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
Last night while watching one of our favorite films, Invictus on a new to us channel called Pilot, which appears to lean towards Biographies, a commercial came on about a new petition for César Chávez.
I have just signed this Petition and cannot think of a finer person to be the first to be written about on this new Global Culture Blog.
To so many in California, Chávez was a passionate, dedicated civil rights leader quite similar to Gandhi who followed many of Gandhi’s methods of non violent civil disobedience, to achieve his monumental goals for the poor farm workers suffering in silence.
In the end, he did achieve his goals, but it was a very long, hard struggle.
Here is a link to the Petition, if you believe that this man, should be considered just as important in this country’s history as Columbus and all the others who already have a National Holiday to Honor their existence, then please do sign it.
Here is the takepart Petition: César Chávez
Californian’s are no longer the only ones aware of the full measure of this man’s life long struggles, they are now joined by millions who have now come to understand why Chavez is so deserving of this Honor.
For those who are not familiar with this humble civil leader, here is a quite brief biography of César Chávez:
Until his death in 1993, César Chávez was frequently in the
news in California and around the world, 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!