Cesar Chavez (1927-1993) was a prominent leader and labor organizer. Hardened by his experiences as a migrant worker, Chavez founded the National Farm Workers Association in 1962. His union joined with the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee in its first strike against the grape industry in California. The two organizations later merged to become the United Farm Workers. Stressing nonviolent methods, Chavez drew attention for his causes via boycotts, marches, and hunger strikes. Through these methods and a long legal battle, he was able to secure raises and improve conditions for farmworkers in several U.S. states.
Chavez was born in Yuma, Arizona to immigrant parents, who would soon move to California with his family in 1939. For the next ten years, Chavez and his family would move up and down the state, experiencing some of the worst living conditions possible. Wretched migrant camps, corrupt labor contractors, meager wages for back-breaking work, and bitter racism.
Chavez began labor organization in 1952 when he met Father Donald McDonnell, a Catholic priest, and Fred Ross, an organizer with the group Community Service Organization. Within a few years, Chavez had become a national director but resigned. Chavez would go on to organize many nonviolent protests and marches, especially his famous march in Sacramento that would raise awareness of the corruption in the grape industry.
Fun Facts:
- Cesar Chavez was a vegetarian.
- After moving to California, Chavez's family took up residence in a town called Sal Si Puedes which translates to "escape if you can".
- Chavez was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom after his death.
Cesar Chavez:
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please be respectful. Think to yourself, "Would I say this to a child?"