César Chávez

Photo by Claire Peterson and Susana Diaz
Exploring the United Farm Workers' History
http://www.cs.colorado.edu/~13d/systems/agentsheets/
New-Vista/grape-boycott/History.html

César Chávez

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!