These Sacramento places will close Thursday for Cesar Chavez Day. Here’s why he’s celebrated

Cesar Chavez Day is being celebrated Thursday. Proclaimed a federal commemorative holiday in 2014 by President Barack Obama, it honors the legacy of labor movement activist Cesar Chavez.

And although it was not deemed a federal holiday, several states — including California — chose to officially observe it.

Who was Cesar Chavez?

Chavez was born in Yuma, Arizona, to Mexican American parents, according to History.com. After his parents lost their home during the Great Depression, Chavez and his family moved to California and became migrant farm workers.

After working as a community organizer for several years, Chavez unionized farm workers and, with activist Dolores Huerta, co-founded the National Farm Workers Association in 1962, which later became known as the United Farmer Workers that exists today. Here, he advocated for minimum wage, unemployment insurance and collective bargaining agreements for farm workers.

After dying in 1993, Chavez was awarded the Medal of Freedom for his work and efforts as a labor leader.

What will be closed in Sacramento Thursday?

Since Cesar Chavez Day is a state holiday, all state governments offices will be closed. However, schools, most banks and the federal post office will remain open Thursday.

Here’s what is closed, according to the official websites:

• State and city courts

• Sacramento City Hall

• DMV offices

• Sacramento State University

• Sacramento Public Library