César Chávez, born on March 31, 1927, in Yuma, Arizona, was a prominent labor leader and civil rights activist who dedicated his life to improving the conditions of farmworkers in the United States. Coming from a family of migrant workers, Chávez firsthand experienced the harsh and exploitative working conditions that farmworkers faced. In 1962, he co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (which later became the United Farm Workers, or UFW) to organize farm laborers, many of whom were Mexican American and immigrant workers, and to fight for better wages, working conditions, and labor rights. Chávez’s leadership in organizing strikes, boycotts, and marches, including the famous 1965 Delano grape strike, brought national attention to the plight of farmworkers and led to important labor reforms.
Chávez’s commitment to nonviolence and his ability to inspire collective action made him a powerful symbol of resistance and justice. He led hunger strikes, including one in 1968, to draw attention to the farmworkers’ cause, using peaceful protests and direct action to press for change. His efforts led to significant improvements in labor contracts, health care, and living conditions for farmworkers, though the struggle for labor rights continued. Chávez’s legacy as a champion of farmworker rights and social justice is celebrated across the country, and his impact extends beyond labor movements to broader civil rights and immigrant rights activism. César Chávez remains an enduring figure in the fight for workers’ rights and equality.
