Cesar Chavez

Cesar Chavez was an American labor leader and civil rights activist. He was born in Yuma, Arizona, in 1927. He co-founded the United Farm Workers union. He fought for better pay and safer working conditions for farm workers.

Early Life

Chavez's family lost their farm during the Great Depression. They became migrant farm workers in California. He worked in fields as a child and attended over 30 different schools. He saw how badly farm workers were treated.

Big Achievements

Chavez co-founded the National Farm Workers Association with Dolores Huerta. He organized strikes and boycotts to demand better treatment for workers. His grape boycott became one of the most successful in American history. He used nonviolent methods inspired by Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.

Fun Facts

• Chavez fasted for 25 days to bring attention to the farm workers' cause.
• His birthday, March 31, is a state holiday in several states.
• His motto was 'Si se puede,' meaning 'Yes, it can be done.'

Did You Know?

Chavez's grape boycott convinced 17 million Americans to stop buying grapes. This put pressure on growers to treat their workers better. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom after his death.