Cesar Chavez is known across the US as an organizer, a community builder and a champion for the rights of laborers. Born in 1927 in Arizona, he, along with Dolores Huerta, led the United Farm Workers in the 1960s and fought for the rights of farm workers.
The famous UFW strike against the grape-growers was one of the first successful efforts among these workers to gain rights and benefits. Inspired by Mohandas Gandhi and his fight for equality and fairness in India, Cesar's tactics were non-violent and attracted the attention of celebrities and the media. His famous "NO UVAS", "no grapes", stickers were seen on car bumpers around the country.
Chavez is considered a "folk-saint" in many Mexican-American communities. His birthday is a state holiday in some parts of the country and his legacy lives on through the programs that he began and led until his death in 1993.
Today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize Cesar Chavez.
