report

Cesar Chavez

G.C.

Born

Cesar Chavez was born into a poor farm worker family on March 31, 1927 near Yuma, Arizona.

Died

Cesar Chavez died of old age on April 23, 1993 age 66.

Family

Cesar Chavez’s dad was Librado Chavez. His mother was Juana Estrada. Cesar Chavez’s wife was Helen Fabela.

Interesting Facts

His grandparents raised 14 children. His grandparents homesteaded had over one hundred acres of land in Gila Valley. Chavez started school at the age of 7. He found school difficult because he only spoke Spanish and didn’t understand English.

Why is Cesar Chavez famous?

Cesar Chavez was the head of the “National Farm Workers Association” (NFWA). In 1965 farm workers struck for more money and Cesar Chavez united farm workers and formed the “United Farm Workers” (UFW). Chavez started his fast (fast: to starve yourself for some reason). The fast lasted 20 days and Cesar Chavez lost 35 pounds. His doctor urges him to eat. Chavez yielded to doctor’s wishes for two days. Cesar Chavez continued his fast for four more days. Chavez finally announced his fast was over on the 26 th day of the fast. Chavez’s fast makes a positive impact on farm worker causes.

Time line

March 31, 1927-Cesar Chavez was born.

1930-Librado lost business because of great depression. Chavez’s family moves back to ranch.

1937-Severe drought forces Chavez family to give up ranch.

1938-Chavez’s family packs up and heads for California to search for work. In California Cesar Chavez and his family become farm workers, traveling from farm to farm to pick fruits and vegetables during harvest. They lived in numerous migrant camps. During that time period Cesar Chavez attended over thirty elementary schools.

1948-Cesar Chavez married Helen Fabela.

1952-Chavez meets Fred Ross. Fred Ross is part of “Community Service Association” (CSO). Chavez becomes part of “Community Service Association”. Chavez makes speeches to support farm worker rights.

1968-Chavez began his fast. The fast lasted for 20 days Cesar Chavez lost 35 lb.

1970-UFW strikes for higher wages for grape growers.

Bibliography

http://www.incwell.com/Biographies/Chavez.html

Researcher: Rachel Sahlman

http://www.trivia-library.com/b/famous-feasts-in-history-cesar-chavez.htm