Empowering Others for Support

Once word got out about the Nation Wide problem tons of people across the United States decided to follow along by not buying grapes. Whether they were farmworkers fighting for a better life, or middle class students trying to change the world he had over 13 million followers nation wide across the United States. The effort and the motivation that Cesar Chavez put into making sure that the job got done On one level it represented his spiritual values, his willingness to sacrifice and do penance. In 1968 he fasted for 25 days to affirm his personal commitment to let people know that he is serious about what he was doing and what he wanted done.

Rebuilding a Nation

In 1965 Cesar Chavez got his chance to finally show his leadership talents to his community that desperately needed help. The plantation owners (growers) lowered the pay of the field workers Cesar was aware of the situation and reacted immediately by getting involved and holding a strike, pep rally's and marches. There first biggest act was a Boycott, Cesar and his followers stood in front of local markets and told people to support them by not buying grapes. Their main target was cities because they needed to find a way were they can let everyone know. So they went to markets in large cities and told people the problem and to not buy grapes.

What inspired him

Living in San Jose was not only where he lived but it was also where he met a priest named Father Donald McDonnell. Who introduced him to civil rights acts of Mahatma Gandhi and how using non-violence to change your community can really make an impact. other people of inspiration were people like Fred Ross who taught to not only to be a strong leader but to put practice into direct action. with the help of Fred Ross Cesar Chavez drastically climbed the ladder to becoming the president of the CSO (Community Service Organization) and focused on changing society.

Growing up

In the 1940's Cesar Chavez and his family settled on a small farm in Delano a small town located in the city of San Joaquin, California and decided to enlist in the navy. After Cesar's 2 year term of service was over he came back home and married Helen Favela. Cesar and his new wife later moved to San Jose, California where they had their first child Fernando Chavez. Through out his relationship with Helen he had several kids Fernando, Linda, Paul, Eloise, Sylvia and Anthony.

Early Ages

Cesar Chavez was born in Yuma, Arizona on March 31, 1927. Cesar Chavez and his family owned a farm while growing up and had to struggle through the harsh days of a farmers, work, while at the same time his family owned a store. In 1937, during the depression Cesar and his family lost both their farm and store. Cesar and his family moved to California hoping and looking for a better life and a better future. When Cesar and his family arrived in California, times were harsh. Before Cesar Chavez finished the 8th grade, he attended 38 different schools until he decided to finally drop out.