Que Viva Cesar Chavez!
Que Viva Cesar Chavez
The United Farm Workers was founded in 1962 by Cesar Chavez,and Co-Founder Dolores Huerta, now known as the UFW or United Farm Workers of America. They are the first successful and largest farm workers union currently active in 10 states in the nation. The UFW currently continues to organize in major agricultural industries across the nation.
In the early 60's, the UFW dedicated themselves to organize California vegetable and fruit workers to obtain better living wages, job security and quality medical benefits that every basic human being should have. Up till today the farm workers life is still a constant struggle despite UFW's impact and progress in the labor movement.
You should know Cesar Chavez was born on March 31, 1927 and died April 23, 1993, he was a farm worker himself who later became a labor leader and civil rights icon of the Latino Community.
He was a Mexican American at heart who strongly supported labor movement, and through his public-relations approach to unionize, brought a nonviolent belief system that made the farm workers' struggle a moral cause that helped gain nationwide support. He was able by the late 70s, thru his tactics to force growers in California to recognize the UFW as the bargaining agent for 50,000 field workers in California as well as in Florida. (Wow)!
After Cesar's death, the Latino community recognized many schools, streets, and parks in his name to honor him as a major figure within Latino History. He is famous for popularizing the slogan "SÃ, se puede" (Spanish for "Yes, one can" or translates to "Yes, it can be done")! Today we celebrate his birthday, March 31st, which has become known as Cesar Chavez Day, and a state holiday in California, Colorado, and Texas.
The #CesarChavezmovie is an impressive vision of Cesar Chavez's life and unforgettable contribution to the civil and labor movement. Young and elderly alike can watch this movie of a historic leader within the Latino community. Diego Luna and cast Michael Pena, America Ferrera, Jacob Vargas, Rosario Dawson and rest of the cast do any amazing job bringing the life of Cesar Chavez to the screen, along with his colleagues Dolores Huerta and Filipino's American Labor Organizers, Philip Vera Cruz and Larry Itliong known as "Seven Fingers" He organized west coast agricultural workers beginning in the 1930s, and gained national recognition in 65' when he, Philip Vera Cruz, Benjamin Gines and Pete Velasco, walked off the farms demanding equal minimum wage, and became the forefront of what's known as the Delano grape strike." ( Just saying, no your history).
It was empowering to know the history of Asian communities participation and representation in the history of the Farm Workers Delano Grape Strike! If anyone doesn't know who Philip Vera Cruz is you should.
Philip Vera Cruz "A Personal History of Filipino Immigrants and the Farmworkers Movement
He was a co-founder of the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee, which later merged with the National Farm Workers Association who helped become the United Farm Workers, along with Dolores Huerta!
It's important to include the backbone of the movement, Dolores Huertas & her contributions to Cesar Chavez and thr UFW. Dolores Huerta dedicationed her life to the labor movement. Famous for her "Huelga" saying meaning fight!
Dolores is known for her public policy work and the importance of not erasing the huge difference the United Farm Workers has made within the system and labor history.
Dolores Huerta continues to work today at the tender age of 81, developing and advocating as President of the Dolores Huerta Foundation. She travels the country speaking to organizations and students on social justice and advocates for women, children and under priviledged people.
It's important to tell our stories for our children's children to learn about this dedicated leader, Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta.
Cesar Chavez's vision to go against the status quo, and being an early organizer myself, sets the intention of my blog.
To create a space to share our Latino Culture and stories. Its important to document & shares our stories for social change and voice how we are part of a bigger purpose! Just because it was not your life or our era does not mean you can't learn about it and more importantly share & respect the sacrifices made by our Elders such as Cesar Chavez's.
I'm personally proud to say I've contributed in my own American Dream. As a Latina Entrepreneur through my Jewelry Company www.ilaments.net, & giving back by donating money to the California Rural Legal Association, known as CRLA. They speak on behalf of those voiceless workers that can't or won't be heard.
March 31st is the day we honor his legacy on Cesar Chavez Day. Take this day a step further by making it a true Day of Service. Honoring Cesar Chavez great mission to continue fighting for workers to be treated fairly.
Here are a few resources to encourage you to research more on the history of the labor movement and organizations that support social change.
Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cesar_Chavez
http://www.chavezfoundation.orghttp://www.chavezfoundation.org
http://www.chavezfoundation.orghttp://www.chavezfoundation.org
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