Cesar Chavez was an American labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW) in 1962. Born in Yuma, Arizona, in 1927, Chavez grew up working in the fields and was inspired by the community organizing principles of Mahatma Gandhi. With the UFW, he fought for better wages, benefits, and working conditions for farm workers, which mostly were migrant laborers. He led the famous Delano grape strike in 1965, which lasted five years and resulted in a contract for the workers. Throughout his career, Chavez used nonviolent tactics such as strikes, boycotts, and fasts to bring attention to the plight of farm workers. He was a tireless advocate for social justice and human rights and his legacy continues to inspire people around the world who fight for workers’ rights and dignity. He passed away in 1993, but his work and message live on through the UFW and various educational and community organizations.
