Rename the Street, Keep the Truth

The street that once ran straight down Portland’s east side was called 39th Avenue, then renamed César E. Chávez Boulevard after a labor icon. Recent claims of sexual abuse by the same man force the city to decide: keep a name that now feels wrong or choose something that truly honors those who built the farmworker movement. A group called Por La Causa has already stepped up, formed by Latino leaders and farmworker allies who want the road to carry a name that reflects many people, not just one. They suggest “Campesinos Boulevard, ” a word meaning farmworkers in Spanish, to acknowledge the thousands of immigrants and families whose hands keep Oregon’s food growing. This change would be a clear statement that Portland values the people who often feel invisible, especially as federal policies threaten their safety and stability. The original renaming to honor Chávez was not a simple city gesture; it followed years of effort, threats, and resistance from residents who doubted the legitimacy of Latino leaders. Those activists had to collect thousands of signatures, face harassment, and endure public meetings that turned hostile. They also had to work with other communities, like Chinese Americans in Chinatown, when city officials tried to shift the focus from one street to another.All of this shows that the process has been uneven and often unfair, making it hard to trust the same system again. Instead of re‑following a complicated code that has historically disadvantaged the very group it was meant to help, city leaders should partner directly with Por La Causa. They can skip the old bureaucratic hurdles and move forward together, showing that Portland cares about justice more than strict procedure. Renaming the boulevard to Campesinos would be a concrete step toward equity, honoring collective labor rather than a single figure. It also sends a message that the city can learn from past mistakes and act decisively when truth demands it. The logistics—signage, addresses, business notices—are manageable if the city and community work side by side. This moment is a chance for Portland to rewrite its approach to governance, trust local voices, and correct past injustices. Choosing Campesinos Boulevard is not about favoritism; it’s about avoiding another divisive, inequitable process that has hurt many. By acting now, Portland can show it is ready to get things right and support the people who truly keep the city alive.