American Biography

Cesar Chavez was an important civil rights activist in the 20^th century. His work focused on protecting the rights of Latino-American farm workers in the agricultural areas of the Southwest United States .

During the Great Depression, many people moved westward to find work in agricultural jobs. At the same time, many people immigrated from Central and South America. As more and more people moved into the region, jobs became more difficult to find. Latino workers often found themselves earning lower wages, sleeping in horrible conditions, and living without political and legal protection under the law.

This interview from a farm worker highlights the many issues immigrant agricultural workers faced in the early and mid 20^th century.

Chavez organized the National Farm Workers Association, later called the United Farm Workers, to fight for workers’ rights to fair pay and decent working and living conditions. Boycotts and strikes were common techniques used by Chavez’ organization. This poster from 1968 declares “Long live Chavez, long live the cause, long live the strike!”

Chavez was successful in his fight to protect the rights of farm workers. This poster represents his legacy of peaceful protest and labor organization that influenced other movements.