Cesar Chavez An American Hero On the next slide is your quiz on Cesar Chavez, please answer the questions as best you can – it is worth 10 points.

Early Life Second generation American Born March 31, 1927 At age 10, family became migrant farm workers after the loss of their farm during the Great Depression Exposed to the hardships and injustices of farm workers life Only achieved an 8 th grade education – but would continue to be self taught and well read throughout his life Joined the U.S. Navy in 1946 Settled in East San Jose area

Early Organizing Joined the Community Service Organization (CSO) in 1952 – a Latino civil rights group Coordinated voter registration drives, campaigned against racial and economic discrimination in urban areas Would later become the CSO national director His dream was to create an organization to protect and serve farm workers Founded the National Farm Workers Association would later become the United Farm Workers of America

The Union For three decades led the first successful farm workers union Achieved – dignity, respect, fair wages, medical coverage, pension benefits, and humane living conditions Led successful strikes, boycotts which resulted in first industry wide labor contracts in the history of American agriculture His union efforts brought about the passage of 1975 California Agricultural Labor Relations Act to protect workers’ right to unionize

Unique and Humble Leader Great humanitarian, communicator Influenced and inspired millions to seek social justice and civil rights for the poor and disenfranchised in our society Believer in principles of non violence practiced by Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Used peaceful tactics – fasting, boycotts, strikes He actively participated in these protests – fasting at various times and for long periods of time