Cesar Chavez

This is a story of a good man. Cesar was a Mexican American farm worker, labor leader and civil rights activist, who dedicated his life to helping others.

Cesar was born on March 31, 1927.

As a young boy, he learned the importance of working hard. He worked on his family's farm feeding and watering the animals, collecting eggs, and bringing water to the house.

When Cesar was ten years old, his family’s home was taken away from them because they did not have enough money.

In 1938, Cesar’s family moved to California to find work. They began working on farms picking fruits and vegetables. Cesar’s family would move from farm to farm looking for work, just like many other families who also lost their homes. 

As a young boy, Cesar worked long hours. Farm workers like the Chavez family suffered a lot and they were not treated with respect or dignity. They earned very little money. Many families had their kids working to make ends meet. Unfortunately, farm workers were cheated and stolen out of their money.

Cesar's family had very little money. However, his family would give to people in need. He was taught to help others. He used to say, "You always have to help the needy, and God will help you".

In 1946, at the age of 19, Cesar volunteered to serve in the United States Navy. He served two years.

In 1948, Cesar married Helen Fabela.

After, they moved to San Jose, California and began a family.

In 1953, he joined the Community Service Organization to help voters. Many people were not respected. Cesar worked in many communities in California to help people gain the respect they deserved when voting.

After helping people in many communities gain the respect of community leaders. Cesar left the Community Service Organization to focus on helping farm workers gain the dignity and respect they deserved.

In 1962, Cesar founded the National Farm Workers Association, later became the United Farm Workers (UFW). He wanted to improve the working conditions of farm workers of all backgrounds.