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César Chávez
Photo by Claire Peterson and Susana Diaz
César Chávez was frequently in the news during the past thirty years in California as his name became synonymous with Farm Workers Rights.
César's early life was hard, as it was for many migrant working families. As a child, school was difficult, there were many obstacles and he found it a hostile, negative environment.
Yet, he overcame this and became an inspirational leader to migrant farm workers all over the country. His initial lack of formal education, only through elementary level, would reverse later in life as he became a passionate reader and derived great insight into the lives of leader he admired.
Chávez disliked any form of violence and in similar pattern as Gandhi thought that fasting and peaceful protests were the best way to accomplish the results they were seeking.
His efforts were not always successful, the big farm owners had tough lawyers whose lives were devoted to defeating Chávez and his supporters.
The Hollywood community rallied behind César because he spoke for those who had not a single hope of being heard. To the rich farm owners, he was a thorn in their sides, someone who had to be dealt with and kept down.
His life's work became a beacon for the millions of poor migrants who wanted just a chance at a decent life. Chávez showed those who worked for little or nothing, that there could be a better way of living and working. César Chávez gave them hope. Si, se puede!
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Last edited March 17, 2008 Copyright © 1998 - 2008 tahtonka.com All rights reserved. |