Tomorrow is Cesar Chavez Day, a day to recognize the work of legendary labor leader and civil rights activist, as well as celebrate what would be his 91st birthday. Chavez, an Arizona native, moved to San Jose with his family in 1939, to a district referred to as “Sal Si Puedes (Get Out If You Can)”. Due to an accident causing his father’s inability to work in the fields, young Chavez became a migrant farm worker after graduating the 8th grade.
After joining the U.S. Navy for two years in 1946, Chavez married Helen Fabela and settled in Delano. 8 children later, Chavez raised a family of his own in San Jose, and was introduced to two major influencers who would shape the career of the labor leader: Father Donald McDonnell and community organizer Fred Ross. Father McDonnell spoke about farm workers and strikes, and Ross, who ran the Community Service Organization (CSO), trained Chavez to become an organizer because of the leadership and strength Ross found in him. From this organization, Chavez grew into a leader, and went on to pursue a future helping the farmworkers.
Chavez founded the National Farm Workers Association in 1962, which is known today as the United Farm Workers (UFW). Throughout his career, he led multiple campaigns that gained national attention, including the famous Delano grape strike, his fasting, and the 340-mile march from Delano to Sacramento to allow farm workers to organize for union recognition and fight for a fair contract. At various times during his career, Chavez was willing to fast to raise awareness of farm workers’ livelihoods. His first fast lasted 25 in 1968, living only on water. He fasted again in 1972 for 24 days, and again in 1988 for 36 days to raise awareness of the harmful pesticides in the field that affects the farm workers.
Chavez passed in peace on April 23rd, 1996 in San Luis, Arizona. The spirit of Cesar Chavez continues to influence and empower the UFW and farmworkers who still face hardships today. Cesar Chavez had an undying dedication to his farm workers, which displays not only the power of one person, but the power of one person believing in underserved people who can stand up and stand together for a better life. The Teamsters honor Cesar Chavez, who fought for working people and stood up for their right to organize.