Chávez would go on three 25-36 day fasts to further raise awareness, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. This would be followed by other national actions, like the 340-mile march from Delano to Sacramento, California in 1966 and an international grape boycott. The strike lasted five years, as workers demanded higher pay, safer working conditions, and the recognition of their union. Their first major action in 1966 was to join Filipino organizers like Larry Itliong for the Delano grape strike. But Chávez wanted to focus on the rights of farm workers.ĭespite widespread skepticism, he resigned from CSO and founded the National Farm Workers Association, which became the United Farm Workers. In the CSO, he learned organizing principles.

Chávez helped organize voter registration drives and anti-discrimination campaigns. He first worked in political organizing with Fred Ross and a Latino Civil Rights group, the Community Service Organization (CSO). He worked on farms throughout California, experiencing the challenging working conditions. Chávez joined them as a migrant farm worker after completing the 8th grade. His family lost their land in the Great Depression. Using similar tactics, including marches and boycotts, Chávez and his team brought crucial awareness to the working conditions and precarious living of the people who grow and harvest our food.Ĭésar Chávez was born March 31, 1927, on his family’s small farm outside of Yuma, Arizona. While African Americans were fighting for their Civil Rights in the 1960s, César Chávez organized Latino and Filipino farm workers to do the same. This photo was provided by the National Archives and Records Administration as part of a cooperation project with Wikimedia Commons.

César Chávez addresses environmental concerns in Arizona.

Symbol cesar chavez flag