"From the depth of need and despair, people can work together,
can organize themselves to solve their own problems
and fill their own needs with dignity and strength."
Cesar Chavez was a pioneering civil rights activist. He overcame poverty and prejudice to organize the first successful union (United Farm Workers) for America’s farm workers. Chavez fought for fair wages and humane treatment for farm workers in California through nonviolent means such as boycotts, fasts,and marches. Also of concern to Chavez was the health of farm workers as pesticides used in agriculture were not strictly regulated at the time. Chavez went on hunger strikes to protest the use of these chemicals. In 1968, a 25-day hunger strike helped earn better pay and medical benefits for farm workers.
Cesar Chavez Day is celebrated as a state holiday in California, Colorado, and Texas.
Books the library has about Cesar Chavez... BPLD Catalog - Cesar Chavez
State holiday celebration info, curriculum, resources and his biography in many different languages... http://chavez.cde.ca.gov/ModelCurriculum/Intro.aspx
Cesar Chavez Foundation... http://www.chavezfoundation.org/
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