best option for the good of the movement."

• Oropeza said the impact on Chávez's legacy is likely to be "immediate and profound."

Between the lines: Chávez worked closely with the Democratic Party to enact reforms, and his legacy became entwined with the party.

• Latino Democrats nationwide, including U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-San Antonio), were quick to condemn Chávez, with some calling for Chávez's name to be removed from public spaces.

Zoom out: Scholars have been reevaluating Chávez for years, even as his public image remained largely untouchable, Oropeza says.

• Columbia University history professor Lori Flores tells Axios the new revelations are "devastating on a deeper level."

Yes, but: Historians say this moment could broaden public understanding of the farmworker movement beyond a single figure.

• "The farmworker movement always was, and remains, much more than Chávez," Flores says.
• Cynthia Orozco, a historian and professor emeritus at Eastern New Mexico University, said the moment could also shift recognition toward other leaders, including Huerta. "It is time we acknowledge her even more," she says.

San Antonians are calling for city leaders to rename César E. Chávez Boulevard, a downtown thoroughfare.

The latest: District 5 Councilmember Teri Castillo submitted a memo to city manager Erik Walsh yesterday asking for a series of community listening sessions this spring to help identify a potential new name for César E. Chávez Boulevard.

• Castillo also wants input on the future of the city's César Chávez Day designation. San Antonio added César Chávez Day as a city holiday in 2022.
• She's proposing a survey for residents and businesses along the boulevard.

What they're saying: "We are committed to creating a transparent and inclusive process where residents can share their perspectives and help determine a path forward that reflects our community's values," Castillo said in a statement.

• The city is reviewing Castillo's request, city spokesperson Mia Garza-White tells Axios.
• She added that Walsh will work with the City Council to figure out the right process and timing for any potential change.

State of play: Others have chimed in on social media.

• "Join me in demanding all Cesar Chavez streets in Bexar County be renamed to honor Dolores Huerta," State Rep. Josey Garcia (D-San Antonio) wrote.
• San Antonio Poet Laureate Eddie Vega wrote: "Change them all to Dolores Huerta Dr. They should've been named that all along."

What's next: "The city is committed to an approach that will keep the community informed (and) allow for public input as the discussion moves forward," Garza-White says.

✈️ San Antonio International Airport travelers will see construction on curbside lanes in the passenger pickup and drop-off areas beginning Monday, as work on the airport expansion continues. (Express-News 🔑)

🏫 San Antonio ISD is now looking to close Rhodes Middle School, a West Side campus that has received an F-rating from the state the past three years. If the move is approved by the school board, Rhodes would be the second school to close this year in the district. (SA Report)

📣 Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones and Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai are calling for a new Veterans Affairs hospital, saying the existing one is falling short. (KENS)

Friday

🖼️ Explore studios, galleries and artists' homes with the On and Off Fredericksburg Road Studio Tour.

• The fun begins 6-9pm at Bihl Haus Arts where you can pick up a map and grab food and drink. Locations are open through Sunday.

🎶 Enjoy free live music at Chris Park in Southtown from Ruby City and Trinity University's KRTU, 7-9pm.

• Bring your own chairs and blankets. There will be complimentary light bites and drinks.

Saturday

🌱 Plan your spring garden at the annual plant sale at the San Antonio Garden Center, 9am-4pm.

🎙️ Catch Zach Bryan at the Alamodome. Doors open at 5pm for the 7pm show.

• Ticket prices start around $86.

💧 Learn about the history of water in Texas at Todos Agua III, the third annual water festival from the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center.

• Free events kick off 6-9pm at the center and run through March 28.

Sunday

🥘 Arrive hungry for the Paella Challenge hosted by local chef Johnny Hernandez at Mission County Park. Chefs will compete to make the best paella — and local high school teams will have a chance to compete too. Noon-4pm.

• Tickets cost about $93 for those 21 and older. Proceeds benefit Hernandez's nonprofit that connects young people to the culinary industry.