Who Was Cesar Chavez?
Cesar Chávez’s story begins right here in Arizona. Cesario Estrada Chávez was born on March 31, 1927, in San Luis, Arizona, not far from Yuma.
Chávez grew up in a migrant farmworker family and later became one of the most influential labor organizers in U.S. history. Growing up in Arizona shaped much of his worldview, and his experiences led him to start a movement that was later officially recognized by President Barack Obama.
READ: What’s So Special About Arizona’s 5 C’s?
Chávez founded a movement based on non-violent protest. In 1972, he carried out a 24‑day fast in Phoenix to protest a state law that restricted farmworkers’ rights.
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What Did He Do For Farmworkers?
Chávez organized and co‑founded the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA) in 1962, according to Wikipedia. The NFWA later became the United Farm Workers (UFW)…