SPAN 315: Intro Translation Span/Eng
Description
Students perform introductory translation assignments from Spanish to English and vice versa. They develop an understanding of translation theory through reading and class discussion and come to understand communicative translation and compare it to a direct, word-for-word approach. Problematic grammatical, discursive, and pragmatic issues are analyzed and the grammar of Spanish is reviewed in detail. http://catalog.csumb.edu/description/SPAN/315
Course Reflective Narrative
Link to evidence of your learning from this course (often best as pdf file)
4170 word translation follows after the introduction of the course.
Spanish 315 has been a wonderful class to take because it gave me a deeper understanding of a subject that I had little understanding of. Believe it or not, I have been a Spanish interpreter since I was a little girl. I came into this country not knowing an ounce of English in the 70's. I learned English very quickly and was able to help friends and especially family members communicate with English speaking professionals like doctors and attorneys. However it was not until 2000 that I decided to do it professionally. I have a business license that allows me to help people in the community communicate when they need to do so in Spanish or English, and get paid for it.
Frequently I had refused written assignments that needed to be translated to Spanish or English. It is a lot of work and whenever I did accept this type of work I felt I didn't get paid what I thought was fare. However, with the knowledge gained in this class I feel more confident about accepting translating assignments in the near future. I am now more aware of how much power I have when translating a document to the target language whereas before I was too afraid of changing it too much because I did not know the limits or options when doing such work. I have learned that as long as I keep the deeper meaning of the source language I have some options when performing such work and taking it to the target language. However, I have knowledge now that I did not have before taking the class about translating contracts, and educational material. This type of material requires me the translator to be more precise when communicating the message in written form. Whereas a story, poem or song I have more flexibility. Poems and songs especially are the hardest to translate because they break all the grammar rules. These documents most of the time do not have complete sentences and many times do not even have a complete thought in one phrase because it relies on the context, meaning what came before or after. Generally speaking when translating a document I have to be aware of whom my audience is. This means I need to have an understanding of the common vocabulary used in that community. I can use the addition or omission theories depending on the source language and target language. Spanish is in a sense wordier so when translating from English to Spanish I will need more paper and time. I can modify the source language by using one of three theories: transposition, modulation, or adaptation. Modulation is a step up from transposition and adaptation is a step up from modulation. According to Jack Child modulation refers to the way in which the basic high-frequency radio wave is shaped in order to carry the lower-frequency audio wave of the human voice or music. He better explains this by saying that the translator should ‘shape’ the text as it is being restructured into the target language so as to make it sound more natural in the target language. The second key translation technique transposition which is based on the idea that a given thought can be expressed in a number of different ways without doing undue violence to the deep structure concept involved. Some of these transposed forms will sound more natural than others in the target language, while some will not be possible for grammatical or stylistic reasons. So the interpreter might come up with ten different ways to translate and idea and must choose the one that sounds most natural and even elegant in the target language, according to Jack Child. These are just some of the theories learned in Spanish 315, which give the translator flexibility when going into the target language.
Spanish 315 (4,170 word document translation of a topic of choice
Evelia Meza
Spanish 315 (4,170 word document translation of a topic of choice)
Profesor Arrizabalaga
Spring, 2014
La historia de Cesar Chávez [traduccion, documento original en ingles abajo de este]
Los Comienzos
1. La historia de Cesar Estrada Chávez comienza cerca de Yuma, Arizona. Cesar nació el 31 de marzo del 1927. Su nombre proviene del nombre de su abuelo, Cesario. Lamentable, la historia de Cesar estrada Chávez también termina cerca de Yuma, Arizona. Cesar falleció el 23 de abril, del 1993, cerca de Yuma, Arizona en una aldea.
2. El aprendió sobre la justicia, o mejor dicho sobre la injusticia a muy temprana edad. La casa pequeña de adobe ubicada en Arizona donde cesar nació y Cesar fue estafada por anglo-americanos fraudulentos. El padre de Cesar estuvo de acuerdo en limpiar 80 acres de terreno y en cambio recibiría la escritura de 40 acres de terreno que conectaban con la casa. El acuerdo no se cumplió y el terreno fue vendido a un hombre llamado Justus Jackson. El padre de Cesar se dirigió a un abogado quien le aconsejo que pidiera un préstamo y comprara el terreno. Después cuando el padre de Cesar no pudo pagar el interés sobre el préstamo el abogado compro el terreno y lo vendió al dueño original. Cesar aprendió una lección sobre la injusticia que nunca olvidaría. Después él decía, “El amor por la justicia que está dentro de nosotros no únicamente es la mejor parte de nuestro ser, es también la cosa más cierta a nuestra naturaleza”.
3. En 1938 el y su familia se mudaron a California. Él vivió en, La Colonia Barrio en Oxnard por un periodo corto de tiempo, volvió a Arizona varios meses después. Ellos volvieron a California en junio del 1939 y esta vez se establecieron en San José. Ellos vivieron en el barrio que se llama, Sal
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Si Puedes- “Get Out If You Can” Cesar pensó que la única manera de salirse del circulo de la pobreza era trabajar, ascender de puesto y mandar a los niños a la universidad. El y su familia trabajaron en los campos de California desde Brawley a Oxnard, Atascadero, Gonzales, King City, Salinas, Mcfarland, Delano, Vasco, Selma, Kingsburg, y Mendota.
4. No le interesaba la escuela de niño, seguramente porque hablaba únicamente español en casa. Las maestras eran principalmente anglo americanas y nada más hablaban inglés. El español era prohibido en las escuelas. El recuerda haber sido castigado con una regla sobre los nudillos por haber incumplido las normas. El también recuerda que algunas escuelas estaban divididas y que en las escuelas mixtas se sentía como un mono en una jaula. El recuerda que escuchaba muchos comentarios racistas. El recuerda haber visto rótulos que decían ‘blancos únicamente’. Él y su hermano, Richard, asistieron a treinta y siete escuelas. El creía que la educación no tenía nada que ver con su manera de vivir como trabajador del campo. En 1942 se graduó del grado octavo. Por el motivo de que su padre, Librado había sufrido un accidente y no quería que su mamá Juana trabajara en el campo, en lugar de asistir a la preparatoria, opto por ser un trabajador migrante del campo.
5. Durante su niñez la educación no era su prioridad, más después en su vida, la educación era su pasión. Las paredes de su consultorio en La Paz (United Farm Worker Headquarters) están llenos de cienes de libros desde filosofía, economía, cooperativas, y uniones, hasta biografías de Gandhi y de los Kennedys’. El creía que “El final de toda la educación debería ser de seguro, brindar servicio a otros.” una creencia que practico hasta su muerte inesperada.
6. Ingreso al U.S. Navy, que estaba segregado para entonces, en 1946, a la edad de 19 años, brindo servicio por dos años.
7. En 1948 Cesar se casó con Helen Fabela. Pasaron su luna de miel visitando las misiones de California desde Sonoma a san Diego
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(nuevamente la influencia de la educación). Se establecieron en Delano y comenzaron una familia. Primero Fernando, después Sylvia, después Linda, y cinco más hijos habrían de venir.
8. Cesar volvió a San José donde conoció al Padre Donald McDonnell el cual tuvo mucha influencia en el. Hablaron sobre los trabajadores de los ranchos y las demostraciones. Cesar comenzó a leer sobre St. Francis y Gandhi y temas relacionados a la paz. Después de que el Padre McDonnell vino otra persona que tuvo mucha influencia en el, Fred Ross.
9. Cesar llego a ser un organizador para Ross, La organización para Servicios a la Comunidad-CSO. Su primer reto fue conseguir los derechos para registrarse y votar.
The United farm Workers is Born
10. En el 1962 Cesar fundo the national farm Workers Association, mas después conocida como, United farm Workers-the UFW. Dolores huerta se unió en la causa y la ‘unión’ se establece. Ese mismo año Richard Chávez diseño el UFW Eagle Cesar opto por los colores negros y rojos. Cesar pronuncio la historia del nacimiento del águila. Le pidió a Richard que diseñara la bandera, pero Richard no pudo dibujar un águila que le gustara. Finalmente hiso un borrador en un pedazo de papel de envolver café. Después recorto las orillas de las alas para que los miembros de la unión pudieran fácilmente dibujar en las banderas hechas a mano que les brindarían valor a los trabajadores de la agricultura con su propio símbolo de poder. Cesar hacía referencia a la bandera mediante decir “Un símbolo es una cosa importante, por eso escogimos una águila azteca, tal símbolo otorga orgullo… Cuando las personas lo ven ellos saben que significa dignidad.”
11. Por mucho tiempo en 1962, había muy pocos miembros de la unión que pagaban su cuota. Para el 1970 el UFW consiguió que los rancheros de la uva aceptaran contratos de unión y habían efectivamente organizado la mayor parte de la industrial. En algún momento hubo 50,000 miembros pagando su cuota. El motivo fue el incansable liderazgo y táctica sin violencia que incluyo la demostración de la uva en Delano, sus ayunos
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que atrajeron la atención nacional a los problemas de los trabajadores del campo, y la marcha de 340 millas desde Delano a Sacramento en 1966. Los trabajadores del campo y sus apoyadores cargaban rótulos con la águila negra que leían HUELGA (strike) y ViVA LA CAUSA (Long live the cause), Los marchadores querían que el gobierno del estado pasara leyes que permitieran a los trabajadores organizarse en una unión y que permitieran acuerdos de negociación colectiva. Cesar puso al día a la gente sobre las batallas de los trabajadores del campo para mejor pago y condiciones más seguras para trabajar. Tuvo éxito sin tácticas de violencia con boicots, manifestaciones, y demostraciones. Cesar Chávez y la unión procuraban que se reconociera la importancia y la dignidad de todos los trabajadores del campo.
12. Era el comienzo de LA Causa, una causa que era apoyada por trabajo organizado, grupos religiosos, minoridades, y estudiantes. Cesar Chávez tenía la previsión para capacitar a sus trabajadores de la unión y después mandar a muchos de ellos a la ciudad donde utilizarían los boicots y las demostraciones como su arma.
13. Cesar estaba dispuesto a sacrificar su propia vida para que continuara la unión y la violencia no se utilizó. Cesar ayuno muchas veces. En 1968 Cesar ayuno tomando únicamente agua por 25 días. El la repitió en 1972 por 24 días y nuevamente en 1988, esta vez por 36 días. ¿Que lo motivo hacer esto? Trabajadores del campo en dondequiera están con coraje y preocupados de que no podremos ganar sin violencia. Lo hemos comprobado anteriormente mediante persistencia, y trabajo arduo, fe y la disponibilidad de sacrificar. Podemos ganar y mantener nuestro respeto propio y crear una unión buena que asegurara el espíritu de toda la gente si la hacemos mediante re- dedicación y compromiso por la batalla para justicia sin violencia.
El ayuno
14. Muchos asuntos precipitaron el ayuno, especialmente el terrible sufrimiento de los trabajadores del campo y sus hijos, el aplastamiento de los derechos de los trabajadores, los peligros de las pesticidas, el rechazo
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de las elecciones libres y justas.
15. Sobre el ayuno Cesar dijo, “Un ayuno es primero y principalmente personal. Es un ayuno para la purificación de mi propio cuerpo, mente y alma. El ayuno es también una oración sentida en el corazón para purificación y para conseguir fuerzas para todos aquellos quienes trabajan a mi lado en el movimiento para el trabajador del campo. El ayuno es también un hecho de penitencia para aquellas posiciones de autoridad moral para todos los hombres y mujeres activistas que saben lo que es correcto y justo, que saben que pueden hacer más. El ayuno es una declaración final de los supermercados que no cooperan, promueven, venden y sacan provecho de las uvas de California. Durante los últimos años he estado estudiando la plaga de pesticidas en nuestra tierra y nuestra comida,” Cesar continua diciendo, “El mal es mucho más grave de lo que hasta yo pensé que sería, amenaza sacarle la vida a nuestra gente y también al sistema de vida que nos sostiene a todos. La solución a esta crisis mortal no será encontrada en la arrogancia de los poderosos, pero en solidaridad con los débiles e indefensos. Yo oro a Dios de que este ayuno será una preparación para una multitud de buenas obras de justicia. Llevadas a cabo por hombres y mujeres quienes sus corazones están enfocados en el sufrimiento del pobre y que desean, junto con nosotros, un mundo mejor. Juntos todas las cosas son posibles.”
16. Cesar Chávez completo su ayuno de 36 días para la Vida (Fast for Life) en agosto 21, 1988. El Reverendo Jesse Jackson continuo donde Cesar se detuvo, ayunando mediante consumir agua únicamente por tres días antes de pasar el ayuno a celebridades y líderes. El ayuno fue pasado a Martin Sheen, actor; el reverendo J. Lowery , President SCLC; Edward Olmos, actor; Emilio Estevez, actor; Kerry Kennedy, hija de Robert Kennedy, Peter Chacon, legislador, Julie Carmen, actress; Danny Glover, actor; Carly Simon, Singer; and Whoopi Goldber, actriz.
La Muerte de Cesar Chávez
17. Cesar Estrada Chávez murió en paz cuando dormía el 23 de abril, 1993 cerca de Yuma, Arizona, a corta distancia de la granja pequeña de la familia en Gila River Valley donde nació más de 66 años atrás.
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18. El fundador y presidente de United farm Workers de America, AFL-CIO estaba en Yuma ayudando al abogado de UFW en defender la unión en contra de una demanda presentada por Bruce Church Inc., un gigante ubicado en Salinas, California-productor de lechuga y verduras. Church exigía que los trabajadores agrícolas pagaran millones de dólares en danos que resultaron del UFW boycott y su lechuga durante 1980’s. En lugar de tomar acción legal en el estado donde se llevó a cabo el boicot como California o New York, Church “Shopped around”/procura un tribunal amigable en negocios de agricultura conservativos y nomino Arizona-un lugar donde no había habido actividad de boicot.
19. “Cesar dio su última onza de fuerza al defender a los trabajadores agrícolas en este caso” dijo su sucesor, UFW Presidente Arturo Rodríguez, que estaba con él en Arizona durante el juicio. El murió defendiendo la Primera Enmienda, el derecho hablar por nuestra cuenta. El sabia en su corazón que los trabajadores del campo tenían derecho a llevar a cabo el (boicot) de la lechuga de Bruce Church Inc. durante los 1980’s él estaba determinado a comprobarlo en el tribunal.” (Cuando el segundo fallo multimillonario en contra de Church, más después fue descartado por el tribunal de apelaciones, la empresa firmó un contrato con UFW en mayo del 1996).
20. Durante el descanso del juicio alas aproximadas 3:00 p.m. el jueves, 22 de abril, Cesar pasó parte de la tarde en Yuma conduciendo entre las vecindades latinas que conoció de niño.
21. Llego aproximadamente a las 6 p.m. a San Luis, Arizona que esta aproximadamente a 20 millas de Yuma la modesta casa de bloque de concreto de Dofla María Hau, una previa trabajadora y vieja amiga. Cesar y ocho líderes del personal de UFW estaban quedándose en su casa, una vecindad pobre de trabajadores agrícolas a corta distancia de la línea fronteriza mexicana.
22. Cesar ceno a las aproximadas 9 p.m. y dirigió una breve reunión para repasar los asuntos del día. Había terminado dos días muy agotantes
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debido a las preguntas de los abogados a favor de Bruce Church Inc.
23. Hablo con sus colegas sobre el auto-cuidarse, un tema que salía mucho con Cesar debido a que estaba al tanto de las largas horas exigidas de él y otros oficiales de la unión y personal. Aun así estaba con buen espíritu a pesar de estar agotado después de las preguntas prolongadas en el banquillo de los testigos; él se quejó de estar padeciendo debilidad cuando estuvo haciendo sus ejercicios de la tarde.
24. El fundador de UFW se dirigió a su cama a las 10 o 10:30 p.m. Un miembro de la unión dijo que más después vio relucir desde el dormitorio la luz que utilizaba para leer.
25. La luz aún estaba encendida a las 6 a.m. la próxima mañana. Esta situación no era vista como fuera de lo regular. Cesar generalmente despertaba en las horas tempranas de la mañana mucho antes de la salida del sol, que era cuando escribía o meditaba.
26. Cuando para las 9 a.m. no había salido, sus colegas entraron a su dormitorio e encontraron que Cesar había fallecido, aparentemente, durante la noche en lo que dormía, según autoridades.
27. Fue encontrado acostado boca arriba con su cabeza girada hacia la izquierda. Sin zapatos y todavía con su ropa puesta del día anterior. En su mano derecha sostenía un libro sobre el arte de los americanos nativos. Había una sonrisa de paz en su cara.
La Última Marcha con Cesar Chávez
28. El 29 de abril, del 1993, a Cesar Chávez se le dio honor en muerte por aquellos a quienes guío en vida. Más de 50, 000 dolientes vinieron a darle honor al carismático líder laboral al lugar donde llevo a cabo su primer ayuno público en 1968 y su última en 1988, en United farm Workers Delano Field Office en “Forty Acres.”
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29. En la historia de estados Unidos fue el servicio fúnebre más numeroso a un líder laboral. Vinieron en caravanas desde florida a California para pagar su respeto a un hombre que en su sencillez estaba su fuerza.
30. Trabajadores de la agricultura, miembros de familia, amigos y personal de la unión se turnaban para pararse durante la vigilia sobre un féretro de pino sencillo, el cual sostenía el cuerpo de Cesar Chávez. Entre la guardia de honor estaban celebridades que habían apoyado a Chávez a través de sus años de batalla para mejorar a los muchos trabajadores de la agricultura por todo América.
31. Muchos de los dolientes habían marchado lado a lado con Chávez durante sus años tumultuosos en las viñas y ranchos de América. Por última vez vinieron a marchar al lado del hombre que les había ensenado a defender sus derechos, mediante protestas sin violencia y negociaciones colectivas.
32. Cardinal Roger Mahoney, quien celebró la misa del entierro, llamo a Chávez “un especial profeta para los trabajadores agrícolas del mundo.” Los sostenedores del manto, incluyendo cuadrillas de estos trabajadores, los hijos de Chávez y nietos, cargaron su caído líder, descansando por fin, desde Memorial Park a Forty Acres.
33. La muerte de Cesar Chávez marco una era de cambios dramáticos en la agricultura Americana. Sus contribuciones serian erosionadas, y otros tendrían que cargar en sus hombros el trabajo que él hacía. Pero Cesar Chávez, que insistió que aquellos quienes trabajaban la tierra tenían derecho a compartir de manera justa las recompensas de su esfuerzo, nunca seria olvidado.
34. Como dijo Luis Valdez, “Cesar hemos llegado a plantar tu corazón como una semilla… los cultivadores cosecharan con la semilla de tu memoria.”
Lugar de descanso final / reconocimiento final
35. El cuerpo de Cesar Chávez fue llevado a La paz, la sucursal de UFW de California. Descansa cerca de un lecho de rosas.
36. El día 8 de agosto del 1994 en la ceremonia de la Casa Blanca, Helen
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Chaves, viuda de Cesar acepto la Medalla de Libertad por su marido fallecido de parte del Presidente Clinton. En las palabras que acompañaban el honorario civil más alto de América, el cual se le otorgo póstumamente, el Presidente elogio a Chávez por haber “enfrentado formidablemente, y a menudo oposición violenta con dignidad y sin violencia.
37. El llego a ser victorioso. Cesar Chaves dejo nuestro mundo mejor que como lo encontró, y su legado nos inspira aún. Él fue para su propia gente una figura como la de Moisés,” El presidente declaro. “Los trabajadores de la agricultura que trabajaron los campos y anhelaban respeto y autosuficiencia cifraron sus esperanzas en este hombre extraordinario que con fe y disciplina, humilde y de habla suave, sorprendente en fuerza interior, llevo una vida con mucha valentía.
38. Las palabras que acompañaban el reconocimiento indicaban como Chávez era un trabajador de la agricultura desde su niñez que “poseía una profunda comprensión personal de la situación grave de los trabajadores migrantes, y trabajo toda su vida para mejorar sus vidas.” Durante su vida, Chávez nunca gano más de $5,000 dólares al año. El fallecido Senador Robert Kennedy lo llamo “una de las figuras heroicas de nuestro tiempo.”
39. El sucesor de Chávez, UFW Presidente Arturo Rodríguez, dio las gracias al presidente de parte de United Farm Workers y dijo, “Todos los días en California y en otros estados donde trabajadores agrícolas se están organizando, Cesar Chávez vive en sus corazones. Cesar vive dondequiera…, el inspiro… cambio social sin utilizar violencia.
Un Héroe Americano (biografía 2)
40. Cesar E. Chávez era un hombre bueno que dedicó su vida ayudar a otros. Cesar nació de padres que le ensenaron ideas importantes sobre el trabajo duro, la importancia de la educación, y respeto.
41. Cuando era un jovencito, Cesar trabajo en el rancho de la familia dándoles comida y agua a los animales; recogiendo huevos, y acarreando agua a la casa.
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42. Los padres de Cesar pensaban que la escuela era importante. La escuela era difícil porque las maestras únicamente hablaban inglés. Cesar pensaba que algunas de las maestras eran malas porque lo castigaban cuando hablaba español. Cesar aprendió a leer ingles en la escuela y aprendió a leer español con sus tíos.
43. Los padres de Cesar eran muy estrictos lo enseñaron a él y a sus hermanas y hermanos a demostrar respeto por otros.
44. Sus padres también le enseñaron que era importante ayudar a otros. Cesar y su familia a menudo ayudaban a sus tíos, tías, y primos mediante darles comida cuando tenían poco para comer.
45. (nota al pie de la foto) Cesar y su hermana están parados fuera de su casa.
46. La abuela de Cesar, Mama Tella, les enseno sobre la importancia de su fe religiosa y a tener una creencia fuerte en Dios. Cuando cesar creció, el recordaba y practicaba lo que su abuela le había enseñado. Para Cesar, la religión era la cosa más importante.
47. Cuando Cesar tenía diez años, se les quito la casa de su familia porque no tenían suficiente dinero.
48. La familia de Cesar se mudó a California para encontrar trabajo. Ellos comenzaron a trabajar en el campo cosechando fruta y verduras. La familia de cesar se mudaba de campo en campo buscando trabajo, así como muchas familias que también perdieron sus hogares.
49. La familia de Cesar se mudaba a menudo. El mudarse no les molestaba tanto a Cesar, a sus hermanas o hermanos porque sus padres los amaban y siempre estaban contentos de estar juntos como familia.
50. El trabajar en el campo era muy difícil. Los trabajadores del campo como la familia Chávez trabajaban largas horas. Con frecuencia tenían acceso a
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pocos baños y poca agua limpia. Los trabajadores del campo sufrían mucho y eran tratados sin respeto y dignidad. La familia de Cesar trabajaba duro en el campo, pero hacían muy poco dinero. Todos los miembros de la familia tenían que trabajar, aun los niños. Se empeoraban las cosas porque a veces los hombres encargados de los trabajadores los engañaban mediante robarles el dinero a los trabajadores lo cual incluía la familia de Cesar. Estos hombres muchas veces corrían para no ser encontrados.
51. La familia de Cesar tenía muy poco dinero y muchas veces no tenían suficiente para comer. Cesar y su familia nunca pensaron que eran pobres. La mamá de Cesar con frecuencia le decía a Cesar y a su hermano Richard que buscara a las personas sin hogar y hombres con hambre para que ella les cocinara una comida.
52. Cuando Cesar era un adolecente, él y su hermana mayor, Rita ayudaban a los trabajadores del campo y a sus vecinos mediante llevarlos al hospital para ver al médico. Sin la ayuda de Cesar y su hermana, a esta gente se le hubiera hecho difícil conseguir ayuda médica.
53. Las personas a las que ayudo Cesar a menudo querían darle un poco de dinero para pagar la gasolina por su ayuda. Cesar nunca tomo su dinero porque su madre hubiera estado enojada con él. Ella decía, “Siempre hay que ayudar a los necesitados, y Dios te ayudara”.
54. Unos cuantos años después, Cesar se dio de voluntario para servir en la United States Navy. Cesar, como muchos hombres y mujeres americanas sirvieron en el servicio militar para pelear por la libertad y para proteger a la gente de Estados Unidos.
55. Después de dos años sirviendo en la Naval, Cesar volvió a casa y se casó con su novia, Helen. Después de un periodo corto de tiempo, se mudaron a san José, California y comenzaron una familia.
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56. La vida cambio para cesar cuando conoció un hombre llamado Fred Ross. Fred Ross creía que si la gente trabajaba junta podían mejorar su comunidad. Fred Ross contrato a Cesar para trabajar para él en la, Community Service Organization (Organización de Servicio para la Comunidad).
57. La Organización de Servicio para la Comunidad, funcionaba para ayudar a la gente. Cesar ahora trabajaba para reunir a la gente e identificar problemas y encontrar maneras de resolverlos. Muchos problemas no se resolvieron porque los líderes de la comunidad no respetaban a la gente.
58. Cesar, Fred Ross, y La Organización de Servicio para la Comunidad ayudaron a la gente dentro de la comunidad aprender cómo votar. También enseñaron a la gente que los líderes de la comunidad respetaban a los que votaban. Cesar trabajo en muchas comunidades en California para ayudar a la gente a conseguir el respeto que se merecían.
59. Después de ayudar a la gente a conseguir el respeto de los líderes de la comunidad, cesar dejo la Organización de Servicio para la Comunidad porque quería ayudar a los trabajadores del campo a conseguir el respeto y dignidad que se merecían.
60. Cesar comenzó el, National Farm Worker Association para mejorar las condiciones de los trabajadores del campo. afro-americanos, filipinos, americanos blancos, México-americanos y mexicanos, y hombres y mujeres de todos los antecedentes se unieron a Cesar.
61. Cesar y los trabajadores del campo querían que las compañías y rancheros, dueños de los campos respetaran a los trabajadores mediante proporcionarles agua limpia para tomar, que hubiera baños en los campos, y un pago justo por el trabajo del día.
62. Las compañías y rancheros reusaban tratar a los trabajadores con respeto y
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dignidad. Los rancheros hicieron todo lo posible para detener a Cesar y a los trabajadores de campo. Hasta utilizaron violencia y lesionaron a muchos trabajadores del campo y a personas que ayudaban a los trabajadores. Esta situación lleno de coraje a Cesar.
63. Cesar no creía en la violencia. Como Martin Luther King, Cesar quería traer cambio de manera pacífica. Mucha gente vino ayudar a Cesar. Mucha gente apoyo a Cesar porque él creía en la paz. Como Cesar, también creía que los trabajadores del campo merecían mejor tratamiento, respeto, dignidad, justicia, e imparcialidad.
(Nota al pie de la foto) Durante la firma de un acuerdo importante Cesar es observado por sus apoyadores, reporteros de estaciones de radio y periodistas.
64. Cesar trabajo duro. El sufrió y sacrifico muchísimo para mejorar las vidas de los trabajadores del campo.
65. Después de cinco años, algunos rancheros comenzaron a proporcionar agua limpia para tomar, baños, y mejor pago. Cesar, los trabajadores del campo, y sus amigos ganaron, logrando que las vidas de los trabajadores del campo mejoraran.
66. Cesar dedico el resto de su vida hacer del mundo un mejor lugar y a servir a otros. El siguió trabajando para conseguir respeto, dignidad, justicia, y un tratamiento imparcial para los pobres, los trabajadores del campo y a personas de todo lugar. Cesar murió el 23 de abril del 1993. Tenía sesenta y seis años de edad. Personas de todo el mundo recuerdan a Cesar E. Chávez como un hombre de valentía que peleo para mejorar las vidas de toda la gente.
67. Cesar E. Chávez es un héroe americano.
68. Su legado vive.
14
Work Cited
http://chavez.cde.ca.gov/ModelCurriculum/Teachers/Lessons/Resources/Biographies/K-2_Bio.aspxC
http://www.spanishdict.com/translate/amendment
http://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=profit
http://translate.google.com/#en/es/boycotts
http://chavez.cde.ca.gov/ModelCurriculum/Teachers/Lessons/Resources/Biographies/K-2_Bio.aspxC
The Story of Cesar Chavez THE BEGINNING
1.The story of Cesar Estrada Chavez begins near Yuma, Arizona. Cesar was born on March 31, 1927. He was named after his grandfather, Cesario. Regrettably, the story of Cesar Estrada Chavez also ends near Yuma, Arizona. He passed away on April 23, 1993, in San Luis, a small village near Yuma, Arizona. 2.He learned about justice or rather injustice early in his life. Cesar grew up in Arizona; the small adobe home, where Cesar was born was swindled from them by dishonest Anglos. Cesar's father agreed to clear eighty acres of land and in exchange he would receive the deed to forty acres of land that adjoined the home. The agreement was broken and the land sold to a man named Justus Jackson. Cesar's dad went to a lawyer who advised him to borrow money and buy the land. Later when Cesar's father could not pay the interest on the loan the lawyer bought back the land and sold it to the original owner. Cesar learned a lesson about injustice that he would never forget. Later, he would say, The love for justice that is in us is not only the best part of our being but it is also the most true to our nature.
3.In 1938 he and his family moved to California. He lived in La Colonia Barrio in Oxnard for a
15
short period, returning to Arizona several months later. They returned to California in June 1939 and this time settled in San Jose. They lived in the barrio called Sal Si Puedes -"Get Out If You Can." Cesar thought the only way to get out of the circle of poverty was to work his way up and send the kids to college. He and his family worked in the fields of California from Brawley to Oxnard, Atascadero, Gonzales, King City, Salinas, McFarland, Delano, Wasco, Selma, Kingsburg, and Mendota. 4.He did not like school as a child, probably because he spoke only Spanish at home. The teachers were mostly Anglo and only spoke English. Spanish was forbidden in school. He remembers being punished with a ruler to his knuckles for violating the rule. He also remembers that some schools were segregated and he felt that in the integrated schools he was like a monkey in a cage. He remembers having to listen to a lot of racist remarks. He remembers seeing signs that read whites only. He and his brother, Richard, attended thirty-seven schools. He felt that education had nothing to do with his farm worker/migrant way of life. In 1942 he graduated from the eighth grade. Because his father, Librado, had been in an accident and because he did not want his mother, Juana, to work in the fields, he could not to go to high school, and instead became a migrant farm worker. 5.While his childhood school education was not the best, later in life, education was his passion. The walls of his office in La Paz (United Farm Worker Headquarters ) are lined with hundreds of books ranging from philosophy, economics, cooperatives, and unions, to biographies on Gandhi and the Kennedys'. He believed that, "The end of all education should surely be service to others," a belief that he practiced until his untimely death. 6. He joined the U.S. Navy, which was then segregated, in 1946, at the age of 19, and served for two years. 7. In 1948 Cesar married Helen Fabela. They honeymooned in California by visiting all the California Missions from Sonoma to San Diego (again the influence of education). They settled in Delano and started their family. First Fernando, then Sylvia, then Linda, and five more children were to follow. 8. Cesar returned to San Jose where he met and was influenced by Father Donald McDonnell. They talked about farm workers and strikes. Cesar began reading about St. Francis and Gandhi and nonviolence. After Father McDonnell came another very influential person, Fred Ross. 9. Cesar became an organizer for Ross' organization, the Community Service Organization - CSO. His first task was voter registration. THE UNITED FARM WORKERS IS BORN
16
10.In 1962 Cesar founded the National Farm Workers Association, later to become the United Farm Workers - the UFW. He was joined by Dolores Huerta and the union was born. That same year Richard Chavez designed the UFW Eagle and Cesar chose the black and red colors. Cesar told the story of the birth of the eagle. He asked Richard to design the flag, but Richard could not make an eagle that he liked. Finally he sketched one on a piece of brown wrapping paper. He then squared off the wing edges so that the eagle would be easier for union members to draw on the handmade red flags that would give courage to the farm workers with their own powerful symbol. Cesar made reference to the flag by stating, "A symbol is an important thing. That is why we chose an Aztec eagle. It gives pride . . . When people see it they know it means dignity." 11. For a long time in 1962, there were very few union dues paying members. By 1970 the UFW got grape growers to accept union contracts and had effectively organized most of that industry, at one point in time claiming 50,000 dues paying members. The reason was Cesar Chavez's tireless leadership and nonviolent tactics that included the Delano grape strike, his fasts that focused national attention on farm workers problems, and the 340-mile march from Delano to Sacramento in 1966. The farm workers and supporters carried banners with the black eagle with HUELGA (strike) and VIVA LA CAUSA (Long live our cause). The marchers wanted the state government to pass laws which would permit farm workers to organize into a union and allow collective bargaining agreements. Cesar made people aware of the struggles of farm workers for better pay and safer working conditions. He succeeded through nonviolent tactics (boycotts, pickets, and strikes). Cesar Chavez and the union sought recognition of the importance and dignity of all farm workers. 12. It was the beginning of La Causa a cause that was supported by organized labor, religious groups, minorities, and students. Cesar Chavez had the foresight to train his union workers and then to send many of them into the cities where they were to use the boycott and picket as their weapon. 13. Cesar was willing to sacrifice his own life so that the union would continue and that violence was not used. Cesar fasted many times. In 1968 Cesar went on a water only, 25 day fast. He repeated the fast in 1972 for 24 days, and again in 1988, this time for 36 days. What motivated him to do this? He said, Farm workers everywhere are angry and worried that we cannot win without violence. We have proved it before through persistence, hard work, faith and willingness to sacrifice. We can win and keep our own self-respect and build a great union that will secure the spirit of all people if we do it through a rededication and recommitment to the struggle for justice through nonviolence.
17
THE FAST
14. Many events precipitated the fast, especially the terrible suffering of the farm workers and their children, the crushing of farm worker rights, the dangers of pesticides, and the denial of fair and free elections.
15. Cesar said about the fast, " A fast is first and foremost personal. It is a fast for the purification of my own body, mind, and soul. The fast is also a heartfelt prayer for purification and strengthening for all those who work beside me in the farm worker movement. The fast is alsoan act of penance for those in positions of moral authority and for all men and women activists who know what is right and just, who know that they could and should do more. The fast is finally a declaration of non-cooperation with supermarkets who promote and sell and profit fromCalifornia table grapes. During the past few years I have been studying the plague of pesticides on our land and our food," Cesar continued "The evil is far greater than even I had thought it to be, it threatens to choke out the life of our people and also the life system that supports us all. This solution to this deadly crisis will not be found in the arrogance of the powerful, but in solidarity with the weak and helpless. I pray to God that this fast will be a preparation for a multitude of simple deeds for justice. Carried out by men and women whose hearts are focused on the suffering of the poor and who yearn, with us, for a better world. Together, all things are possible." 16. Cesar Chavez completed his 36-day Fast for Life on August 21, 1988. The Reverend Jesse Jackson took up where Cesar left off, fasting on water for three days before passing on the fast to celebrities and leaders. The fast was passed to Martin Sheen, actor; the Reverend J. Lowery, President SCLC; Edward Olmos, actor; Emilio Estevez, actor; Kerry Kennedy, daughter of Robert Kennedy, Peter Chacon, legislator, Julie Carmen, actress; Danny Glover, actor; Carly Simon, singer; and Whoopi Goldberg, actress. THE DEATH OF CESAR CHAVEZ
18
17. Cesar Estrada Chavez died peacefully in his sleep on April 23, 1993 near Yuma, Arizona, a short distance from the small family farm in the Gila River Valley where he was born more than 66 years before.
18.The founder and president of the United Farm Workers of America, AFL-CIO was in Yuma helping UFW attorneys defend the union against a lawsuit brought by Bruce Church Inc., a giant Salinas, Calif.-based lettuce and vegetable producer. Church demanded that the farm workers pay millions of dollars in damages resulting from a UFW boycott of its lettuce during the 1980's. Rather than bring the legal action in a state where the boycott actually took place, such as California or New York, Church "shopped around" for a friendly court in conservative, agribusiness-dominated Arizona-where there had been no boycott activity.
19. "Cesar gave his last ounce of strength defending the farm workers in this case," stated his successor, UFW President Arturo Rodriguez, who was with him in Arizona during the trial. He died standing up for their First Amendment right to speak out for themselves. He believed in his heart that the farm workers were right in boycotting Bruce Church Inc. lettuce during the l980's and he was determined to prove that in court." (When the second multimillion dollar judgement for Church was later thrown out by an appeal's court, the company signed a UFW contract in May 1996. 20. After the trial recessed at about 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 22, Cesar spent part of the afternoon driving through Latino neighborhoods in Yuma that he knew as a child. Many Chavezes still live in the area. 21. He arrived about 6 p.m. in San Luis, Arizona-about 20 miles from Yuma, at the modest concrete-block home of Dofla Maria Hau, a former farm worker and longtime friend. Cesar and eight other UFW leaders and staff were staying at her house in a poor farm worker neighborhood not far from the Mexican border. 22. Cesar ate dinner at around 9 p.m. and presided over a brief meeting to review the day's events. He had just finished two days of often grueling examination by attorneys for Bruce Church Inc.ma 23. He talked to his colleagues about taking care of themselves-a recent recurring theme with Cesar because he was well aware of the long hours required from him and other union officers and staff. Still, he was in good spirits despite being exhausted after prolonged questioning on the witness stand; he complained about feeling some weakness when doing his evening exercises.
19
24. The UFW founder went to bed at about 10 or 10:30 p.m. A union staff member said he later saw a reading light shining from Cesar's room. 25. The light was still on at 6 a.m. the next morning. That was not seen as unusual. Cesar usually woke up in the early hours of the morning well before dawn to read, write or meditate. 26. When he had not come out by 9 a.m., his colleagues entered his bedroom found that Cesar had died apparently, according to authorities, at night in his sleep. 27. He was found lying on his back with his head turned to the left. His shoes were off and he still wore his clothes from the day before. In his right hand was a book on Native American crafts. There was a peaceful smile on his face.
THE LAST MARCH WITH CESAR CHAVEZ
28. On April 29, 1993, Cesar Estrada Chavez was honored in death by those he led in life. More than 50,000 mourners came to honor the charismatic labor leader at the site of his first public fast in 1968 and his last in 1988, the United Farm Workers Delano Field Office at "Forty Acres." 29. It was the largest funeral of any labor leader in the history of the U.S. They came in caravans from Florida to California to pay respect to a man whose strength was in his simplicity. 30. Farm workers, family members, friends and union staff took turns standing vigil over the plain pine coffin which held the body of Cesar Chavez. Among the honor guard were many celebrities who had supported Chavez throughout his years of struggle to better the lot of farmworkers throughout America. 31. Many of the mourners had marched side by side with Chavez during his tumultuous years in the vineyards and farms of America. For the last time, they came to march by the side of the man who had taught them to stand up for their rights, through nonviolent protest and collective bargaining. 32, Cardinal Roger M. Mahoney, who celebrated the funeral mass, called Chavez "a special prophet for the worlds' farm workers." Pall bearers, including crews of these workers, Chavez children and grandchildren, then carried their fallen leader, resting at last, from the Memorial Park to Forty Acres.
20
33. The death of Chavez marked an era of dramatic changes in American agriculture. His contributions would be eroded, and others would have to shoulder the burden of his work. But, Cesar Chavez, who insisted that those who labor in the earth were entitled to share fairly in the rewards of their toil, would never be forgotten. 34. As Luis Valdez said, "Cesar, we have come to plant your heart like a seed . . . the farm workers shall harvest in the seed of your memory." FINAL RESTING PLACE/FINAL RECOGNITION 35. The body of Cesar Chavez was taken to La Paz, the UFW's California headquarters, by his family and UFW leadership. He was laid to rest near a bed of roses, in front of his office. 36. On August 8, 1994, at a White House ceremony, Helen Chavez, Cesar's widow, accepted the Medal of Freedom for her late husband from President Clinton. In the citation accompanying America's highest civilian honor which was awarded posthumously, the President lauded Chavez for having "faced formidable, often violent opposition with dignity and nonviolence. 37. And he was victorious. Cesar Chavez left our world better than he found it, and his legacy inspires us still. He was for his own people a Moses figure," the President declared. "The farm workers who labored in the fields and yearned for respect and self-sufficiency pinned their hopes on this remarkable man who, with faith and discipline, soft spoken humility and amazing inner strength, led a very courageous life"
38. The citation accompanying the award noted how Chavez was a farm worker from childhood who "possessed a deep personal understanding of the plight of migrant workers, and he labored all his years to lift their lives." During his lifetime, Chavez never earned more than $5,000 a year. The late Senator Robert Kennedy called him "one of the heroic figures of our time." 39. Chavez's successor, UFW President Arturo Rodriguez, thanked the president on behalf of the United Farm Workers and said, "Every day in California and in other states where farm workers are organizing, Cesar Chavez lives in their hearts. Cesar lives wherever Americans' he inspired work nonviolently for social change."
An American Hero
21
The Biography of César E. Chávez
Photo copyright © Jocelyn Sherman
40. César E. Chávez was a good man who dedicated his life to helping others. César was born to parents who taught him important ideas about hard work, the importance of education, and respect. 41. As a young boy, César worked on his family’s farm feeding and watering the animals, collecting eggs, and bringing water to the house. 42. César’s parents thought school was important. School was hard for César because the teachers only spoke English and César did not understand English. César thought some teachers were mean because they would punish him when he spoke Spanish. César learned to read English in school and he learned to read Spanish from his uncles.
22
43. César’s parents were very strict and taught him and his sisters and brothers to show respect to others. 44. His parents also taught him that it was important to help others. César and his family often helped his uncles, aunts, and cousins by giving them food when they had little to eat.
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation 45. César and his sister are standing outside their home.
23
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and his sister are dressed for their First Holy Communion.
46. César’s grandmother, Mama Tella, taught him about the importance of their religious faith and to have a strong belief in God. When César grew up, he would remember and practice what his grandmother had taught him. For César, religion was a most beautiful thing.
24
Photo Copyright © Manuel Echavaria
In 1975, this farm worker family is eating lunch along side the fields in the Santa Maria Valley in the shade of their van because there is no other shade available.
47. When César was ten years old, his family’s home was taken away from them because they did not have enough money. 48. César’s family moved to California to find work. They began working on farms picking fruits and vegetables. César’s family would move from farm to farm looking for work, just like many other families who also lost their homes.
25
49. César’s family moved often. Moving did not bother César, or his sisters and brothers too much because their parents loved them and because they were always happy to be together as a family.
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and his brothers and sisters in front of the family car
50. Working on the farms was very difficult. Farm workers like the Chávez family would very long hours. They often had few bathrooms and little clean water to drink. Farm workers suffered a lot and they were not treated with respect or dignity.
26
Photo Copyright © Manuel Echavaria
These farm workers are picking chili at Santa Maria in 1971.
César’s family worked very hard on the farms, but they made very little money. Everyone in the family had to work, even the children. To make things worse, sometimes the men in charge of the farm workers would cheat and steal money from the farm workers, including César’s family. These men would often run away so they would not get caught. 51. César’s family had very little money and many times they did not have enough food to eat. César and his family never thought of themselves as being poor. César’s mother would often tell César and his brother Richard to find homeless and hungry men so she could cook them a meal.
27
Photo by Cris Sanchez, Courtesy of United Farm Workers
In a migrant farm worker camp, the ladies are visiting while their laundry dries on the clothesline strung between their houses.
52. When César was a teenager, he and his older sister Rita would help other farm workers and neighbors by driving them to the hospital to see a doctor. Without César’s and his sister’s help, these people would have had
28
a very difficult time getting a doctor’s help. 53. The people César helped often wanted to give him a little bit of money to pay for gas and for his help. César never took any of their money because his mother would have been mad at him. She used to say, “You always have to help the needy, and God will help you.”
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César in his U.S. Navy uniform.
54. A few years later, César volunteered to serve in the United States Navy. César, like many American men and
29
women, served in the military to fight for freedom and to protect the people of the United States.
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and his wife, Helen, posed for their picture by the seashore.
55. After two years in the Navy, César returned home and married his girlfriend, Helen. After a short time, they moved to San Jose, California and began a family.
56. Life changed for César when he met a man named Fred Ross. Fred Ross believed that if people worked
30
together they could make their community better. Fred Ross hired César to work for him in the Community Service Organization. 57. The Community Service Organization worked to help people. César now worked to bring people together to identify problems and find ways to solve their problems. Many problems were not solved because community leaders did not respect all people. 58. César, Fred Ross, and the Community Service Organization helped people in the community learn how to vote. They also taught people that community leaders respected voters. Community leaders worked harder to solve the problems of voters. César worked in many communities in California to help people gain the respect they deserved.
31
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and other people from the Community Service Organization are getting ready to try to get the farm workers to vote.
59. After helping many people gain the respect of community leaders, César left the Community Service Organization to help farm workers gain the respect and dignity they deserved. 60. César started the National Farm Worker Association to help improve the working conditions of farm workers. African Americans, Filipinos, white Americans, Mexican Americans and Mexicans, and men and women of all backgrounds joined César.
32
Photo by Cris Sanchez
In a migrant farm worker camp, the ladies are visiting while their laundry dries on the clothesline strung between their houses.
61. César and the farm workers wanted the companies and growers that owned the farms to respect farm workers by providing them with fresh water to drink, bathrooms in the fields, and fair pay for a day’s work. 62. The companies and growers refused to treat the farm workers with respect and dignity. The growers did everything they could to stop César and the farm workers. They even turned to violence and hurt many farm workers and people who helped the farm workers.
33
This made César very upset.
Photo Copyright © Manuel Echavaria
People of all ages marched to Preisker Park while participating in a demonstration in 1972.
63. César did not believe in violence. Like Martin Luther King, César wanted to bring change in a nonviolent way. Many people came to help César. Many people supported César because he believed in nonviolence. Like César, they also believed that farm workers deserved better treatment, respect, dignity, justice, and fairness.
34
Photo Courtesy of United Farm Workers
César is signing an important agreement while many union supporters watch with reporters from radio stations and newspapers.
César worked hard. He suffered and sacrificed a lot to make farm workers’ lives better 65. After five years, some growers in California agreed with César and started to provide farm workers with fresh water to drink, bathrooms, and better pay. César, the farm workers, and their friends won, making farm worker’s lives better.
35
Photo Copyright © Jocelyn Sherman
César marching again with many supporters.
César dedicated the rest of his life to making the world a better place and to serving others. He continued to work to bring respect, dignity, justice, and fair treatment to the poor, to farm workers, and to people everywhere.
Photo Copyright © Jocelyn Sherman
Many people came to César’s funeral.
César died on April 23, 1993. He was sixty-six years old. People all over the world remember César E. Chávez as a man of courage who fought to improve the lives of all
36
people.
Photo Courtesy of the César E. Chávez Foundation
César E. Chávez is an American hero. His legacy lives on!
http://chavez.cde.ca.gov/ModelCurriculum/Teachers/Lessons/Resources/Biographies/K-2_Bio.aspxC1
The Story of Cesar Chavez THE BEGINNING [English version the original document, translated version above match the number with the translated document above.]
1.The story of Cesar Estrada Chavez begins near Yuma, Arizona. Cesar was born on March 31, 1927. He was named after his grandfather, Cesario. Regrettably, the story of Cesar Estrada Chavez also ends near Yuma, Arizona. He passed away on April 23, 1993, in San Luis, a small village near Yuma, Arizona. 2.He learned about justice or rather injustice early in his life. Cesar grew up in Arizona; the small adobe home, where Cesar was born was swindled from them by dishonest Anglos. Cesar's father agreed to clear eighty acres of land and in exchange he would receive the deed to forty acres of land that adjoined the home. The agreement was broken and the land sold to a man named Justus Jackson. Cesar's dad went to a lawyer who advised him to borrow money and buy the land. Later when Cesar's father could not pay the interest on the loan the lawyer bought back the land and sold it to the original owner. Cesar learned a lesson about injustice that he would never forget. Later, he would say, The love for justice that is in us is not only the best part of our being but it is also the most true to our nature.
3.In 1938 he and his family moved to California. He lived in La Colonia Barrio in Oxnard for a
15
short period, returning to Arizona several months later. They returned to California in June 1939 and this time settled in San Jose. They lived in the barrio called Sal Si Puedes -"Get Out If You Can." Cesar thought the only way to get out of the circle of poverty was to work his way up and send the kids to college. He and his family worked in the fields of California from Brawley to Oxnard, Atascadero, Gonzales, King City, Salinas, McFarland, Delano, Wasco, Selma, Kingsburg, and Mendota. 4.He did not like school as a child, probably because he spoke only Spanish at home. The teachers were mostly Anglo and only spoke English. Spanish was forbidden in school. He remembers being punished with a ruler to his knuckles for violating the rule. He also remembers that some schools were segregated and he felt that in the integrated schools he was like a monkey in a cage. He remembers having to listen to a lot of racist remarks. He remembers seeing signs that read whites only. He and his brother, Richard, attended thirty-seven schools. He felt that education had nothing to do with his farm worker/migrant way of life. In 1942 he graduated from the eighth grade. Because his father, Librado, had been in an accident and because he did not want his mother, Juana, to work in the fields, he could not to go to high school, and instead became a migrant farm worker. 5.While his childhood school education was not the best, later in life, education was his passion. The walls of his office in La Paz (United Farm Worker Headquarters ) are lined with hundreds of books ranging from philosophy, economics, cooperatives, and unions, to biographies on Gandhi and the Kennedys'. He believed that, "The end of all education should surely be service to others," a belief that he practiced until his untimely death. 6. He joined the U.S. Navy, which was then segregated, in 1946, at the age of 19, and served for two years. 7. In 1948 Cesar married Helen Fabela. They honeymooned in California by visiting all the California Missions from Sonoma to San Diego (again the influence of education). They settled in Delano and started their family. First Fernando, then Sylvia, then Linda, and five more children were to follow. 8. Cesar returned to San Jose where he met and was influenced by Father Donald McDonnell. They talked about farm workers and strikes. Cesar began reading about St. Francis and Gandhi and nonviolence. After Father McDonnell came another very influential person, Fred Ross. 9. Cesar became an organizer for Ross' organization, the Community Service Organization - CSO. His first task was voter registration. THE UNITED FARM WORKERS IS BORN
16
10.In 1962 Cesar founded the National Farm Workers Association, later to become the United Farm Workers - the UFW. He was joined by Dolores Huerta and the union was born. That same year Richard Chavez designed the UFW Eagle and Cesar chose the black and red colors. Cesar told the story of the birth of the eagle. He asked Richard to design the flag, but Richard could not make an eagle that he liked. Finally he sketched one on a piece of brown wrapping paper. He then squared off the wing edges so that the eagle would be easier for union members to draw on the handmade red flags that would give courage to the farm workers with their own powerful symbol. Cesar made reference to the flag by stating, "A symbol is an important thing. That is why we chose an Aztec eagle. It gives pride . . . When people see it they know it means dignity." 11. For a long time in 1962, there were very few union dues paying members. By 1970 the UFW got grape growers to accept union contracts and had effectively organized most of that industry, at one point in time claiming 50,000 dues paying members. The reason was Cesar Chavez's tireless leadership and nonviolent tactics that included the Delano grape strike, his fasts that focused national attention on farm workers problems, and the 340-mile march from Delano to Sacramento in 1966. The farm workers and supporters carried banners with the black eagle with HUELGA (strike) and VIVA LA CAUSA (Long live our cause). The marchers wanted the state government to pass laws which would permit farm workers to organize into a union and allow collective bargaining agreements. Cesar made people aware of the struggles of farm workers for better pay and safer working conditions. He succeeded through nonviolent tactics (boycotts, pickets, and strikes). Cesar Chavez and the union sought recognition of the importance and dignity of all farm workers. 12. It was the beginning of La Causa a cause that was supported by organized labor, religious groups, minorities, and students. Cesar Chavez had the foresight to train his union workers and then to send many of them into the cities where they were to use the boycott and picket as their weapon. 13. Cesar was willing to sacrifice his own life so that the union would continue and that violence was not used. Cesar fasted many times. In 1968 Cesar went on a water only, 25 day fast. He repeated the fast in 1972 for 24 days, and again in 1988, this time for 36 days. What motivated him to do this? He said, Farm workers everywhere are angry and worried that we cannot win without violence. We have proved it before through persistence, hard work, faith and willingness to sacrifice. We can win and keep our own self-respect and build a great union that will secure the spirit of all people if we do it through a rededication and recommitment to the struggle for justice through nonviolence.
17
THE FAST
14. Many events precipitated the fast, especially the terrible suffering of the farm workers and their children, the crushing of farm worker rights, the dangers of pesticides, and the denial of fair and free elections.
15. Cesar said about the fast, " A fast is first and foremost personal. It is a fast for the purification of my own body, mind, and soul. The fast is also a heartfelt prayer for purification and strengthening for all those who work beside me in the farm worker movement. The fast is alsoan act of penance for those in positions of moral authority and for all men and women activists who know what is right and just, who know that they could and should do more. The fast is finally a declaration of non-cooperation with supermarkets who promote and sell and profit fromCalifornia table grapes. During the past few years I have been studying the plague of pesticides on our land and our food," Cesar continued "The evil is far greater than even I had thought it to be, it threatens to choke out the life of our people and also the life system that supports us all. This solution to this deadly crisis will not be found in the arrogance of the powerful, but in solidarity with the weak and helpless. I pray to God that this fast will be a preparation for a multitude of simple deeds for justice. Carried out by men and women whose hearts are focused on the suffering of the poor and who yearn, with us, for a better world. Together, all things are possible." 16. Cesar Chavez completed his 36-day Fast for Life on August 21, 1988. The Reverend Jesse Jackson took up where Cesar left off, fasting on water for three days before passing on the fast to celebrities and leaders. The fast was passed to Martin Sheen, actor; the Reverend J. Lowery, President SCLC; Edward Olmos, actor; Emilio Estevez, actor; Kerry Kennedy, daughter of Robert Kennedy, Peter Chacon, legislator, Julie Carmen, actress; Danny Glover, actor; Carly Simon, singer; and Whoopi Goldberg, actress. THE DEATH OF CESAR CHAVEZ
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17. Cesar Estrada Chavez died peacefully in his sleep on April 23, 1993 near Yuma, Arizona, a short distance from the small family farm in the Gila River Valley where he was born more than 66 years before.
18.The founder and president of the United Farm Workers of America, AFL-CIO was in Yuma helping UFW attorneys defend the union against a lawsuit brought by Bruce Church Inc., a giant Salinas, Calif.-based lettuce and vegetable producer. Church demanded that the farm workers pay millions of dollars in damages resulting from a UFW boycott of its lettuce during the 1980's. Rather than bring the legal action in a state where the boycott actually took place, such as California or New York, Church "shopped around" for a friendly court in conservative, agribusiness-dominated Arizona-where there had been no boycott activity.
19. "Cesar gave his last ounce of strength defending the farm workers in this case," stated his successor, UFW President Arturo Rodriguez, who was with him in Arizona during the trial. He died standing up for their First Amendment right to speak out for themselves. He believed in his heart that the farm workers were right in boycotting Bruce Church Inc. lettuce during the l980's and he was determined to prove that in court." (When the second multimillion dollar judgement for Church was later thrown out by an appeal's court, the company signed a UFW contract in May 1996. 20. After the trial recessed at about 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 22, Cesar spent part of the afternoon driving through Latino neighborhoods in Yuma that he knew as a child. Many Chavezes still live in the area. 21. He arrived about 6 p.m. in San Luis, Arizona-about 20 miles from Yuma, at the modest concrete-block home of Dofla Maria Hau, a former farm worker and longtime friend. Cesar and eight other UFW leaders and staff were staying at her house in a poor farm worker neighborhood not far from the Mexican border. 22. Cesar ate dinner at around 9 p.m. and presided over a brief meeting to review the day's events. He had just finished two days of often grueling examination by attorneys for Bruce Church Inc.ma 23. He talked to his colleagues about taking care of themselves-a recent recurring theme with Cesar because he was well aware of the long hours required from him and other union officers and staff. Still, he was in good spirits despite being exhausted after prolonged questioning on the witness stand; he complained about feeling some weakness when doing his evening exercises.
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24. The UFW founder went to bed at about 10 or 10:30 p.m. A union staff member said he later saw a reading light shining from Cesar's room. 25. The light was still on at 6 a.m. the next morning. That was not seen as unusual. Cesar usually woke up in the early hours of the morning well before dawn to read, write or meditate. 26. When he had not come out by 9 a.m., his colleagues entered his bedroom found that Cesar had died apparently, according to authorities, at night in his sleep. 27. He was found lying on his back with his head turned to the left. His shoes were off and he still wore his clothes from the day before. In his right hand was a book on Native American crafts. There was a peaceful smile on his face.
THE LAST MARCH WITH CESAR CHAVEZ
28. On April 29, 1993, Cesar Estrada Chavez was honored in death by those he led in life. More than 50,000 mourners came to honor the charismatic labor leader at the site of his first public fast in 1968 and his last in 1988, the United Farm Workers Delano Field Office at "Forty Acres." 29. It was the largest funeral of any labor leader in the history of the U.S. They came in caravans from Florida to California to pay respect to a man whose strength was in his simplicity. 30. Farm workers, family members, friends and union staff took turns standing vigil over the plain pine coffin which held the body of Cesar Chavez. Among the honor guard were many celebrities who had supported Chavez throughout his years of struggle to better the lot of farmworkers throughout America. 31. Many of the mourners had marched side by side with Chavez during his tumultuous years in the vineyards and farms of America. For the last time, they came to march by the side of the man who had taught them to stand up for their rights, through nonviolent protest and collective bargaining. 32, Cardinal Roger M. Mahoney, who celebrated the funeral mass, called Chavez "a special prophet for the worlds' farm workers." Pall bearers, including crews of these workers, Chavez children and grandchildren, then carried their fallen leader, resting at last, from the Memorial Park to Forty Acres.
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33. The death of Chavez marked an era of dramatic changes in American agriculture. His contributions would be eroded, and others would have to shoulder the burden of his work. But, Cesar Chavez, who insisted that those who labor in the earth were entitled to share fairly in the rewards of their toil, would never be forgotten. 34. As Luis Valdez said, "Cesar, we have come to plant your heart like a seed . . . the farm workers shall harvest in the seed of your memory." FINAL RESTING PLACE/FINAL RECOGNITION 35. The body of Cesar Chavez was taken to La Paz, the UFW's California headquarters, by his family and UFW leadership. He was laid to rest near a bed of roses, in front of his office. 36. On August 8, 1994, at a White House ceremony, Helen Chavez, Cesar's widow, accepted the Medal of Freedom for her late husband from President Clinton. In the citation accompanying America's highest civilian honor which was awarded posthumously, the President lauded Chavez for having "faced formidable, often violent opposition with dignity and nonviolence. 37. And he was victorious. Cesar Chavez left our world better than he found it, and his legacy inspires us still. He was for his own people a Moses figure," the President declared. "The farm workers who labored in the fields and yearned for respect and self-sufficiency pinned their hopes on this remarkable man who, with faith and discipline, soft spoken humility and amazing inner strength, led a very courageous life"
38. The citation accompanying the award noted how Chavez was a farm worker from childhood who "possessed a deep personal understanding of the plight of migrant workers, and he labored all his years to lift their lives." During his lifetime, Chavez never earned more than $5,000 a year. The late Senator Robert Kennedy called him "one of the heroic figures of our time." 39. Chavez's successor, UFW President Arturo Rodriguez, thanked the president on behalf of the United Farm Workers and said, "Every day in California and in other states where farm workers are organizing, Cesar Chavez lives in their hearts. Cesar lives wherever Americans' he inspired work nonviolently for social change."
An American Hero
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The Biography of César E. Chávez
Photo copyright © Jocelyn Sherman
40. César E. Chávez was a good man who dedicated his life to helping others. César was born to parents who taught him important ideas about hard work, the importance of education, and respect. 41. As a young boy, César worked on his family’s farm feeding and watering the animals, collecting eggs, and bringing water to the house. 42. César’s parents thought school was important. School was hard for César because the teachers only spoke English and César did not understand English. César thought some teachers were mean because they would punish him when he spoke Spanish. César learned to read English in school and he learned to read Spanish from his uncles.
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43. César’s parents were very strict and taught him and his sisters and brothers to show respect to others. 44. His parents also taught him that it was important to help others. César and his family often helped his uncles, aunts, and cousins by giving them food when they had little to eat.
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation 45. César and his sister are standing outside their home.
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Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and his sister are dressed for their First Holy Communion.
46. César’s grandmother, Mama Tella, taught him about the importance of their religious faith and to have a strong belief in God. When César grew up, he would remember and practice what his grandmother had taught him. For César, religion was a most beautiful thing.
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Photo Copyright © Manuel Echavaria
In 1975, this farm worker family is eating lunch along side the fields in the Santa Maria Valley in the shade of their van because there is no other shade available.
47. When César was ten years old, his family’s home was taken away from them because they did not have enough money. 48. César’s family moved to California to find work. They began working on farms picking fruits and vegetables. César’s family would move from farm to farm looking for work, just like many other families who also lost their homes.
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49. César’s family moved often. Moving did not bother César, or his sisters and brothers too much because their parents loved them and because they were always happy to be together as a family.
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and his brothers and sisters in front of the family car
50. Working on the farms was very difficult. Farm workers like the Chávez family would very long hours. They often had few bathrooms and little clean water to drink. Farm workers suffered a lot and they were not treated with respect or dignity.
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Photo Copyright © Manuel Echavaria
These farm workers are picking chili at Santa Maria in 1971.
César’s family worked very hard on the farms, but they made very little money. Everyone in the family had to work, even the children. To make things worse, sometimes the men in charge of the farm workers would cheat and steal money from the farm workers, including César’s family. These men would often run away so they would not get caught. 51. César’s family had very little money and many times they did not have enough food to eat. César and his family never thought of themselves as being poor. César’s mother would often tell César and his brother Richard to find homeless and hungry men so she could cook them a meal.
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Photo by Cris Sanchez, Courtesy of United Farm Workers
In a migrant farm worker camp, the ladies are visiting while their laundry dries on the clothesline strung between their houses.
52. When César was a teenager, he and his older sister Rita would help other farm workers and neighbors by driving them to the hospital to see a doctor. Without César’s and his sister’s help, these people would have had
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a very difficult time getting a doctor’s help. 53. The people César helped often wanted to give him a little bit of money to pay for gas and for his help. César never took any of their money because his mother would have been mad at him. She used to say, “You always have to help the needy, and God will help you.”
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César in his U.S. Navy uniform.
54. A few years later, César volunteered to serve in the United States Navy. César, like many American men and
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women, served in the military to fight for freedom and to protect the people of the United States.
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and his wife, Helen, posed for their picture by the seashore.
55. After two years in the Navy, César returned home and married his girlfriend, Helen. After a short time, they moved to San Jose, California and began a family.
56. Life changed for César when he met a man named Fred Ross. Fred Ross believed that if people worked
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together they could make their community better. Fred Ross hired César to work for him in the Community Service Organization. 57. The Community Service Organization worked to help people. César now worked to bring people together to identify problems and find ways to solve their problems. Many problems were not solved because community leaders did not respect all people. 58. César, Fred Ross, and the Community Service Organization helped people in the community learn how to vote. They also taught people that community leaders respected voters. Community leaders worked harder to solve the problems of voters. César worked in many communities in California to help people gain the respect they deserved.
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Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and other people from the Community Service Organization are getting ready to try to get the farm workers to vote.
59. After helping many people gain the respect of community leaders, César left the Community Service Organization to help farm workers gain the respect and dignity they deserved. 60. César started the National Farm Worker Association to help improve the working conditions of farm workers. African Americans, Filipinos, white Americans, Mexican Americans and Mexicans, and men and women of all backgrounds joined César.
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Photo by Cris Sanchez
In a migrant farm worker camp, the ladies are visiting while their laundry dries on the clothesline strung between their houses.
61. César and the farm workers wanted the companies and growers that owned the farms to respect farm workers by providing them with fresh water to drink, bathrooms in the fields, and fair pay for a day’s work. 62. The companies and growers refused to treat the farm workers with respect and dignity. The growers did everything they could to stop César and the farm workers. They even turned to violence and hurt many farm workers and people who helped the farm workers.
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This made César very upset.
Photo Copyright © Manuel Echavaria
People of all ages marched to Preisker Park while participating in a demonstration in 1972.
63. César did not believe in violence. Like Martin Luther King, César wanted to bring change in a nonviolent way. Many people came to help César. Many people supported César because he believed in nonviolence. Like César, they also believed that farm workers deserved better treatment, respect, dignity, justice, and fairness.
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Photo Courtesy of United Farm Workers
César is signing an important agreement while many union supporters watch with reporters from radio stations and newspapers.
César worked hard. He suffered and sacrificed a lot to make farm workers’ lives better 65. After five years, some growers in California agreed with César and started to provide farm workers with fresh water to drink, bathrooms, and better pay. César, the farm workers, and their friends won, making farm worker’s lives better.
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Photo Copyright © Jocelyn Sherman
César marching again with many supporters.
César dedicated the rest of his life to making the world a better place and to serving others. He continued to work to bring respect, dignity, justice, and fair treatment to the poor, to farm workers, and to people everywhere.
Photo Copyright © Jocelyn Sherman
Many people came to César’s funeral.
César died on April 23, 1993. He was sixty-six years old. People all over the world remember César E. Chávez as a man of courage who fought to improve the lives of all
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people.
Photo Courtesy of the César E. Chávez Foundation
César E. Chávez is an American hero. His legacy lives on!
http://chavez.cde.ca.gov/ModelCurriculum/Teachers/Lessons/Resources/Biographies/K-2_Bio.aspxC1
Evelia Meza
Spanish 315 (4,170 word document translation of a topic of choice)
Profesor Arrizabalaga
Spring, 2014
La historia de Cesar Chávez
Los Comienzos
1. La historia de Cesar Estrada Chávez comienza cerca de Yuma, Arizona. Cesar nació el 31 de marzo del 1927. Su nombre proviene del nombre de su abuelo, Cesario. Lamentable, la historia de Cesar estrada Chávez también termina cerca de Yuma, Arizona. Cesar falleció el 23 de abril, del 1993, cerca de Yuma, Arizona en una aldea.
2. El aprendió sobre la justicia, o mejor dicho sobre la injusticia a muy temprana edad. La casa pequeña de adobe ubicada en Arizona donde cesar nació y Cesar fue estafada por anglo-americanos fraudulentos. El padre de Cesar estuvo de acuerdo en limpiar 80 acres de terreno y en cambio recibiría la escritura de 40 acres de terreno que conectaban con la casa. El acuerdo no se cumplió y el terreno fue vendido a un hombre llamado Justus Jackson. El padre de Cesar se dirigió a un abogado quien le aconsejo que pidiera un préstamo y comprara el terreno. Después cuando el padre de Cesar no pudo pagar el interés sobre el préstamo el abogado compro el terreno y lo vendió al dueño original. Cesar aprendió una lección sobre la injusticia que nunca olvidaría. Después él decía, “El amor por la justicia que está dentro de nosotros no únicamente es la mejor parte de nuestro ser, es también la cosa más cierta a nuestra naturaleza”.
3. En 1938 el y su familia se mudaron a California. Él vivió en, La Colonia Barrio en Oxnard por un periodo corto de tiempo, volvió a Arizona varios meses después. Ellos volvieron a California en junio del 1939 y esta vez se establecieron en San José. Ellos vivieron en el barrio que se llama, Sal
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Si Puedes- “Get Out If You Can” Cesar pensó que la única manera de salirse del circulo de la pobreza era trabajar, ascender de puesto y mandar a los niños a la universidad. El y su familia trabajaron en los campos de California desde Brawley a Oxnard, Atascadero, Gonzales, King City, Salinas, Mcfarland, Delano, Vasco, Selma, Kingsburg, y Mendota.
4. No le interesaba la escuela de niño, seguramente porque hablaba únicamente español en casa. Las maestras eran principalmente anglo americanas y nada más hablaban inglés. El español era prohibido en las escuelas. El recuerda haber sido castigado con una regla sobre los nudillos por haber incumplido las normas. El también recuerda que algunas escuelas estaban divididas y que en las escuelas mixtas se sentía como un mono en una jaula. El recuerda que escuchaba muchos comentarios racistas. El recuerda haber visto rótulos que decían ‘blancos únicamente’. Él y su hermano, Richard, asistieron a treinta y siete escuelas. El creía que la educación no tenía nada que ver con su manera de vivir como trabajador del campo. En 1942 se graduó del grado octavo. Por el motivo de que su padre, Librado había sufrido un accidente y no quería que su mamá Juana trabajara en el campo, en lugar de asistir a la preparatoria, opto por ser un trabajador migrante del campo.
5. Durante su niñez la educación no era su prioridad, más después en su vida, la educación era su pasión. Las paredes de su consultorio en La Paz (United Farm Worker Headquarters) están llenos de cienes de libros desde filosofía, economía, cooperativas, y uniones, hasta biografías de Gandhi y de los Kennedys’. El creía que “El final de toda la educación debería ser de seguro, brindar servicio a otros.” una creencia que practico hasta su muerte inesperada.
6. Ingreso al U.S. Navy, que estaba segregado para entonces, en 1946, a la edad de 19 años, brindo servicio por dos años.
7. En 1948 Cesar se casó con Helen Fabela. Pasaron su luna de miel visitando las misiones de California desde Sonoma a san Diego
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(nuevamente la influencia de la educación). Se establecieron en Delano y comenzaron una familia. Primero Fernando, después Sylvia, después Linda, y cinco más hijos habrían de venir.
8. Cesar volvió a San José donde conoció al Padre Donald McDonnell el cual tuvo mucha influencia en el. Hablaron sobre los trabajadores de los ranchos y las demostraciones. Cesar comenzó a leer sobre St. Francis y Gandhi y temas relacionados a la paz. Después de que el Padre McDonnell vino otra persona que tuvo mucha influencia en el, Fred Ross.
9. Cesar llego a ser un organizador para Ross, La organización para Servicios a la Comunidad-CSO. Su primer reto fue conseguir los derechos para registrarse y votar.
The United farm Workers is Born
10. En el 1962 Cesar fundo the national farm Workers Association, mas después conocida como, United farm Workers-the UFW. Dolores huerta se unió en la causa y la ‘unión’ se establece. Ese mismo año Richard Chávez diseño el UFW Eagle Cesar opto por los colores negros y rojos. Cesar pronuncio la historia del nacimiento del águila. Le pidió a Richard que diseñara la bandera, pero Richard no pudo dibujar un águila que le gustara. Finalmente hiso un borrador en un pedazo de papel de envolver café. Después recorto las orillas de las alas para que los miembros de la unión pudieran fácilmente dibujar en las banderas hechas a mano que les brindarían valor a los trabajadores de la agricultura con su propio símbolo de poder. Cesar hacía referencia a la bandera mediante decir “Un símbolo es una cosa importante, por eso escogimos una águila azteca, tal símbolo otorga orgullo… Cuando las personas lo ven ellos saben que significa dignidad.”
11. Por mucho tiempo en 1962, había muy pocos miembros de la unión que pagaban su cuota. Para el 1970 el UFW consiguió que los rancheros de la uva aceptaran contratos de unión y habían efectivamente organizado la mayor parte de la industrial. En algún momento hubo 50,000 miembros pagando su cuota. El motivo fue el incansable liderazgo y táctica sin violencia que incluyo la demostración de la uva en Delano, sus ayunos
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que atrajeron la atención nacional a los problemas de los trabajadores del campo, y la marcha de 340 millas desde Delano a Sacramento en 1966. Los trabajadores del campo y sus apoyadores cargaban rótulos con la águila negra que leían HUELGA (strike) y ViVA LA CAUSA (Long live the cause), Los marchadores querían que el gobierno del estado pasara leyes que permitieran a los trabajadores organizarse en una unión y que permitieran acuerdos de negociación colectiva. Cesar puso al día a la gente sobre las batallas de los trabajadores del campo para mejor pago y condiciones más seguras para trabajar. Tuvo éxito sin tácticas de violencia con boicots, manifestaciones, y demostraciones. Cesar Chávez y la unión procuraban que se reconociera la importancia y la dignidad de todos los trabajadores del campo.
12. Era el comienzo de LA Causa, una causa que era apoyada por trabajo organizado, grupos religiosos, minoridades, y estudiantes. Cesar Chávez tenía la previsión para capacitar a sus trabajadores de la unión y después mandar a muchos de ellos a la ciudad donde utilizarían los boicots y las demostraciones como su arma.
13. Cesar estaba dispuesto a sacrificar su propia vida para que continuara la unión y la violencia no se utilizó. Cesar ayuno muchas veces. En 1968 Cesar ayuno tomando únicamente agua por 25 días. El la repitió en 1972 por 24 días y nuevamente en 1988, esta vez por 36 días. ¿Que lo motivo hacer esto? Trabajadores del campo en dondequiera están con coraje y preocupados de que no podremos ganar sin violencia. Lo hemos comprobado anteriormente mediante persistencia, y trabajo arduo, fe y la disponibilidad de sacrificar. Podemos ganar y mantener nuestro respeto propio y crear una unión buena que asegurara el espíritu de toda la gente si la hacemos mediante re- dedicación y compromiso por la batalla para justicia sin violencia.
El ayuno
14. Muchos asuntos precipitaron el ayuno, especialmente el terrible sufrimiento de los trabajadores del campo y sus hijos, el aplastamiento de los derechos de los trabajadores, los peligros de las pesticidas, el rechazo
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de las elecciones libres y justas.
15. Sobre el ayuno Cesar dijo, “Un ayuno es primero y principalmente personal. Es un ayuno para la purificación de mi propio cuerpo, mente y alma. El ayuno es también una oración sentida en el corazón para purificación y para conseguir fuerzas para todos aquellos quienes trabajan a mi lado en el movimiento para el trabajador del campo. El ayuno es también un hecho de penitencia para aquellas posiciones de autoridad moral para todos los hombres y mujeres activistas que saben lo que es correcto y justo, que saben que pueden hacer más. El ayuno es una declaración final de los supermercados que no cooperan, promueven, venden y sacan provecho de las uvas de California. Durante los últimos años he estado estudiando la plaga de pesticidas en nuestra tierra y nuestra comida,” Cesar continua diciendo, “El mal es mucho más grave de lo que hasta yo pensé que sería, amenaza sacarle la vida a nuestra gente y también al sistema de vida que nos sostiene a todos. La solución a esta crisis mortal no será encontrada en la arrogancia de los poderosos, pero en solidaridad con los débiles e indefensos. Yo oro a Dios de que este ayuno será una preparación para una multitud de buenas obras de justicia. Llevadas a cabo por hombres y mujeres quienes sus corazones están enfocados en el sufrimiento del pobre y que desean, junto con nosotros, un mundo mejor. Juntos todas las cosas son posibles.”
16. Cesar Chávez completo su ayuno de 36 días para la Vida (Fast for Life) en agosto 21, 1988. El Reverendo Jesse Jackson continuo donde Cesar se detuvo, ayunando mediante consumir agua únicamente por tres días antes de pasar el ayuno a celebridades y líderes. El ayuno fue pasado a Martin Sheen, actor; el reverendo J. Lowery , President SCLC; Edward Olmos, actor; Emilio Estevez, actor; Kerry Kennedy, hija de Robert Kennedy, Peter Chacon, legislador, Julie Carmen, actress; Danny Glover, actor; Carly Simon, Singer; and Whoopi Goldber, actriz.
La Muerte de Cesar Chávez
17. Cesar Estrada Chávez murió en paz cuando dormía el 23 de abril, 1993 cerca de Yuma, Arizona, a corta distancia de la granja pequeña de la familia en Gila River Valley donde nació más de 66 años atrás.
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18. El fundador y presidente de United farm Workers de America, AFL-CIO estaba en Yuma ayudando al abogado de UFW en defender la unión en contra de una demanda presentada por Bruce Church Inc., un gigante ubicado en Salinas, California-productor de lechuga y verduras. Church exigía que los trabajadores agrícolas pagaran millones de dólares en danos que resultaron del UFW boycott y su lechuga durante 1980’s. En lugar de tomar acción legal en el estado donde se llevó a cabo el boicot como California o New York, Church “Shopped around”/procura un tribunal amigable en negocios de agricultura conservativos y nomino Arizona-un lugar donde no había habido actividad de boicot.
19. “Cesar dio su última onza de fuerza al defender a los trabajadores agrícolas en este caso” dijo su sucesor, UFW Presidente Arturo Rodríguez, que estaba con él en Arizona durante el juicio. El murió defendiendo la Primera Enmienda, el derecho hablar por nuestra cuenta. El sabia en su corazón que los trabajadores del campo tenían derecho a llevar a cabo el (boicot) de la lechuga de Bruce Church Inc. durante los 1980’s él estaba determinado a comprobarlo en el tribunal.” (Cuando el segundo fallo multimillonario en contra de Church, más después fue descartado por el tribunal de apelaciones, la empresa firmó un contrato con UFW en mayo del 1996).
20. Durante el descanso del juicio alas aproximadas 3:00 p.m. el jueves, 22 de abril, Cesar pasó parte de la tarde en Yuma conduciendo entre las vecindades latinas que conoció de niño.
21. Llego aproximadamente a las 6 p.m. a San Luis, Arizona que esta aproximadamente a 20 millas de Yuma la modesta casa de bloque de concreto de Dofla María Hau, una previa trabajadora y vieja amiga. Cesar y ocho líderes del personal de UFW estaban quedándose en su casa, una vecindad pobre de trabajadores agrícolas a corta distancia de la línea fronteriza mexicana.
22. Cesar ceno a las aproximadas 9 p.m. y dirigió una breve reunión para repasar los asuntos del día. Había terminado dos días muy agotantes
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debido a las preguntas de los abogados a favor de Bruce Church Inc.
23. Hablo con sus colegas sobre el auto-cuidarse, un tema que salía mucho con Cesar debido a que estaba al tanto de las largas horas exigidas de él y otros oficiales de la unión y personal. Aun así estaba con buen espíritu a pesar de estar agotado después de las preguntas prolongadas en el banquillo de los testigos; él se quejó de estar padeciendo debilidad cuando estuvo haciendo sus ejercicios de la tarde.
24. El fundador de UFW se dirigió a su cama a las 10 o 10:30 p.m. Un miembro de la unión dijo que más después vio relucir desde el dormitorio la luz que utilizaba para leer.
25. La luz aún estaba encendida a las 6 a.m. la próxima mañana. Esta situación no era vista como fuera de lo regular. Cesar generalmente despertaba en las horas tempranas de la mañana mucho antes de la salida del sol, que era cuando escribía o meditaba.
26. Cuando para las 9 a.m. no había salido, sus colegas entraron a su dormitorio e encontraron que Cesar había fallecido, aparentemente, durante la noche en lo que dormía, según autoridades.
27. Fue encontrado acostado boca arriba con su cabeza girada hacia la izquierda. Sin zapatos y todavía con su ropa puesta del día anterior. En su mano derecha sostenía un libro sobre el arte de los americanos nativos. Había una sonrisa de paz en su cara.
La Última Marcha con Cesar Chávez
28. El 29 de abril, del 1993, a Cesar Chávez se le dio honor en muerte por aquellos a quienes guío en vida. Más de 50, 000 dolientes vinieron a darle honor al carismático líder laboral al lugar donde llevo a cabo su primer ayuno público en 1968 y su última en 1988, en United farm Workers Delano Field Office en “Forty Acres.”
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29. En la historia de estados Unidos fue el servicio fúnebre más numeroso a un líder laboral. Vinieron en caravanas desde florida a California para pagar su respeto a un hombre que en su sencillez estaba su fuerza.
30. Trabajadores de la agricultura, miembros de familia, amigos y personal de la unión se turnaban para pararse durante la vigilia sobre un féretro de pino sencillo, el cual sostenía el cuerpo de Cesar Chávez. Entre la guardia de honor estaban celebridades que habían apoyado a Chávez a través de sus años de batalla para mejorar a los muchos trabajadores de la agricultura por todo América.
31. Muchos de los dolientes habían marchado lado a lado con Chávez durante sus años tumultuosos en las viñas y ranchos de América. Por última vez vinieron a marchar al lado del hombre que les había ensenado a defender sus derechos, mediante protestas sin violencia y negociaciones colectivas.
32. Cardinal Roger Mahoney, quien celebró la misa del entierro, llamo a Chávez “un especial profeta para los trabajadores agrícolas del mundo.” Los sostenedores del manto, incluyendo cuadrillas de estos trabajadores, los hijos de Chávez y nietos, cargaron su caído líder, descansando por fin, desde Memorial Park a Forty Acres.
33. La muerte de Cesar Chávez marco una era de cambios dramáticos en la agricultura Americana. Sus contribuciones serian erosionadas, y otros tendrían que cargar en sus hombros el trabajo que él hacía. Pero Cesar Chávez, que insistió que aquellos quienes trabajaban la tierra tenían derecho a compartir de manera justa las recompensas de su esfuerzo, nunca seria olvidado.
34. Como dijo Luis Valdez, “Cesar hemos llegado a plantar tu corazón como una semilla… los cultivadores cosecharan con la semilla de tu memoria.”
Lugar de descanso final / reconocimiento final
35. El cuerpo de Cesar Chávez fue llevado a La paz, la sucursal de UFW de California. Descansa cerca de un lecho de rosas.
36. El día 8 de agosto del 1994 en la ceremonia de la Casa Blanca, Helen
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Chaves, viuda de Cesar acepto la Medalla de Libertad por su marido fallecido de parte del Presidente Clinton. En las palabras que acompañaban el honorario civil más alto de América, el cual se le otorgo póstumamente, el Presidente elogio a Chávez por haber “enfrentado formidablemente, y a menudo oposición violenta con dignidad y sin violencia.
37. El llego a ser victorioso. Cesar Chaves dejo nuestro mundo mejor que como lo encontró, y su legado nos inspira aún. Él fue para su propia gente una figura como la de Moisés,” El presidente declaro. “Los trabajadores de la agricultura que trabajaron los campos y anhelaban respeto y autosuficiencia cifraron sus esperanzas en este hombre extraordinario que con fe y disciplina, humilde y de habla suave, sorprendente en fuerza interior, llevo una vida con mucha valentía.
38. Las palabras que acompañaban el reconocimiento indicaban como Chávez era un trabajador de la agricultura desde su niñez que “poseía una profunda comprensión personal de la situación grave de los trabajadores migrantes, y trabajo toda su vida para mejorar sus vidas.” Durante su vida, Chávez nunca gano más de $5,000 dólares al año. El fallecido Senador Robert Kennedy lo llamo “una de las figuras heroicas de nuestro tiempo.”
39. El sucesor de Chávez, UFW Presidente Arturo Rodríguez, dio las gracias al presidente de parte de United Farm Workers y dijo, “Todos los días en California y en otros estados donde trabajadores agrícolas se están organizando, Cesar Chávez vive en sus corazones. Cesar vive dondequiera…, el inspiro… cambio social sin utilizar violencia.
Un Héroe Americano (biografía 2)
40. Cesar E. Chávez era un hombre bueno que dedicó su vida ayudar a otros. Cesar nació de padres que le ensenaron ideas importantes sobre el trabajo duro, la importancia de la educación, y respeto.
41. Cuando era un jovencito, Cesar trabajo en el rancho de la familia dándoles comida y agua a los animales; recogiendo huevos, y acarreando agua a la casa.
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42. Los padres de Cesar pensaban que la escuela era importante. La escuela era difícil porque las maestras únicamente hablaban inglés. Cesar pensaba que algunas de las maestras eran malas porque lo castigaban cuando hablaba español. Cesar aprendió a leer ingles en la escuela y aprendió a leer español con sus tíos.
43. Los padres de Cesar eran muy estrictos lo enseñaron a él y a sus hermanas y hermanos a demostrar respeto por otros.
44. Sus padres también le enseñaron que era importante ayudar a otros. Cesar y su familia a menudo ayudaban a sus tíos, tías, y primos mediante darles comida cuando tenían poco para comer.
45. (nota al pie de la foto) Cesar y su hermana están parados fuera de su casa.
46. La abuela de Cesar, Mama Tella, les enseno sobre la importancia de su fe religiosa y a tener una creencia fuerte en Dios. Cuando cesar creció, el recordaba y practicaba lo que su abuela le había enseñado. Para Cesar, la religión era la cosa más importante.
47. Cuando Cesar tenía diez años, se les quito la casa de su familia porque no tenían suficiente dinero.
48. La familia de Cesar se mudó a California para encontrar trabajo. Ellos comenzaron a trabajar en el campo cosechando fruta y verduras. La familia de cesar se mudaba de campo en campo buscando trabajo, así como muchas familias que también perdieron sus hogares.
49. La familia de Cesar se mudaba a menudo. El mudarse no les molestaba tanto a Cesar, a sus hermanas o hermanos porque sus padres los amaban y siempre estaban contentos de estar juntos como familia.
50. El trabajar en el campo era muy difícil. Los trabajadores del campo como la familia Chávez trabajaban largas horas. Con frecuencia tenían acceso a
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pocos baños y poca agua limpia. Los trabajadores del campo sufrían mucho y eran tratados sin respeto y dignidad. La familia de Cesar trabajaba duro en el campo, pero hacían muy poco dinero. Todos los miembros de la familia tenían que trabajar, aun los niños. Se empeoraban las cosas porque a veces los hombres encargados de los trabajadores los engañaban mediante robarles el dinero a los trabajadores lo cual incluía la familia de Cesar. Estos hombres muchas veces corrían para no ser encontrados.
51. La familia de Cesar tenía muy poco dinero y muchas veces no tenían suficiente para comer. Cesar y su familia nunca pensaron que eran pobres. La mamá de Cesar con frecuencia le decía a Cesar y a su hermano Richard que buscara a las personas sin hogar y hombres con hambre para que ella les cocinara una comida.
52. Cuando Cesar era un adolecente, él y su hermana mayor, Rita ayudaban a los trabajadores del campo y a sus vecinos mediante llevarlos al hospital para ver al médico. Sin la ayuda de Cesar y su hermana, a esta gente se le hubiera hecho difícil conseguir ayuda médica.
53. Las personas a las que ayudo Cesar a menudo querían darle un poco de dinero para pagar la gasolina por su ayuda. Cesar nunca tomo su dinero porque su madre hubiera estado enojada con él. Ella decía, “Siempre hay que ayudar a los necesitados, y Dios te ayudara”.
54. Unos cuantos años después, Cesar se dio de voluntario para servir en la United States Navy. Cesar, como muchos hombres y mujeres americanas sirvieron en el servicio militar para pelear por la libertad y para proteger a la gente de Estados Unidos.
55. Después de dos años sirviendo en la Naval, Cesar volvió a casa y se casó con su novia, Helen. Después de un periodo corto de tiempo, se mudaron a san José, California y comenzaron una familia.
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56. La vida cambio para cesar cuando conoció un hombre llamado Fred Ross. Fred Ross creía que si la gente trabajaba junta podían mejorar su comunidad. Fred Ross contrato a Cesar para trabajar para él en la, Community Service Organization (Organización de Servicio para la Comunidad).
57. La Organización de Servicio para la Comunidad, funcionaba para ayudar a la gente. Cesar ahora trabajaba para reunir a la gente e identificar problemas y encontrar maneras de resolverlos. Muchos problemas no se resolvieron porque los líderes de la comunidad no respetaban a la gente.
58. Cesar, Fred Ross, y La Organización de Servicio para la Comunidad ayudaron a la gente dentro de la comunidad aprender cómo votar. También enseñaron a la gente que los líderes de la comunidad respetaban a los que votaban. Cesar trabajo en muchas comunidades en California para ayudar a la gente a conseguir el respeto que se merecían.
59. Después de ayudar a la gente a conseguir el respeto de los líderes de la comunidad, cesar dejo la Organización de Servicio para la Comunidad porque quería ayudar a los trabajadores del campo a conseguir el respeto y dignidad que se merecían.
60. Cesar comenzó el, National Farm Worker Association para mejorar las condiciones de los trabajadores del campo. afro-americanos, filipinos, americanos blancos, México-americanos y mexicanos, y hombres y mujeres de todos los antecedentes se unieron a Cesar.
61. Cesar y los trabajadores del campo querían que las compañías y rancheros, dueños de los campos respetaran a los trabajadores mediante proporcionarles agua limpia para tomar, que hubiera baños en los campos, y un pago justo por el trabajo del día.
62. Las compañías y rancheros reusaban tratar a los trabajadores con respeto y
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dignidad. Los rancheros hicieron todo lo posible para detener a Cesar y a los trabajadores de campo. Hasta utilizaron violencia y lesionaron a muchos trabajadores del campo y a personas que ayudaban a los trabajadores. Esta situación lleno de coraje a Cesar.
63. Cesar no creía en la violencia. Como Martin Luther King, Cesar quería traer cambio de manera pacífica. Mucha gente vino ayudar a Cesar. Mucha gente apoyo a Cesar porque él creía en la paz. Como Cesar, también creía que los trabajadores del campo merecían mejor tratamiento, respeto, dignidad, justicia, e imparcialidad.
(Nota al pie de la foto) Durante la firma de un acuerdo importante Cesar es observado por sus apoyadores, reporteros de estaciones de radio y periodistas.
64. Cesar trabajo duro. El sufrió y sacrifico muchísimo para mejorar las vidas de los trabajadores del campo.
65. Después de cinco años, algunos rancheros comenzaron a proporcionar agua limpia para tomar, baños, y mejor pago. Cesar, los trabajadores del campo, y sus amigos ganaron, logrando que las vidas de los trabajadores del campo mejoraran.
66. Cesar dedico el resto de su vida hacer del mundo un mejor lugar y a servir a otros. El siguió trabajando para conseguir respeto, dignidad, justicia, y un tratamiento imparcial para los pobres, los trabajadores del campo y a personas de todo lugar. Cesar murió el 23 de abril del 1993. Tenía sesenta y seis años de edad. Personas de todo el mundo recuerdan a Cesar E. Chávez como un hombre de valentía que peleo para mejorar las vidas de toda la gente.
67. Cesar E. Chávez es un héroe americano.
68. Su legado vive.
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Work Cited
http://chavez.cde.ca.gov/ModelCurriculum/Teachers/Lessons/Resources/Biographies/K-2_Bio.aspxC
http://www.spanishdict.com/translate/amendment
http://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=profit
http://translate.google.com/#en/es/boycotts
http://chavez.cde.ca.gov/ModelCurriculum/Teachers/Lessons/Resources/Biographies/K-2_Bio.aspxC
The Story of Cesar Chavez THE BEGINNING
1.The story of Cesar Estrada Chavez begins near Yuma, Arizona. Cesar was born on March 31, 1927. He was named after his grandfather, Cesario. Regrettably, the story of Cesar Estrada Chavez also ends near Yuma, Arizona. He passed away on April 23, 1993, in San Luis, a small village near Yuma, Arizona. 2.He learned about justice or rather injustice early in his life. Cesar grew up in Arizona; the small adobe home, where Cesar was born was swindled from them by dishonest Anglos. Cesar's father agreed to clear eighty acres of land and in exchange he would receive the deed to forty acres of land that adjoined the home. The agreement was broken and the land sold to a man named Justus Jackson. Cesar's dad went to a lawyer who advised him to borrow money and buy the land. Later when Cesar's father could not pay the interest on the loan the lawyer bought back the land and sold it to the original owner. Cesar learned a lesson about injustice that he would never forget. Later, he would say, The love for justice that is in us is not only the best part of our being but it is also the most true to our nature.
3.In 1938 he and his family moved to California. He lived in La Colonia Barrio in Oxnard for a
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short period, returning to Arizona several months later. They returned to California in June 1939 and this time settled in San Jose. They lived in the barrio called Sal Si Puedes -"Get Out If You Can." Cesar thought the only way to get out of the circle of poverty was to work his way up and send the kids to college. He and his family worked in the fields of California from Brawley to Oxnard, Atascadero, Gonzales, King City, Salinas, McFarland, Delano, Wasco, Selma, Kingsburg, and Mendota. 4.He did not like school as a child, probably because he spoke only Spanish at home. The teachers were mostly Anglo and only spoke English. Spanish was forbidden in school. He remembers being punished with a ruler to his knuckles for violating the rule. He also remembers that some schools were segregated and he felt that in the integrated schools he was like a monkey in a cage. He remembers having to listen to a lot of racist remarks. He remembers seeing signs that read whites only. He and his brother, Richard, attended thirty-seven schools. He felt that education had nothing to do with his farm worker/migrant way of life. In 1942 he graduated from the eighth grade. Because his father, Librado, had been in an accident and because he did not want his mother, Juana, to work in the fields, he could not to go to high school, and instead became a migrant farm worker. 5.While his childhood school education was not the best, later in life, education was his passion. The walls of his office in La Paz (United Farm Worker Headquarters ) are lined with hundreds of books ranging from philosophy, economics, cooperatives, and unions, to biographies on Gandhi and the Kennedys'. He believed that, "The end of all education should surely be service to others," a belief that he practiced until his untimely death. 6. He joined the U.S. Navy, which was then segregated, in 1946, at the age of 19, and served for two years. 7. In 1948 Cesar married Helen Fabela. They honeymooned in California by visiting all the California Missions from Sonoma to San Diego (again the influence of education). They settled in Delano and started their family. First Fernando, then Sylvia, then Linda, and five more children were to follow. 8. Cesar returned to San Jose where he met and was influenced by Father Donald McDonnell. They talked about farm workers and strikes. Cesar began reading about St. Francis and Gandhi and nonviolence. After Father McDonnell came another very influential person, Fred Ross. 9. Cesar became an organizer for Ross' organization, the Community Service Organization - CSO. His first task was voter registration. THE UNITED FARM WORKERS IS BORN
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10.In 1962 Cesar founded the National Farm Workers Association, later to become the United Farm Workers - the UFW. He was joined by Dolores Huerta and the union was born. That same year Richard Chavez designed the UFW Eagle and Cesar chose the black and red colors. Cesar told the story of the birth of the eagle. He asked Richard to design the flag, but Richard could not make an eagle that he liked. Finally he sketched one on a piece of brown wrapping paper. He then squared off the wing edges so that the eagle would be easier for union members to draw on the handmade red flags that would give courage to the farm workers with their own powerful symbol. Cesar made reference to the flag by stating, "A symbol is an important thing. That is why we chose an Aztec eagle. It gives pride . . . When people see it they know it means dignity." 11. For a long time in 1962, there were very few union dues paying members. By 1970 the UFW got grape growers to accept union contracts and had effectively organized most of that industry, at one point in time claiming 50,000 dues paying members. The reason was Cesar Chavez's tireless leadership and nonviolent tactics that included the Delano grape strike, his fasts that focused national attention on farm workers problems, and the 340-mile march from Delano to Sacramento in 1966. The farm workers and supporters carried banners with the black eagle with HUELGA (strike) and VIVA LA CAUSA (Long live our cause). The marchers wanted the state government to pass laws which would permit farm workers to organize into a union and allow collective bargaining agreements. Cesar made people aware of the struggles of farm workers for better pay and safer working conditions. He succeeded through nonviolent tactics (boycotts, pickets, and strikes). Cesar Chavez and the union sought recognition of the importance and dignity of all farm workers. 12. It was the beginning of La Causa a cause that was supported by organized labor, religious groups, minorities, and students. Cesar Chavez had the foresight to train his union workers and then to send many of them into the cities where they were to use the boycott and picket as their weapon. 13. Cesar was willing to sacrifice his own life so that the union would continue and that violence was not used. Cesar fasted many times. In 1968 Cesar went on a water only, 25 day fast. He repeated the fast in 1972 for 24 days, and again in 1988, this time for 36 days. What motivated him to do this? He said, Farm workers everywhere are angry and worried that we cannot win without violence. We have proved it before through persistence, hard work, faith and willingness to sacrifice. We can win and keep our own self-respect and build a great union that will secure the spirit of all people if we do it through a rededication and recommitment to the struggle for justice through nonviolence.
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THE FAST
14. Many events precipitated the fast, especially the terrible suffering of the farm workers and their children, the crushing of farm worker rights, the dangers of pesticides, and the denial of fair and free elections.
15. Cesar said about the fast, " A fast is first and foremost personal. It is a fast for the purification of my own body, mind, and soul. The fast is also a heartfelt prayer for purification and strengthening for all those who work beside me in the farm worker movement. The fast is alsoan act of penance for those in positions of moral authority and for all men and women activists who know what is right and just, who know that they could and should do more. The fast is finally a declaration of non-cooperation with supermarkets who promote and sell and profit fromCalifornia table grapes. During the past few years I have been studying the plague of pesticides on our land and our food," Cesar continued "The evil is far greater than even I had thought it to be, it threatens to choke out the life of our people and also the life system that supports us all. This solution to this deadly crisis will not be found in the arrogance of the powerful, but in solidarity with the weak and helpless. I pray to God that this fast will be a preparation for a multitude of simple deeds for justice. Carried out by men and women whose hearts are focused on the suffering of the poor and who yearn, with us, for a better world. Together, all things are possible." 16. Cesar Chavez completed his 36-day Fast for Life on August 21, 1988. The Reverend Jesse Jackson took up where Cesar left off, fasting on water for three days before passing on the fast to celebrities and leaders. The fast was passed to Martin Sheen, actor; the Reverend J. Lowery, President SCLC; Edward Olmos, actor; Emilio Estevez, actor; Kerry Kennedy, daughter of Robert Kennedy, Peter Chacon, legislator, Julie Carmen, actress; Danny Glover, actor; Carly Simon, singer; and Whoopi Goldberg, actress. THE DEATH OF CESAR CHAVEZ
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17. Cesar Estrada Chavez died peacefully in his sleep on April 23, 1993 near Yuma, Arizona, a short distance from the small family farm in the Gila River Valley where he was born more than 66 years before.
18.The founder and president of the United Farm Workers of America, AFL-CIO was in Yuma helping UFW attorneys defend the union against a lawsuit brought by Bruce Church Inc., a giant Salinas, Calif.-based lettuce and vegetable producer. Church demanded that the farm workers pay millions of dollars in damages resulting from a UFW boycott of its lettuce during the 1980's. Rather than bring the legal action in a state where the boycott actually took place, such as California or New York, Church "shopped around" for a friendly court in conservative, agribusiness-dominated Arizona-where there had been no boycott activity.
19. "Cesar gave his last ounce of strength defending the farm workers in this case," stated his successor, UFW President Arturo Rodriguez, who was with him in Arizona during the trial. He died standing up for their First Amendment right to speak out for themselves. He believed in his heart that the farm workers were right in boycotting Bruce Church Inc. lettuce during the l980's and he was determined to prove that in court." (When the second multimillion dollar judgement for Church was later thrown out by an appeal's court, the company signed a UFW contract in May 1996. 20. After the trial recessed at about 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 22, Cesar spent part of the afternoon driving through Latino neighborhoods in Yuma that he knew as a child. Many Chavezes still live in the area. 21. He arrived about 6 p.m. in San Luis, Arizona-about 20 miles from Yuma, at the modest concrete-block home of Dofla Maria Hau, a former farm worker and longtime friend. Cesar and eight other UFW leaders and staff were staying at her house in a poor farm worker neighborhood not far from the Mexican border. 22. Cesar ate dinner at around 9 p.m. and presided over a brief meeting to review the day's events. He had just finished two days of often grueling examination by attorneys for Bruce Church Inc.ma 23. He talked to his colleagues about taking care of themselves-a recent recurring theme with Cesar because he was well aware of the long hours required from him and other union officers and staff. Still, he was in good spirits despite being exhausted after prolonged questioning on the witness stand; he complained about feeling some weakness when doing his evening exercises.
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24. The UFW founder went to bed at about 10 or 10:30 p.m. A union staff member said he later saw a reading light shining from Cesar's room. 25. The light was still on at 6 a.m. the next morning. That was not seen as unusual. Cesar usually woke up in the early hours of the morning well before dawn to read, write or meditate. 26. When he had not come out by 9 a.m., his colleagues entered his bedroom found that Cesar had died apparently, according to authorities, at night in his sleep. 27. He was found lying on his back with his head turned to the left. His shoes were off and he still wore his clothes from the day before. In his right hand was a book on Native American crafts. There was a peaceful smile on his face.
THE LAST MARCH WITH CESAR CHAVEZ
28. On April 29, 1993, Cesar Estrada Chavez was honored in death by those he led in life. More than 50,000 mourners came to honor the charismatic labor leader at the site of his first public fast in 1968 and his last in 1988, the United Farm Workers Delano Field Office at "Forty Acres." 29. It was the largest funeral of any labor leader in the history of the U.S. They came in caravans from Florida to California to pay respect to a man whose strength was in his simplicity. 30. Farm workers, family members, friends and union staff took turns standing vigil over the plain pine coffin which held the body of Cesar Chavez. Among the honor guard were many celebrities who had supported Chavez throughout his years of struggle to better the lot of farmworkers throughout America. 31. Many of the mourners had marched side by side with Chavez during his tumultuous years in the vineyards and farms of America. For the last time, they came to march by the side of the man who had taught them to stand up for their rights, through nonviolent protest and collective bargaining. 32, Cardinal Roger M. Mahoney, who celebrated the funeral mass, called Chavez "a special prophet for the worlds' farm workers." Pall bearers, including crews of these workers, Chavez children and grandchildren, then carried their fallen leader, resting at last, from the Memorial Park to Forty Acres.
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33. The death of Chavez marked an era of dramatic changes in American agriculture. His contributions would be eroded, and others would have to shoulder the burden of his work. But, Cesar Chavez, who insisted that those who labor in the earth were entitled to share fairly in the rewards of their toil, would never be forgotten. 34. As Luis Valdez said, "Cesar, we have come to plant your heart like a seed . . . the farm workers shall harvest in the seed of your memory." FINAL RESTING PLACE/FINAL RECOGNITION 35. The body of Cesar Chavez was taken to La Paz, the UFW's California headquarters, by his family and UFW leadership. He was laid to rest near a bed of roses, in front of his office. 36. On August 8, 1994, at a White House ceremony, Helen Chavez, Cesar's widow, accepted the Medal of Freedom for her late husband from President Clinton. In the citation accompanying America's highest civilian honor which was awarded posthumously, the President lauded Chavez for having "faced formidable, often violent opposition with dignity and nonviolence. 37. And he was victorious. Cesar Chavez left our world better than he found it, and his legacy inspires us still. He was for his own people a Moses figure," the President declared. "The farm workers who labored in the fields and yearned for respect and self-sufficiency pinned their hopes on this remarkable man who, with faith and discipline, soft spoken humility and amazing inner strength, led a very courageous life"
38. The citation accompanying the award noted how Chavez was a farm worker from childhood who "possessed a deep personal understanding of the plight of migrant workers, and he labored all his years to lift their lives." During his lifetime, Chavez never earned more than $5,000 a year. The late Senator Robert Kennedy called him "one of the heroic figures of our time." 39. Chavez's successor, UFW President Arturo Rodriguez, thanked the president on behalf of the United Farm Workers and said, "Every day in California and in other states where farm workers are organizing, Cesar Chavez lives in their hearts. Cesar lives wherever Americans' he inspired work nonviolently for social change."
An American Hero
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The Biography of César E. Chávez
Photo copyright © Jocelyn Sherman
40. César E. Chávez was a good man who dedicated his life to helping others. César was born to parents who taught him important ideas about hard work, the importance of education, and respect. 41. As a young boy, César worked on his family’s farm feeding and watering the animals, collecting eggs, and bringing water to the house. 42. César’s parents thought school was important. School was hard for César because the teachers only spoke English and César did not understand English. César thought some teachers were mean because they would punish him when he spoke Spanish. César learned to read English in school and he learned to read Spanish from his uncles.
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43. César’s parents were very strict and taught him and his sisters and brothers to show respect to others. 44. His parents also taught him that it was important to help others. César and his family often helped his uncles, aunts, and cousins by giving them food when they had little to eat.
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation 45. César and his sister are standing outside their home.
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Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and his sister are dressed for their First Holy Communion.
46. César’s grandmother, Mama Tella, taught him about the importance of their religious faith and to have a strong belief in God. When César grew up, he would remember and practice what his grandmother had taught him. For César, religion was a most beautiful thing.
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Photo Copyright © Manuel Echavaria
In 1975, this farm worker family is eating lunch along side the fields in the Santa Maria Valley in the shade of their van because there is no other shade available.
47. When César was ten years old, his family’s home was taken away from them because they did not have enough money. 48. César’s family moved to California to find work. They began working on farms picking fruits and vegetables. César’s family would move from farm to farm looking for work, just like many other families who also lost their homes.
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49. César’s family moved often. Moving did not bother César, or his sisters and brothers too much because their parents loved them and because they were always happy to be together as a family.
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and his brothers and sisters in front of the family car
50. Working on the farms was very difficult. Farm workers like the Chávez family would very long hours. They often had few bathrooms and little clean water to drink. Farm workers suffered a lot and they were not treated with respect or dignity.
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Photo Copyright © Manuel Echavaria
These farm workers are picking chili at Santa Maria in 1971.
César’s family worked very hard on the farms, but they made very little money. Everyone in the family had to work, even the children. To make things worse, sometimes the men in charge of the farm workers would cheat and steal money from the farm workers, including César’s family. These men would often run away so they would not get caught. 51. César’s family had very little money and many times they did not have enough food to eat. César and his family never thought of themselves as being poor. César’s mother would often tell César and his brother Richard to find homeless and hungry men so she could cook them a meal.
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Photo by Cris Sanchez, Courtesy of United Farm Workers
In a migrant farm worker camp, the ladies are visiting while their laundry dries on the clothesline strung between their houses.
52. When César was a teenager, he and his older sister Rita would help other farm workers and neighbors by driving them to the hospital to see a doctor. Without César’s and his sister’s help, these people would have had
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a very difficult time getting a doctor’s help. 53. The people César helped often wanted to give him a little bit of money to pay for gas and for his help. César never took any of their money because his mother would have been mad at him. She used to say, “You always have to help the needy, and God will help you.”
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César in his U.S. Navy uniform.
54. A few years later, César volunteered to serve in the United States Navy. César, like many American men and
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women, served in the military to fight for freedom and to protect the people of the United States.
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and his wife, Helen, posed for their picture by the seashore.
55. After two years in the Navy, César returned home and married his girlfriend, Helen. After a short time, they moved to San Jose, California and began a family.
56. Life changed for César when he met a man named Fred Ross. Fred Ross believed that if people worked
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together they could make their community better. Fred Ross hired César to work for him in the Community Service Organization. 57. The Community Service Organization worked to help people. César now worked to bring people together to identify problems and find ways to solve their problems. Many problems were not solved because community leaders did not respect all people. 58. César, Fred Ross, and the Community Service Organization helped people in the community learn how to vote. They also taught people that community leaders respected voters. Community leaders worked harder to solve the problems of voters. César worked in many communities in California to help people gain the respect they deserved.
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Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and other people from the Community Service Organization are getting ready to try to get the farm workers to vote.
59. After helping many people gain the respect of community leaders, César left the Community Service Organization to help farm workers gain the respect and dignity they deserved. 60. César started the National Farm Worker Association to help improve the working conditions of farm workers. African Americans, Filipinos, white Americans, Mexican Americans and Mexicans, and men and women of all backgrounds joined César.
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Photo by Cris Sanchez
In a migrant farm worker camp, the ladies are visiting while their laundry dries on the clothesline strung between their houses.
61. César and the farm workers wanted the companies and growers that owned the farms to respect farm workers by providing them with fresh water to drink, bathrooms in the fields, and fair pay for a day’s work. 62. The companies and growers refused to treat the farm workers with respect and dignity. The growers did everything they could to stop César and the farm workers. They even turned to violence and hurt many farm workers and people who helped the farm workers.
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This made César very upset.
Photo Copyright © Manuel Echavaria
People of all ages marched to Preisker Park while participating in a demonstration in 1972.
63. César did not believe in violence. Like Martin Luther King, César wanted to bring change in a nonviolent way. Many people came to help César. Many people supported César because he believed in nonviolence. Like César, they also believed that farm workers deserved better treatment, respect, dignity, justice, and fairness.
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Photo Courtesy of United Farm Workers
César is signing an important agreement while many union supporters watch with reporters from radio stations and newspapers.
César worked hard. He suffered and sacrificed a lot to make farm workers’ lives better 65. After five years, some growers in California agreed with César and started to provide farm workers with fresh water to drink, bathrooms, and better pay. César, the farm workers, and their friends won, making farm worker’s lives better.
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Photo Copyright © Jocelyn Sherman
César marching again with many supporters.
César dedicated the rest of his life to making the world a better place and to serving others. He continued to work to bring respect, dignity, justice, and fair treatment to the poor, to farm workers, and to people everywhere.
Photo Copyright © Jocelyn Sherman
Many people came to César’s funeral.
César died on April 23, 1993. He was sixty-six years old. People all over the world remember César E. Chávez as a man of courage who fought to improve the lives of all
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people.
Photo Courtesy of the César E. Chávez Foundation
César E. Chávez is an American hero. His legacy lives on!
http://chavez.cde.ca.gov/ModelCurriculum/Teachers/Lessons/Resources/Biographies/K-2_Bio.aspxC1
Evelia Meza
Spanish 315 (4,170 word document translation of a topic of choice)
Profesor Arrizabalaga
Spring, 2014
La historia de Cesar Chávez
Los Comienzos
1. La historia de Cesar Estrada Chávez comienza cerca de Yuma, Arizona. Cesar nació el 31 de marzo del 1927. Su nombre proviene del nombre de su abuelo, Cesario. Lamentable, la historia de Cesar estrada Chávez también termina cerca de Yuma, Arizona. Cesar falleció el 23 de abril, del 1993, cerca de Yuma, Arizona en una aldea.
2. El aprendió sobre la justicia, o mejor dicho sobre la injusticia a muy temprana edad. La casa pequeña de adobe ubicada en Arizona donde cesar nació y Cesar fue estafada por anglo-americanos fraudulentos. El padre de Cesar estuvo de acuerdo en limpiar 80 acres de terreno y en cambio recibiría la escritura de 40 acres de terreno que conectaban con la casa. El acuerdo no se cumplió y el terreno fue vendido a un hombre llamado Justus Jackson. El padre de Cesar se dirigió a un abogado quien le aconsejo que pidiera un préstamo y comprara el terreno. Después cuando el padre de Cesar no pudo pagar el interés sobre el préstamo el abogado compro el terreno y lo vendió al dueño original. Cesar aprendió una lección sobre la injusticia que nunca olvidaría. Después él decía, “El amor por la justicia que está dentro de nosotros no únicamente es la mejor parte de nuestro ser, es también la cosa más cierta a nuestra naturaleza”.
3. En 1938 el y su familia se mudaron a California. Él vivió en, La Colonia Barrio en Oxnard por un periodo corto de tiempo, volvió a Arizona varios meses después. Ellos volvieron a California en junio del 1939 y esta vez se establecieron en San José. Ellos vivieron en el barrio que se llama, Sal
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Si Puedes- “Get Out If You Can” Cesar pensó que la única manera de salirse del circulo de la pobreza era trabajar, ascender de puesto y mandar a los niños a la universidad. El y su familia trabajaron en los campos de California desde Brawley a Oxnard, Atascadero, Gonzales, King City, Salinas, Mcfarland, Delano, Vasco, Selma, Kingsburg, y Mendota.
4. No le interesaba la escuela de niño, seguramente porque hablaba únicamente español en casa. Las maestras eran principalmente anglo americanas y nada más hablaban inglés. El español era prohibido en las escuelas. El recuerda haber sido castigado con una regla sobre los nudillos por haber incumplido las normas. El también recuerda que algunas escuelas estaban divididas y que en las escuelas mixtas se sentía como un mono en una jaula. El recuerda que escuchaba muchos comentarios racistas. El recuerda haber visto rótulos que decían ‘blancos únicamente’. Él y su hermano, Richard, asistieron a treinta y siete escuelas. El creía que la educación no tenía nada que ver con su manera de vivir como trabajador del campo. En 1942 se graduó del grado octavo. Por el motivo de que su padre, Librado había sufrido un accidente y no quería que su mamá Juana trabajara en el campo, en lugar de asistir a la preparatoria, opto por ser un trabajador migrante del campo.
5. Durante su niñez la educación no era su prioridad, más después en su vida, la educación era su pasión. Las paredes de su consultorio en La Paz (United Farm Worker Headquarters) están llenos de cienes de libros desde filosofía, economía, cooperativas, y uniones, hasta biografías de Gandhi y de los Kennedys’. El creía que “El final de toda la educación debería ser de seguro, brindar servicio a otros.” una creencia que practico hasta su muerte inesperada.
6. Ingreso al U.S. Navy, que estaba segregado para entonces, en 1946, a la edad de 19 años, brindo servicio por dos años.
7. En 1948 Cesar se casó con Helen Fabela. Pasaron su luna de miel visitando las misiones de California desde Sonoma a san Diego
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(nuevamente la influencia de la educación). Se establecieron en Delano y comenzaron una familia. Primero Fernando, después Sylvia, después Linda, y cinco más hijos habrían de venir.
8. Cesar volvió a San José donde conoció al Padre Donald McDonnell el cual tuvo mucha influencia en el. Hablaron sobre los trabajadores de los ranchos y las demostraciones. Cesar comenzó a leer sobre St. Francis y Gandhi y temas relacionados a la paz. Después de que el Padre McDonnell vino otra persona que tuvo mucha influencia en el, Fred Ross.
9. Cesar llego a ser un organizador para Ross, La organización para Servicios a la Comunidad-CSO. Su primer reto fue conseguir los derechos para registrarse y votar.
The United farm Workers is Born
10. En el 1962 Cesar fundo the national farm Workers Association, mas después conocida como, United farm Workers-the UFW. Dolores huerta se unió en la causa y la ‘unión’ se establece. Ese mismo año Richard Chávez diseño el UFW Eagle Cesar opto por los colores negros y rojos. Cesar pronuncio la historia del nacimiento del águila. Le pidió a Richard que diseñara la bandera, pero Richard no pudo dibujar un águila que le gustara. Finalmente hiso un borrador en un pedazo de papel de envolver café. Después recorto las orillas de las alas para que los miembros de la unión pudieran fácilmente dibujar en las banderas hechas a mano que les brindarían valor a los trabajadores de la agricultura con su propio símbolo de poder. Cesar hacía referencia a la bandera mediante decir “Un símbolo es una cosa importante, por eso escogimos una águila azteca, tal símbolo otorga orgullo… Cuando las personas lo ven ellos saben que significa dignidad.”
11. Por mucho tiempo en 1962, había muy pocos miembros de la unión que pagaban su cuota. Para el 1970 el UFW consiguió que los rancheros de la uva aceptaran contratos de unión y habían efectivamente organizado la mayor parte de la industrial. En algún momento hubo 50,000 miembros pagando su cuota. El motivo fue el incansable liderazgo y táctica sin violencia que incluyo la demostración de la uva en Delano, sus ayunos
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que atrajeron la atención nacional a los problemas de los trabajadores del campo, y la marcha de 340 millas desde Delano a Sacramento en 1966. Los trabajadores del campo y sus apoyadores cargaban rótulos con la águila negra que leían HUELGA (strike) y ViVA LA CAUSA (Long live the cause), Los marchadores querían que el gobierno del estado pasara leyes que permitieran a los trabajadores organizarse en una unión y que permitieran acuerdos de negociación colectiva. Cesar puso al día a la gente sobre las batallas de los trabajadores del campo para mejor pago y condiciones más seguras para trabajar. Tuvo éxito sin tácticas de violencia con boicots, manifestaciones, y demostraciones. Cesar Chávez y la unión procuraban que se reconociera la importancia y la dignidad de todos los trabajadores del campo.
12. Era el comienzo de LA Causa, una causa que era apoyada por trabajo organizado, grupos religiosos, minoridades, y estudiantes. Cesar Chávez tenía la previsión para capacitar a sus trabajadores de la unión y después mandar a muchos de ellos a la ciudad donde utilizarían los boicots y las demostraciones como su arma.
13. Cesar estaba dispuesto a sacrificar su propia vida para que continuara la unión y la violencia no se utilizó. Cesar ayuno muchas veces. En 1968 Cesar ayuno tomando únicamente agua por 25 días. El la repitió en 1972 por 24 días y nuevamente en 1988, esta vez por 36 días. ¿Que lo motivo hacer esto? Trabajadores del campo en dondequiera están con coraje y preocupados de que no podremos ganar sin violencia. Lo hemos comprobado anteriormente mediante persistencia, y trabajo arduo, fe y la disponibilidad de sacrificar. Podemos ganar y mantener nuestro respeto propio y crear una unión buena que asegurara el espíritu de toda la gente si la hacemos mediante re- dedicación y compromiso por la batalla para justicia sin violencia.
El ayuno
14. Muchos asuntos precipitaron el ayuno, especialmente el terrible sufrimiento de los trabajadores del campo y sus hijos, el aplastamiento de los derechos de los trabajadores, los peligros de las pesticidas, el rechazo
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de las elecciones libres y justas.
15. Sobre el ayuno Cesar dijo, “Un ayuno es primero y principalmente personal. Es un ayuno para la purificación de mi propio cuerpo, mente y alma. El ayuno es también una oración sentida en el corazón para purificación y para conseguir fuerzas para todos aquellos quienes trabajan a mi lado en el movimiento para el trabajador del campo. El ayuno es también un hecho de penitencia para aquellas posiciones de autoridad moral para todos los hombres y mujeres activistas que saben lo que es correcto y justo, que saben que pueden hacer más. El ayuno es una declaración final de los supermercados que no cooperan, promueven, venden y sacan provecho de las uvas de California. Durante los últimos años he estado estudiando la plaga de pesticidas en nuestra tierra y nuestra comida,” Cesar continua diciendo, “El mal es mucho más grave de lo que hasta yo pensé que sería, amenaza sacarle la vida a nuestra gente y también al sistema de vida que nos sostiene a todos. La solución a esta crisis mortal no será encontrada en la arrogancia de los poderosos, pero en solidaridad con los débiles e indefensos. Yo oro a Dios de que este ayuno será una preparación para una multitud de buenas obras de justicia. Llevadas a cabo por hombres y mujeres quienes sus corazones están enfocados en el sufrimiento del pobre y que desean, junto con nosotros, un mundo mejor. Juntos todas las cosas son posibles.”
16. Cesar Chávez completo su ayuno de 36 días para la Vida (Fast for Life) en agosto 21, 1988. El Reverendo Jesse Jackson continuo donde Cesar se detuvo, ayunando mediante consumir agua únicamente por tres días antes de pasar el ayuno a celebridades y líderes. El ayuno fue pasado a Martin Sheen, actor; el reverendo J. Lowery , President SCLC; Edward Olmos, actor; Emilio Estevez, actor; Kerry Kennedy, hija de Robert Kennedy, Peter Chacon, legislador, Julie Carmen, actress; Danny Glover, actor; Carly Simon, Singer; and Whoopi Goldber, actriz.
La Muerte de Cesar Chávez
17. Cesar Estrada Chávez murió en paz cuando dormía el 23 de abril, 1993 cerca de Yuma, Arizona, a corta distancia de la granja pequeña de la familia en Gila River Valley donde nació más de 66 años atrás.
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18. El fundador y presidente de United farm Workers de America, AFL-CIO estaba en Yuma ayudando al abogado de UFW en defender la unión en contra de una demanda presentada por Bruce Church Inc., un gigante ubicado en Salinas, California-productor de lechuga y verduras. Church exigía que los trabajadores agrícolas pagaran millones de dólares en danos que resultaron del UFW boycott y su lechuga durante 1980’s. En lugar de tomar acción legal en el estado donde se llevó a cabo el boicot como California o New York, Church “Shopped around”/procura un tribunal amigable en negocios de agricultura conservativos y nomino Arizona-un lugar donde no había habido actividad de boicot.
19. “Cesar dio su última onza de fuerza al defender a los trabajadores agrícolas en este caso” dijo su sucesor, UFW Presidente Arturo Rodríguez, que estaba con él en Arizona durante el juicio. El murió defendiendo la Primera Enmienda, el derecho hablar por nuestra cuenta. El sabia en su corazón que los trabajadores del campo tenían derecho a llevar a cabo el (boicot) de la lechuga de Bruce Church Inc. durante los 1980’s él estaba determinado a comprobarlo en el tribunal.” (Cuando el segundo fallo multimillonario en contra de Church, más después fue descartado por el tribunal de apelaciones, la empresa firmó un contrato con UFW en mayo del 1996).
20. Durante el descanso del juicio alas aproximadas 3:00 p.m. el jueves, 22 de abril, Cesar pasó parte de la tarde en Yuma conduciendo entre las vecindades latinas que conoció de niño.
21. Llego aproximadamente a las 6 p.m. a San Luis, Arizona que esta aproximadamente a 20 millas de Yuma la modesta casa de bloque de concreto de Dofla María Hau, una previa trabajadora y vieja amiga. Cesar y ocho líderes del personal de UFW estaban quedándose en su casa, una vecindad pobre de trabajadores agrícolas a corta distancia de la línea fronteriza mexicana.
22. Cesar ceno a las aproximadas 9 p.m. y dirigió una breve reunión para repasar los asuntos del día. Había terminado dos días muy agotantes
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debido a las preguntas de los abogados a favor de Bruce Church Inc.
23. Hablo con sus colegas sobre el auto-cuidarse, un tema que salía mucho con Cesar debido a que estaba al tanto de las largas horas exigidas de él y otros oficiales de la unión y personal. Aun así estaba con buen espíritu a pesar de estar agotado después de las preguntas prolongadas en el banquillo de los testigos; él se quejó de estar padeciendo debilidad cuando estuvo haciendo sus ejercicios de la tarde.
24. El fundador de UFW se dirigió a su cama a las 10 o 10:30 p.m. Un miembro de la unión dijo que más después vio relucir desde el dormitorio la luz que utilizaba para leer.
25. La luz aún estaba encendida a las 6 a.m. la próxima mañana. Esta situación no era vista como fuera de lo regular. Cesar generalmente despertaba en las horas tempranas de la mañana mucho antes de la salida del sol, que era cuando escribía o meditaba.
26. Cuando para las 9 a.m. no había salido, sus colegas entraron a su dormitorio e encontraron que Cesar había fallecido, aparentemente, durante la noche en lo que dormía, según autoridades.
27. Fue encontrado acostado boca arriba con su cabeza girada hacia la izquierda. Sin zapatos y todavía con su ropa puesta del día anterior. En su mano derecha sostenía un libro sobre el arte de los americanos nativos. Había una sonrisa de paz en su cara.
La Última Marcha con Cesar Chávez
28. El 29 de abril, del 1993, a Cesar Chávez se le dio honor en muerte por aquellos a quienes guío en vida. Más de 50, 000 dolientes vinieron a darle honor al carismático líder laboral al lugar donde llevo a cabo su primer ayuno público en 1968 y su última en 1988, en United farm Workers Delano Field Office en “Forty Acres.”
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29. En la historia de estados Unidos fue el servicio fúnebre más numeroso a un líder laboral. Vinieron en caravanas desde florida a California para pagar su respeto a un hombre que en su sencillez estaba su fuerza.
30. Trabajadores de la agricultura, miembros de familia, amigos y personal de la unión se turnaban para pararse durante la vigilia sobre un féretro de pino sencillo, el cual sostenía el cuerpo de Cesar Chávez. Entre la guardia de honor estaban celebridades que habían apoyado a Chávez a través de sus años de batalla para mejorar a los muchos trabajadores de la agricultura por todo América.
31. Muchos de los dolientes habían marchado lado a lado con Chávez durante sus años tumultuosos en las viñas y ranchos de América. Por última vez vinieron a marchar al lado del hombre que les había ensenado a defender sus derechos, mediante protestas sin violencia y negociaciones colectivas.
32. Cardinal Roger Mahoney, quien celebró la misa del entierro, llamo a Chávez “un especial profeta para los trabajadores agrícolas del mundo.” Los sostenedores del manto, incluyendo cuadrillas de estos trabajadores, los hijos de Chávez y nietos, cargaron su caído líder, descansando por fin, desde Memorial Park a Forty Acres.
33. La muerte de Cesar Chávez marco una era de cambios dramáticos en la agricultura Americana. Sus contribuciones serian erosionadas, y otros tendrían que cargar en sus hombros el trabajo que él hacía. Pero Cesar Chávez, que insistió que aquellos quienes trabajaban la tierra tenían derecho a compartir de manera justa las recompensas de su esfuerzo, nunca seria olvidado.
34. Como dijo Luis Valdez, “Cesar hemos llegado a plantar tu corazón como una semilla… los cultivadores cosecharan con la semilla de tu memoria.”
Lugar de descanso final / reconocimiento final
35. El cuerpo de Cesar Chávez fue llevado a La paz, la sucursal de UFW de California. Descansa cerca de un lecho de rosas.
36. El día 8 de agosto del 1994 en la ceremonia de la Casa Blanca, Helen
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Chaves, viuda de Cesar acepto la Medalla de Libertad por su marido fallecido de parte del Presidente Clinton. En las palabras que acompañaban el honorario civil más alto de América, el cual se le otorgo póstumamente, el Presidente elogio a Chávez por haber “enfrentado formidablemente, y a menudo oposición violenta con dignidad y sin violencia.
37. El llego a ser victorioso. Cesar Chaves dejo nuestro mundo mejor que como lo encontró, y su legado nos inspira aún. Él fue para su propia gente una figura como la de Moisés,” El presidente declaro. “Los trabajadores de la agricultura que trabajaron los campos y anhelaban respeto y autosuficiencia cifraron sus esperanzas en este hombre extraordinario que con fe y disciplina, humilde y de habla suave, sorprendente en fuerza interior, llevo una vida con mucha valentía.
38. Las palabras que acompañaban el reconocimiento indicaban como Chávez era un trabajador de la agricultura desde su niñez que “poseía una profunda comprensión personal de la situación grave de los trabajadores migrantes, y trabajo toda su vida para mejorar sus vidas.” Durante su vida, Chávez nunca gano más de $5,000 dólares al año. El fallecido Senador Robert Kennedy lo llamo “una de las figuras heroicas de nuestro tiempo.”
39. El sucesor de Chávez, UFW Presidente Arturo Rodríguez, dio las gracias al presidente de parte de United Farm Workers y dijo, “Todos los días en California y en otros estados donde trabajadores agrícolas se están organizando, Cesar Chávez vive en sus corazones. Cesar vive dondequiera…, el inspiro… cambio social sin utilizar violencia.
Un Héroe Americano (biografía 2)
40. Cesar E. Chávez era un hombre bueno que dedicó su vida ayudar a otros. Cesar nació de padres que le ensenaron ideas importantes sobre el trabajo duro, la importancia de la educación, y respeto.
41. Cuando era un jovencito, Cesar trabajo en el rancho de la familia dándoles comida y agua a los animales; recogiendo huevos, y acarreando agua a la casa.
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42. Los padres de Cesar pensaban que la escuela era importante. La escuela era difícil porque las maestras únicamente hablaban inglés. Cesar pensaba que algunas de las maestras eran malas porque lo castigaban cuando hablaba español. Cesar aprendió a leer ingles en la escuela y aprendió a leer español con sus tíos.
43. Los padres de Cesar eran muy estrictos lo enseñaron a él y a sus hermanas y hermanos a demostrar respeto por otros.
44. Sus padres también le enseñaron que era importante ayudar a otros. Cesar y su familia a menudo ayudaban a sus tíos, tías, y primos mediante darles comida cuando tenían poco para comer.
45. (nota al pie de la foto) Cesar y su hermana están parados fuera de su casa.
46. La abuela de Cesar, Mama Tella, les enseno sobre la importancia de su fe religiosa y a tener una creencia fuerte en Dios. Cuando cesar creció, el recordaba y practicaba lo que su abuela le había enseñado. Para Cesar, la religión era la cosa más importante.
47. Cuando Cesar tenía diez años, se les quito la casa de su familia porque no tenían suficiente dinero.
48. La familia de Cesar se mudó a California para encontrar trabajo. Ellos comenzaron a trabajar en el campo cosechando fruta y verduras. La familia de cesar se mudaba de campo en campo buscando trabajo, así como muchas familias que también perdieron sus hogares.
49. La familia de Cesar se mudaba a menudo. El mudarse no les molestaba tanto a Cesar, a sus hermanas o hermanos porque sus padres los amaban y siempre estaban contentos de estar juntos como familia.
50. El trabajar en el campo era muy difícil. Los trabajadores del campo como la familia Chávez trabajaban largas horas. Con frecuencia tenían acceso a
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pocos baños y poca agua limpia. Los trabajadores del campo sufrían mucho y eran tratados sin respeto y dignidad. La familia de Cesar trabajaba duro en el campo, pero hacían muy poco dinero. Todos los miembros de la familia tenían que trabajar, aun los niños. Se empeoraban las cosas porque a veces los hombres encargados de los trabajadores los engañaban mediante robarles el dinero a los trabajadores lo cual incluía la familia de Cesar. Estos hombres muchas veces corrían para no ser encontrados.
51. La familia de Cesar tenía muy poco dinero y muchas veces no tenían suficiente para comer. Cesar y su familia nunca pensaron que eran pobres. La mamá de Cesar con frecuencia le decía a Cesar y a su hermano Richard que buscara a las personas sin hogar y hombres con hambre para que ella les cocinara una comida.
52. Cuando Cesar era un adolecente, él y su hermana mayor, Rita ayudaban a los trabajadores del campo y a sus vecinos mediante llevarlos al hospital para ver al médico. Sin la ayuda de Cesar y su hermana, a esta gente se le hubiera hecho difícil conseguir ayuda médica.
53. Las personas a las que ayudo Cesar a menudo querían darle un poco de dinero para pagar la gasolina por su ayuda. Cesar nunca tomo su dinero porque su madre hubiera estado enojada con él. Ella decía, “Siempre hay que ayudar a los necesitados, y Dios te ayudara”.
54. Unos cuantos años después, Cesar se dio de voluntario para servir en la United States Navy. Cesar, como muchos hombres y mujeres americanas sirvieron en el servicio militar para pelear por la libertad y para proteger a la gente de Estados Unidos.
55. Después de dos años sirviendo en la Naval, Cesar volvió a casa y se casó con su novia, Helen. Después de un periodo corto de tiempo, se mudaron a san José, California y comenzaron una familia.
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56. La vida cambio para cesar cuando conoció un hombre llamado Fred Ross. Fred Ross creía que si la gente trabajaba junta podían mejorar su comunidad. Fred Ross contrato a Cesar para trabajar para él en la, Community Service Organization (Organización de Servicio para la Comunidad).
57. La Organización de Servicio para la Comunidad, funcionaba para ayudar a la gente. Cesar ahora trabajaba para reunir a la gente e identificar problemas y encontrar maneras de resolverlos. Muchos problemas no se resolvieron porque los líderes de la comunidad no respetaban a la gente.
58. Cesar, Fred Ross, y La Organización de Servicio para la Comunidad ayudaron a la gente dentro de la comunidad aprender cómo votar. También enseñaron a la gente que los líderes de la comunidad respetaban a los que votaban. Cesar trabajo en muchas comunidades en California para ayudar a la gente a conseguir el respeto que se merecían.
59. Después de ayudar a la gente a conseguir el respeto de los líderes de la comunidad, cesar dejo la Organización de Servicio para la Comunidad porque quería ayudar a los trabajadores del campo a conseguir el respeto y dignidad que se merecían.
60. Cesar comenzó el, National Farm Worker Association para mejorar las condiciones de los trabajadores del campo. afro-americanos, filipinos, americanos blancos, México-americanos y mexicanos, y hombres y mujeres de todos los antecedentes se unieron a Cesar.
61. Cesar y los trabajadores del campo querían que las compañías y rancheros, dueños de los campos respetaran a los trabajadores mediante proporcionarles agua limpia para tomar, que hubiera baños en los campos, y un pago justo por el trabajo del día.
62. Las compañías y rancheros reusaban tratar a los trabajadores con respeto y
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dignidad. Los rancheros hicieron todo lo posible para detener a Cesar y a los trabajadores de campo. Hasta utilizaron violencia y lesionaron a muchos trabajadores del campo y a personas que ayudaban a los trabajadores. Esta situación lleno de coraje a Cesar.
63. Cesar no creía en la violencia. Como Martin Luther King, Cesar quería traer cambio de manera pacífica. Mucha gente vino ayudar a Cesar. Mucha gente apoyo a Cesar porque él creía en la paz. Como Cesar, también creía que los trabajadores del campo merecían mejor tratamiento, respeto, dignidad, justicia, e imparcialidad.
(Nota al pie de la foto) Durante la firma de un acuerdo importante Cesar es observado por sus apoyadores, reporteros de estaciones de radio y periodistas.
64. Cesar trabajo duro. El sufrió y sacrifico muchísimo para mejorar las vidas de los trabajadores del campo.
65. Después de cinco años, algunos rancheros comenzaron a proporcionar agua limpia para tomar, baños, y mejor pago. Cesar, los trabajadores del campo, y sus amigos ganaron, logrando que las vidas de los trabajadores del campo mejoraran.
66. Cesar dedico el resto de su vida hacer del mundo un mejor lugar y a servir a otros. El siguió trabajando para conseguir respeto, dignidad, justicia, y un tratamiento imparcial para los pobres, los trabajadores del campo y a personas de todo lugar. Cesar murió el 23 de abril del 1993. Tenía sesenta y seis años de edad. Personas de todo el mundo recuerdan a Cesar E. Chávez como un hombre de valentía que peleo para mejorar las vidas de toda la gente.
67. Cesar E. Chávez es un héroe americano.
68. Su legado vive.
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Work Cited
http://chavez.cde.ca.gov/ModelCurriculum/Teachers/Lessons/Resources/Biographies/K-2_Bio.aspxC
http://www.spanishdict.com/translate/amendment
http://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=profit
http://translate.google.com/#en/es/boycotts
http://chavez.cde.ca.gov/ModelCurriculum/Teachers/Lessons/Resources/Biographies/K-2_Bio.aspxC
The Story of Cesar Chavez THE BEGINNING
1.The story of Cesar Estrada Chavez begins near Yuma, Arizona. Cesar was born on March 31, 1927. He was named after his grandfather, Cesario. Regrettably, the story of Cesar Estrada Chavez also ends near Yuma, Arizona. He passed away on April 23, 1993, in San Luis, a small village near Yuma, Arizona. 2.He learned about justice or rather injustice early in his life. Cesar grew up in Arizona; the small adobe home, where Cesar was born was swindled from them by dishonest Anglos. Cesar's father agreed to clear eighty acres of land and in exchange he would receive the deed to forty acres of land that adjoined the home. The agreement was broken and the land sold to a man named Justus Jackson. Cesar's dad went to a lawyer who advised him to borrow money and buy the land. Later when Cesar's father could not pay the interest on the loan the lawyer bought back the land and sold it to the original owner. Cesar learned a lesson about injustice that he would never forget. Later, he would say, The love for justice that is in us is not only the best part of our being but it is also the most true to our nature.
3.In 1938 he and his family moved to California. He lived in La Colonia Barrio in Oxnard for a
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short period, returning to Arizona several months later. They returned to California in June 1939 and this time settled in San Jose. They lived in the barrio called Sal Si Puedes -"Get Out If You Can." Cesar thought the only way to get out of the circle of poverty was to work his way up and send the kids to college. He and his family worked in the fields of California from Brawley to Oxnard, Atascadero, Gonzales, King City, Salinas, McFarland, Delano, Wasco, Selma, Kingsburg, and Mendota. 4.He did not like school as a child, probably because he spoke only Spanish at home. The teachers were mostly Anglo and only spoke English. Spanish was forbidden in school. He remembers being punished with a ruler to his knuckles for violating the rule. He also remembers that some schools were segregated and he felt that in the integrated schools he was like a monkey in a cage. He remembers having to listen to a lot of racist remarks. He remembers seeing signs that read whites only. He and his brother, Richard, attended thirty-seven schools. He felt that education had nothing to do with his farm worker/migrant way of life. In 1942 he graduated from the eighth grade. Because his father, Librado, had been in an accident and because he did not want his mother, Juana, to work in the fields, he could not to go to high school, and instead became a migrant farm worker. 5.While his childhood school education was not the best, later in life, education was his passion. The walls of his office in La Paz (United Farm Worker Headquarters ) are lined with hundreds of books ranging from philosophy, economics, cooperatives, and unions, to biographies on Gandhi and the Kennedys'. He believed that, "The end of all education should surely be service to others," a belief that he practiced until his untimely death. 6. He joined the U.S. Navy, which was then segregated, in 1946, at the age of 19, and served for two years. 7. In 1948 Cesar married Helen Fabela. They honeymooned in California by visiting all the California Missions from Sonoma to San Diego (again the influence of education). They settled in Delano and started their family. First Fernando, then Sylvia, then Linda, and five more children were to follow. 8. Cesar returned to San Jose where he met and was influenced by Father Donald McDonnell. They talked about farm workers and strikes. Cesar began reading about St. Francis and Gandhi and nonviolence. After Father McDonnell came another very influential person, Fred Ross. 9. Cesar became an organizer for Ross' organization, the Community Service Organization - CSO. His first task was voter registration. THE UNITED FARM WORKERS IS BORN
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10.In 1962 Cesar founded the National Farm Workers Association, later to become the United Farm Workers - the UFW. He was joined by Dolores Huerta and the union was born. That same year Richard Chavez designed the UFW Eagle and Cesar chose the black and red colors. Cesar told the story of the birth of the eagle. He asked Richard to design the flag, but Richard could not make an eagle that he liked. Finally he sketched one on a piece of brown wrapping paper. He then squared off the wing edges so that the eagle would be easier for union members to draw on the handmade red flags that would give courage to the farm workers with their own powerful symbol. Cesar made reference to the flag by stating, "A symbol is an important thing. That is why we chose an Aztec eagle. It gives pride . . . When people see it they know it means dignity." 11. For a long time in 1962, there were very few union dues paying members. By 1970 the UFW got grape growers to accept union contracts and had effectively organized most of that industry, at one point in time claiming 50,000 dues paying members. The reason was Cesar Chavez's tireless leadership and nonviolent tactics that included the Delano grape strike, his fasts that focused national attention on farm workers problems, and the 340-mile march from Delano to Sacramento in 1966. The farm workers and supporters carried banners with the black eagle with HUELGA (strike) and VIVA LA CAUSA (Long live our cause). The marchers wanted the state government to pass laws which would permit farm workers to organize into a union and allow collective bargaining agreements. Cesar made people aware of the struggles of farm workers for better pay and safer working conditions. He succeeded through nonviolent tactics (boycotts, pickets, and strikes). Cesar Chavez and the union sought recognition of the importance and dignity of all farm workers. 12. It was the beginning of La Causa a cause that was supported by organized labor, religious groups, minorities, and students. Cesar Chavez had the foresight to train his union workers and then to send many of them into the cities where they were to use the boycott and picket as their weapon. 13. Cesar was willing to sacrifice his own life so that the union would continue and that violence was not used. Cesar fasted many times. In 1968 Cesar went on a water only, 25 day fast. He repeated the fast in 1972 for 24 days, and again in 1988, this time for 36 days. What motivated him to do this? He said, Farm workers everywhere are angry and worried that we cannot win without violence. We have proved it before through persistence, hard work, faith and willingness to sacrifice. We can win and keep our own self-respect and build a great union that will secure the spirit of all people if we do it through a rededication and recommitment to the struggle for justice through nonviolence.
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THE FAST
14. Many events precipitated the fast, especially the terrible suffering of the farm workers and their children, the crushing of farm worker rights, the dangers of pesticides, and the denial of fair and free elections.
15. Cesar said about the fast, " A fast is first and foremost personal. It is a fast for the purification of my own body, mind, and soul. The fast is also a heartfelt prayer for purification and strengthening for all those who work beside me in the farm worker movement. The fast is alsoan act of penance for those in positions of moral authority and for all men and women activists who know what is right and just, who know that they could and should do more. The fast is finally a declaration of non-cooperation with supermarkets who promote and sell and profit fromCalifornia table grapes. During the past few years I have been studying the plague of pesticides on our land and our food," Cesar continued "The evil is far greater than even I had thought it to be, it threatens to choke out the life of our people and also the life system that supports us all. This solution to this deadly crisis will not be found in the arrogance of the powerful, but in solidarity with the weak and helpless. I pray to God that this fast will be a preparation for a multitude of simple deeds for justice. Carried out by men and women whose hearts are focused on the suffering of the poor and who yearn, with us, for a better world. Together, all things are possible." 16. Cesar Chavez completed his 36-day Fast for Life on August 21, 1988. The Reverend Jesse Jackson took up where Cesar left off, fasting on water for three days before passing on the fast to celebrities and leaders. The fast was passed to Martin Sheen, actor; the Reverend J. Lowery, President SCLC; Edward Olmos, actor; Emilio Estevez, actor; Kerry Kennedy, daughter of Robert Kennedy, Peter Chacon, legislator, Julie Carmen, actress; Danny Glover, actor; Carly Simon, singer; and Whoopi Goldberg, actress. THE DEATH OF CESAR CHAVEZ
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17. Cesar Estrada Chavez died peacefully in his sleep on April 23, 1993 near Yuma, Arizona, a short distance from the small family farm in the Gila River Valley where he was born more than 66 years before.
18.The founder and president of the United Farm Workers of America, AFL-CIO was in Yuma helping UFW attorneys defend the union against a lawsuit brought by Bruce Church Inc., a giant Salinas, Calif.-based lettuce and vegetable producer. Church demanded that the farm workers pay millions of dollars in damages resulting from a UFW boycott of its lettuce during the 1980's. Rather than bring the legal action in a state where the boycott actually took place, such as California or New York, Church "shopped around" for a friendly court in conservative, agribusiness-dominated Arizona-where there had been no boycott activity.
19. "Cesar gave his last ounce of strength defending the farm workers in this case," stated his successor, UFW President Arturo Rodriguez, who was with him in Arizona during the trial. He died standing up for their First Amendment right to speak out for themselves. He believed in his heart that the farm workers were right in boycotting Bruce Church Inc. lettuce during the l980's and he was determined to prove that in court." (When the second multimillion dollar judgement for Church was later thrown out by an appeal's court, the company signed a UFW contract in May 1996. 20. After the trial recessed at about 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 22, Cesar spent part of the afternoon driving through Latino neighborhoods in Yuma that he knew as a child. Many Chavezes still live in the area. 21. He arrived about 6 p.m. in San Luis, Arizona-about 20 miles from Yuma, at the modest concrete-block home of Dofla Maria Hau, a former farm worker and longtime friend. Cesar and eight other UFW leaders and staff were staying at her house in a poor farm worker neighborhood not far from the Mexican border. 22. Cesar ate dinner at around 9 p.m. and presided over a brief meeting to review the day's events. He had just finished two days of often grueling examination by attorneys for Bruce Church Inc.ma 23. He talked to his colleagues about taking care of themselves-a recent recurring theme with Cesar because he was well aware of the long hours required from him and other union officers and staff. Still, he was in good spirits despite being exhausted after prolonged questioning on the witness stand; he complained about feeling some weakness when doing his evening exercises.
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24. The UFW founder went to bed at about 10 or 10:30 p.m. A union staff member said he later saw a reading light shining from Cesar's room. 25. The light was still on at 6 a.m. the next morning. That was not seen as unusual. Cesar usually woke up in the early hours of the morning well before dawn to read, write or meditate. 26. When he had not come out by 9 a.m., his colleagues entered his bedroom found that Cesar had died apparently, according to authorities, at night in his sleep. 27. He was found lying on his back with his head turned to the left. His shoes were off and he still wore his clothes from the day before. In his right hand was a book on Native American crafts. There was a peaceful smile on his face.
THE LAST MARCH WITH CESAR CHAVEZ
28. On April 29, 1993, Cesar Estrada Chavez was honored in death by those he led in life. More than 50,000 mourners came to honor the charismatic labor leader at the site of his first public fast in 1968 and his last in 1988, the United Farm Workers Delano Field Office at "Forty Acres." 29. It was the largest funeral of any labor leader in the history of the U.S. They came in caravans from Florida to California to pay respect to a man whose strength was in his simplicity. 30. Farm workers, family members, friends and union staff took turns standing vigil over the plain pine coffin which held the body of Cesar Chavez. Among the honor guard were many celebrities who had supported Chavez throughout his years of struggle to better the lot of farmworkers throughout America. 31. Many of the mourners had marched side by side with Chavez during his tumultuous years in the vineyards and farms of America. For the last time, they came to march by the side of the man who had taught them to stand up for their rights, through nonviolent protest and collective bargaining. 32, Cardinal Roger M. Mahoney, who celebrated the funeral mass, called Chavez "a special prophet for the worlds' farm workers." Pall bearers, including crews of these workers, Chavez children and grandchildren, then carried their fallen leader, resting at last, from the Memorial Park to Forty Acres.
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33. The death of Chavez marked an era of dramatic changes in American agriculture. His contributions would be eroded, and others would have to shoulder the burden of his work. But, Cesar Chavez, who insisted that those who labor in the earth were entitled to share fairly in the rewards of their toil, would never be forgotten. 34. As Luis Valdez said, "Cesar, we have come to plant your heart like a seed . . . the farm workers shall harvest in the seed of your memory." FINAL RESTING PLACE/FINAL RECOGNITION 35. The body of Cesar Chavez was taken to La Paz, the UFW's California headquarters, by his family and UFW leadership. He was laid to rest near a bed of roses, in front of his office. 36. On August 8, 1994, at a White House ceremony, Helen Chavez, Cesar's widow, accepted the Medal of Freedom for her late husband from President Clinton. In the citation accompanying America's highest civilian honor which was awarded posthumously, the President lauded Chavez for having "faced formidable, often violent opposition with dignity and nonviolence. 37. And he was victorious. Cesar Chavez left our world better than he found it, and his legacy inspires us still. He was for his own people a Moses figure," the President declared. "The farm workers who labored in the fields and yearned for respect and self-sufficiency pinned their hopes on this remarkable man who, with faith and discipline, soft spoken humility and amazing inner strength, led a very courageous life"
38. The citation accompanying the award noted how Chavez was a farm worker from childhood who "possessed a deep personal understanding of the plight of migrant workers, and he labored all his years to lift their lives." During his lifetime, Chavez never earned more than $5,000 a year. The late Senator Robert Kennedy called him "one of the heroic figures of our time." 39. Chavez's successor, UFW President Arturo Rodriguez, thanked the president on behalf of the United Farm Workers and said, "Every day in California and in other states where farm workers are organizing, Cesar Chavez lives in their hearts. Cesar lives wherever Americans' he inspired work nonviolently for social change."
An American Hero
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The Biography of César E. Chávez
Photo copyright © Jocelyn Sherman
40. César E. Chávez was a good man who dedicated his life to helping others. César was born to parents who taught him important ideas about hard work, the importance of education, and respect. 41. As a young boy, César worked on his family’s farm feeding and watering the animals, collecting eggs, and bringing water to the house. 42. César’s parents thought school was important. School was hard for César because the teachers only spoke English and César did not understand English. César thought some teachers were mean because they would punish him when he spoke Spanish. César learned to read English in school and he learned to read Spanish from his uncles.
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43. César’s parents were very strict and taught him and his sisters and brothers to show respect to others. 44. His parents also taught him that it was important to help others. César and his family often helped his uncles, aunts, and cousins by giving them food when they had little to eat.
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation 45. César and his sister are standing outside their home.
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Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and his sister are dressed for their First Holy Communion.
46. César’s grandmother, Mama Tella, taught him about the importance of their religious faith and to have a strong belief in God. When César grew up, he would remember and practice what his grandmother had taught him. For César, religion was a most beautiful thing.
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Photo Copyright © Manuel Echavaria
In 1975, this farm worker family is eating lunch along side the fields in the Santa Maria Valley in the shade of their van because there is no other shade available.
47. When César was ten years old, his family’s home was taken away from them because they did not have enough money. 48. César’s family moved to California to find work. They began working on farms picking fruits and vegetables. César’s family would move from farm to farm looking for work, just like many other families who also lost their homes.
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49. César’s family moved often. Moving did not bother César, or his sisters and brothers too much because their parents loved them and because they were always happy to be together as a family.
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and his brothers and sisters in front of the family car
50. Working on the farms was very difficult. Farm workers like the Chávez family would very long hours. They often had few bathrooms and little clean water to drink. Farm workers suffered a lot and they were not treated with respect or dignity.
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Photo Copyright © Manuel Echavaria
These farm workers are picking chili at Santa Maria in 1971.
César’s family worked very hard on the farms, but they made very little money. Everyone in the family had to work, even the children. To make things worse, sometimes the men in charge of the farm workers would cheat and steal money from the farm workers, including César’s family. These men would often run away so they would not get caught. 51. César’s family had very little money and many times they did not have enough food to eat. César and his family never thought of themselves as being poor. César’s mother would often tell César and his brother Richard to find homeless and hungry men so she could cook them a meal.
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Photo by Cris Sanchez, Courtesy of United Farm Workers
In a migrant farm worker camp, the ladies are visiting while their laundry dries on the clothesline strung between their houses.
52. When César was a teenager, he and his older sister Rita would help other farm workers and neighbors by driving them to the hospital to see a doctor. Without César’s and his sister’s help, these people would have had
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a very difficult time getting a doctor’s help. 53. The people César helped often wanted to give him a little bit of money to pay for gas and for his help. César never took any of their money because his mother would have been mad at him. She used to say, “You always have to help the needy, and God will help you.”
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César in his U.S. Navy uniform.
54. A few years later, César volunteered to serve in the United States Navy. César, like many American men and
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women, served in the military to fight for freedom and to protect the people of the United States.
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and his wife, Helen, posed for their picture by the seashore.
55. After two years in the Navy, César returned home and married his girlfriend, Helen. After a short time, they moved to San Jose, California and began a family.
56. Life changed for César when he met a man named Fred Ross. Fred Ross believed that if people worked
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together they could make their community better. Fred Ross hired César to work for him in the Community Service Organization. 57. The Community Service Organization worked to help people. César now worked to bring people together to identify problems and find ways to solve their problems. Many problems were not solved because community leaders did not respect all people. 58. César, Fred Ross, and the Community Service Organization helped people in the community learn how to vote. They also taught people that community leaders respected voters. Community leaders worked harder to solve the problems of voters. César worked in many communities in California to help people gain the respect they deserved.
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Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and other people from the Community Service Organization are getting ready to try to get the farm workers to vote.
59. After helping many people gain the respect of community leaders, César left the Community Service Organization to help farm workers gain the respect and dignity they deserved. 60. César started the National Farm Worker Association to help improve the working conditions of farm workers. African Americans, Filipinos, white Americans, Mexican Americans and Mexicans, and men and women of all backgrounds joined César.
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Photo by Cris Sanchez
In a migrant farm worker camp, the ladies are visiting while their laundry dries on the clothesline strung between their houses.
61. César and the farm workers wanted the companies and growers that owned the farms to respect farm workers by providing them with fresh water to drink, bathrooms in the fields, and fair pay for a day’s work. 62. The companies and growers refused to treat the farm workers with respect and dignity. The growers did everything they could to stop César and the farm workers. They even turned to violence and hurt many farm workers and people who helped the farm workers.
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This made César very upset.
Photo Copyright © Manuel Echavaria
People of all ages marched to Preisker Park while participating in a demonstration in 1972.
63. César did not believe in violence. Like Martin Luther King, César wanted to bring change in a nonviolent way. Many people came to help César. Many people supported César because he believed in nonviolence. Like César, they also believed that farm workers deserved better treatment, respect, dignity, justice, and fairness.
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Photo Courtesy of United Farm Workers
César is signing an important agreement while many union supporters watch with reporters from radio stations and newspapers.
César worked hard. He suffered and sacrificed a lot to make farm workers’ lives better 65. After five years, some growers in California agreed with César and started to provide farm workers with fresh water to drink, bathrooms, and better pay. César, the farm workers, and their friends won, making farm worker’s lives better.
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Photo Copyright © Jocelyn Sherman
César marching again with many supporters.
César dedicated the rest of his life to making the world a better place and to serving others. He continued to work to bring respect, dignity, justice, and fair treatment to the poor, to farm workers, and to people everywhere.
Photo Copyright © Jocelyn Sherman
Many people came to César’s funeral.
César died on April 23, 1993. He was sixty-six years old. People all over the world remember César E. Chávez as a man of courage who fought to improve the lives of all
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people.
Photo Courtesy of the César E. Chávez Foundation
César E. Chávez is an American hero. His legacy lives on!
http://chavez.cde.ca.gov/ModelCurriculum/Teachers/Lessons/Resources/Biographies/K-2_Bio.aspxCv
Students perform introductory translation assignments from Spanish to English and vice versa. They develop an understanding of translation theory through reading and class discussion and come to understand communicative translation and compare it to a direct, word-for-word approach. Problematic grammatical, discursive, and pragmatic issues are analyzed and the grammar of Spanish is reviewed in detail. http://catalog.csumb.edu/description/SPAN/315
Course Reflective Narrative
Link to evidence of your learning from this course (often best as pdf file)
4170 word translation follows after the introduction of the course.
Spanish 315 has been a wonderful class to take because it gave me a deeper understanding of a subject that I had little understanding of. Believe it or not, I have been a Spanish interpreter since I was a little girl. I came into this country not knowing an ounce of English in the 70's. I learned English very quickly and was able to help friends and especially family members communicate with English speaking professionals like doctors and attorneys. However it was not until 2000 that I decided to do it professionally. I have a business license that allows me to help people in the community communicate when they need to do so in Spanish or English, and get paid for it.
Frequently I had refused written assignments that needed to be translated to Spanish or English. It is a lot of work and whenever I did accept this type of work I felt I didn't get paid what I thought was fare. However, with the knowledge gained in this class I feel more confident about accepting translating assignments in the near future. I am now more aware of how much power I have when translating a document to the target language whereas before I was too afraid of changing it too much because I did not know the limits or options when doing such work. I have learned that as long as I keep the deeper meaning of the source language I have some options when performing such work and taking it to the target language. However, I have knowledge now that I did not have before taking the class about translating contracts, and educational material. This type of material requires me the translator to be more precise when communicating the message in written form. Whereas a story, poem or song I have more flexibility. Poems and songs especially are the hardest to translate because they break all the grammar rules. These documents most of the time do not have complete sentences and many times do not even have a complete thought in one phrase because it relies on the context, meaning what came before or after. Generally speaking when translating a document I have to be aware of whom my audience is. This means I need to have an understanding of the common vocabulary used in that community. I can use the addition or omission theories depending on the source language and target language. Spanish is in a sense wordier so when translating from English to Spanish I will need more paper and time. I can modify the source language by using one of three theories: transposition, modulation, or adaptation. Modulation is a step up from transposition and adaptation is a step up from modulation. According to Jack Child modulation refers to the way in which the basic high-frequency radio wave is shaped in order to carry the lower-frequency audio wave of the human voice or music. He better explains this by saying that the translator should ‘shape’ the text as it is being restructured into the target language so as to make it sound more natural in the target language. The second key translation technique transposition which is based on the idea that a given thought can be expressed in a number of different ways without doing undue violence to the deep structure concept involved. Some of these transposed forms will sound more natural than others in the target language, while some will not be possible for grammatical or stylistic reasons. So the interpreter might come up with ten different ways to translate and idea and must choose the one that sounds most natural and even elegant in the target language, according to Jack Child. These are just some of the theories learned in Spanish 315, which give the translator flexibility when going into the target language.
Spanish 315 (4,170 word document translation of a topic of choice
Evelia Meza
Spanish 315 (4,170 word document translation of a topic of choice)
Profesor Arrizabalaga
Spring, 2014
La historia de Cesar Chávez [traduccion, documento original en ingles abajo de este]
Los Comienzos
1. La historia de Cesar Estrada Chávez comienza cerca de Yuma, Arizona. Cesar nació el 31 de marzo del 1927. Su nombre proviene del nombre de su abuelo, Cesario. Lamentable, la historia de Cesar estrada Chávez también termina cerca de Yuma, Arizona. Cesar falleció el 23 de abril, del 1993, cerca de Yuma, Arizona en una aldea.
2. El aprendió sobre la justicia, o mejor dicho sobre la injusticia a muy temprana edad. La casa pequeña de adobe ubicada en Arizona donde cesar nació y Cesar fue estafada por anglo-americanos fraudulentos. El padre de Cesar estuvo de acuerdo en limpiar 80 acres de terreno y en cambio recibiría la escritura de 40 acres de terreno que conectaban con la casa. El acuerdo no se cumplió y el terreno fue vendido a un hombre llamado Justus Jackson. El padre de Cesar se dirigió a un abogado quien le aconsejo que pidiera un préstamo y comprara el terreno. Después cuando el padre de Cesar no pudo pagar el interés sobre el préstamo el abogado compro el terreno y lo vendió al dueño original. Cesar aprendió una lección sobre la injusticia que nunca olvidaría. Después él decía, “El amor por la justicia que está dentro de nosotros no únicamente es la mejor parte de nuestro ser, es también la cosa más cierta a nuestra naturaleza”.
3. En 1938 el y su familia se mudaron a California. Él vivió en, La Colonia Barrio en Oxnard por un periodo corto de tiempo, volvió a Arizona varios meses después. Ellos volvieron a California en junio del 1939 y esta vez se establecieron en San José. Ellos vivieron en el barrio que se llama, Sal
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Si Puedes- “Get Out If You Can” Cesar pensó que la única manera de salirse del circulo de la pobreza era trabajar, ascender de puesto y mandar a los niños a la universidad. El y su familia trabajaron en los campos de California desde Brawley a Oxnard, Atascadero, Gonzales, King City, Salinas, Mcfarland, Delano, Vasco, Selma, Kingsburg, y Mendota.
4. No le interesaba la escuela de niño, seguramente porque hablaba únicamente español en casa. Las maestras eran principalmente anglo americanas y nada más hablaban inglés. El español era prohibido en las escuelas. El recuerda haber sido castigado con una regla sobre los nudillos por haber incumplido las normas. El también recuerda que algunas escuelas estaban divididas y que en las escuelas mixtas se sentía como un mono en una jaula. El recuerda que escuchaba muchos comentarios racistas. El recuerda haber visto rótulos que decían ‘blancos únicamente’. Él y su hermano, Richard, asistieron a treinta y siete escuelas. El creía que la educación no tenía nada que ver con su manera de vivir como trabajador del campo. En 1942 se graduó del grado octavo. Por el motivo de que su padre, Librado había sufrido un accidente y no quería que su mamá Juana trabajara en el campo, en lugar de asistir a la preparatoria, opto por ser un trabajador migrante del campo.
5. Durante su niñez la educación no era su prioridad, más después en su vida, la educación era su pasión. Las paredes de su consultorio en La Paz (United Farm Worker Headquarters) están llenos de cienes de libros desde filosofía, economía, cooperativas, y uniones, hasta biografías de Gandhi y de los Kennedys’. El creía que “El final de toda la educación debería ser de seguro, brindar servicio a otros.” una creencia que practico hasta su muerte inesperada.
6. Ingreso al U.S. Navy, que estaba segregado para entonces, en 1946, a la edad de 19 años, brindo servicio por dos años.
7. En 1948 Cesar se casó con Helen Fabela. Pasaron su luna de miel visitando las misiones de California desde Sonoma a san Diego
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(nuevamente la influencia de la educación). Se establecieron en Delano y comenzaron una familia. Primero Fernando, después Sylvia, después Linda, y cinco más hijos habrían de venir.
8. Cesar volvió a San José donde conoció al Padre Donald McDonnell el cual tuvo mucha influencia en el. Hablaron sobre los trabajadores de los ranchos y las demostraciones. Cesar comenzó a leer sobre St. Francis y Gandhi y temas relacionados a la paz. Después de que el Padre McDonnell vino otra persona que tuvo mucha influencia en el, Fred Ross.
9. Cesar llego a ser un organizador para Ross, La organización para Servicios a la Comunidad-CSO. Su primer reto fue conseguir los derechos para registrarse y votar.
The United farm Workers is Born
10. En el 1962 Cesar fundo the national farm Workers Association, mas después conocida como, United farm Workers-the UFW. Dolores huerta se unió en la causa y la ‘unión’ se establece. Ese mismo año Richard Chávez diseño el UFW Eagle Cesar opto por los colores negros y rojos. Cesar pronuncio la historia del nacimiento del águila. Le pidió a Richard que diseñara la bandera, pero Richard no pudo dibujar un águila que le gustara. Finalmente hiso un borrador en un pedazo de papel de envolver café. Después recorto las orillas de las alas para que los miembros de la unión pudieran fácilmente dibujar en las banderas hechas a mano que les brindarían valor a los trabajadores de la agricultura con su propio símbolo de poder. Cesar hacía referencia a la bandera mediante decir “Un símbolo es una cosa importante, por eso escogimos una águila azteca, tal símbolo otorga orgullo… Cuando las personas lo ven ellos saben que significa dignidad.”
11. Por mucho tiempo en 1962, había muy pocos miembros de la unión que pagaban su cuota. Para el 1970 el UFW consiguió que los rancheros de la uva aceptaran contratos de unión y habían efectivamente organizado la mayor parte de la industrial. En algún momento hubo 50,000 miembros pagando su cuota. El motivo fue el incansable liderazgo y táctica sin violencia que incluyo la demostración de la uva en Delano, sus ayunos
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que atrajeron la atención nacional a los problemas de los trabajadores del campo, y la marcha de 340 millas desde Delano a Sacramento en 1966. Los trabajadores del campo y sus apoyadores cargaban rótulos con la águila negra que leían HUELGA (strike) y ViVA LA CAUSA (Long live the cause), Los marchadores querían que el gobierno del estado pasara leyes que permitieran a los trabajadores organizarse en una unión y que permitieran acuerdos de negociación colectiva. Cesar puso al día a la gente sobre las batallas de los trabajadores del campo para mejor pago y condiciones más seguras para trabajar. Tuvo éxito sin tácticas de violencia con boicots, manifestaciones, y demostraciones. Cesar Chávez y la unión procuraban que se reconociera la importancia y la dignidad de todos los trabajadores del campo.
12. Era el comienzo de LA Causa, una causa que era apoyada por trabajo organizado, grupos religiosos, minoridades, y estudiantes. Cesar Chávez tenía la previsión para capacitar a sus trabajadores de la unión y después mandar a muchos de ellos a la ciudad donde utilizarían los boicots y las demostraciones como su arma.
13. Cesar estaba dispuesto a sacrificar su propia vida para que continuara la unión y la violencia no se utilizó. Cesar ayuno muchas veces. En 1968 Cesar ayuno tomando únicamente agua por 25 días. El la repitió en 1972 por 24 días y nuevamente en 1988, esta vez por 36 días. ¿Que lo motivo hacer esto? Trabajadores del campo en dondequiera están con coraje y preocupados de que no podremos ganar sin violencia. Lo hemos comprobado anteriormente mediante persistencia, y trabajo arduo, fe y la disponibilidad de sacrificar. Podemos ganar y mantener nuestro respeto propio y crear una unión buena que asegurara el espíritu de toda la gente si la hacemos mediante re- dedicación y compromiso por la batalla para justicia sin violencia.
El ayuno
14. Muchos asuntos precipitaron el ayuno, especialmente el terrible sufrimiento de los trabajadores del campo y sus hijos, el aplastamiento de los derechos de los trabajadores, los peligros de las pesticidas, el rechazo
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de las elecciones libres y justas.
15. Sobre el ayuno Cesar dijo, “Un ayuno es primero y principalmente personal. Es un ayuno para la purificación de mi propio cuerpo, mente y alma. El ayuno es también una oración sentida en el corazón para purificación y para conseguir fuerzas para todos aquellos quienes trabajan a mi lado en el movimiento para el trabajador del campo. El ayuno es también un hecho de penitencia para aquellas posiciones de autoridad moral para todos los hombres y mujeres activistas que saben lo que es correcto y justo, que saben que pueden hacer más. El ayuno es una declaración final de los supermercados que no cooperan, promueven, venden y sacan provecho de las uvas de California. Durante los últimos años he estado estudiando la plaga de pesticidas en nuestra tierra y nuestra comida,” Cesar continua diciendo, “El mal es mucho más grave de lo que hasta yo pensé que sería, amenaza sacarle la vida a nuestra gente y también al sistema de vida que nos sostiene a todos. La solución a esta crisis mortal no será encontrada en la arrogancia de los poderosos, pero en solidaridad con los débiles e indefensos. Yo oro a Dios de que este ayuno será una preparación para una multitud de buenas obras de justicia. Llevadas a cabo por hombres y mujeres quienes sus corazones están enfocados en el sufrimiento del pobre y que desean, junto con nosotros, un mundo mejor. Juntos todas las cosas son posibles.”
16. Cesar Chávez completo su ayuno de 36 días para la Vida (Fast for Life) en agosto 21, 1988. El Reverendo Jesse Jackson continuo donde Cesar se detuvo, ayunando mediante consumir agua únicamente por tres días antes de pasar el ayuno a celebridades y líderes. El ayuno fue pasado a Martin Sheen, actor; el reverendo J. Lowery , President SCLC; Edward Olmos, actor; Emilio Estevez, actor; Kerry Kennedy, hija de Robert Kennedy, Peter Chacon, legislador, Julie Carmen, actress; Danny Glover, actor; Carly Simon, Singer; and Whoopi Goldber, actriz.
La Muerte de Cesar Chávez
17. Cesar Estrada Chávez murió en paz cuando dormía el 23 de abril, 1993 cerca de Yuma, Arizona, a corta distancia de la granja pequeña de la familia en Gila River Valley donde nació más de 66 años atrás.
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18. El fundador y presidente de United farm Workers de America, AFL-CIO estaba en Yuma ayudando al abogado de UFW en defender la unión en contra de una demanda presentada por Bruce Church Inc., un gigante ubicado en Salinas, California-productor de lechuga y verduras. Church exigía que los trabajadores agrícolas pagaran millones de dólares en danos que resultaron del UFW boycott y su lechuga durante 1980’s. En lugar de tomar acción legal en el estado donde se llevó a cabo el boicot como California o New York, Church “Shopped around”/procura un tribunal amigable en negocios de agricultura conservativos y nomino Arizona-un lugar donde no había habido actividad de boicot.
19. “Cesar dio su última onza de fuerza al defender a los trabajadores agrícolas en este caso” dijo su sucesor, UFW Presidente Arturo Rodríguez, que estaba con él en Arizona durante el juicio. El murió defendiendo la Primera Enmienda, el derecho hablar por nuestra cuenta. El sabia en su corazón que los trabajadores del campo tenían derecho a llevar a cabo el (boicot) de la lechuga de Bruce Church Inc. durante los 1980’s él estaba determinado a comprobarlo en el tribunal.” (Cuando el segundo fallo multimillonario en contra de Church, más después fue descartado por el tribunal de apelaciones, la empresa firmó un contrato con UFW en mayo del 1996).
20. Durante el descanso del juicio alas aproximadas 3:00 p.m. el jueves, 22 de abril, Cesar pasó parte de la tarde en Yuma conduciendo entre las vecindades latinas que conoció de niño.
21. Llego aproximadamente a las 6 p.m. a San Luis, Arizona que esta aproximadamente a 20 millas de Yuma la modesta casa de bloque de concreto de Dofla María Hau, una previa trabajadora y vieja amiga. Cesar y ocho líderes del personal de UFW estaban quedándose en su casa, una vecindad pobre de trabajadores agrícolas a corta distancia de la línea fronteriza mexicana.
22. Cesar ceno a las aproximadas 9 p.m. y dirigió una breve reunión para repasar los asuntos del día. Había terminado dos días muy agotantes
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debido a las preguntas de los abogados a favor de Bruce Church Inc.
23. Hablo con sus colegas sobre el auto-cuidarse, un tema que salía mucho con Cesar debido a que estaba al tanto de las largas horas exigidas de él y otros oficiales de la unión y personal. Aun así estaba con buen espíritu a pesar de estar agotado después de las preguntas prolongadas en el banquillo de los testigos; él se quejó de estar padeciendo debilidad cuando estuvo haciendo sus ejercicios de la tarde.
24. El fundador de UFW se dirigió a su cama a las 10 o 10:30 p.m. Un miembro de la unión dijo que más después vio relucir desde el dormitorio la luz que utilizaba para leer.
25. La luz aún estaba encendida a las 6 a.m. la próxima mañana. Esta situación no era vista como fuera de lo regular. Cesar generalmente despertaba en las horas tempranas de la mañana mucho antes de la salida del sol, que era cuando escribía o meditaba.
26. Cuando para las 9 a.m. no había salido, sus colegas entraron a su dormitorio e encontraron que Cesar había fallecido, aparentemente, durante la noche en lo que dormía, según autoridades.
27. Fue encontrado acostado boca arriba con su cabeza girada hacia la izquierda. Sin zapatos y todavía con su ropa puesta del día anterior. En su mano derecha sostenía un libro sobre el arte de los americanos nativos. Había una sonrisa de paz en su cara.
La Última Marcha con Cesar Chávez
28. El 29 de abril, del 1993, a Cesar Chávez se le dio honor en muerte por aquellos a quienes guío en vida. Más de 50, 000 dolientes vinieron a darle honor al carismático líder laboral al lugar donde llevo a cabo su primer ayuno público en 1968 y su última en 1988, en United farm Workers Delano Field Office en “Forty Acres.”
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29. En la historia de estados Unidos fue el servicio fúnebre más numeroso a un líder laboral. Vinieron en caravanas desde florida a California para pagar su respeto a un hombre que en su sencillez estaba su fuerza.
30. Trabajadores de la agricultura, miembros de familia, amigos y personal de la unión se turnaban para pararse durante la vigilia sobre un féretro de pino sencillo, el cual sostenía el cuerpo de Cesar Chávez. Entre la guardia de honor estaban celebridades que habían apoyado a Chávez a través de sus años de batalla para mejorar a los muchos trabajadores de la agricultura por todo América.
31. Muchos de los dolientes habían marchado lado a lado con Chávez durante sus años tumultuosos en las viñas y ranchos de América. Por última vez vinieron a marchar al lado del hombre que les había ensenado a defender sus derechos, mediante protestas sin violencia y negociaciones colectivas.
32. Cardinal Roger Mahoney, quien celebró la misa del entierro, llamo a Chávez “un especial profeta para los trabajadores agrícolas del mundo.” Los sostenedores del manto, incluyendo cuadrillas de estos trabajadores, los hijos de Chávez y nietos, cargaron su caído líder, descansando por fin, desde Memorial Park a Forty Acres.
33. La muerte de Cesar Chávez marco una era de cambios dramáticos en la agricultura Americana. Sus contribuciones serian erosionadas, y otros tendrían que cargar en sus hombros el trabajo que él hacía. Pero Cesar Chávez, que insistió que aquellos quienes trabajaban la tierra tenían derecho a compartir de manera justa las recompensas de su esfuerzo, nunca seria olvidado.
34. Como dijo Luis Valdez, “Cesar hemos llegado a plantar tu corazón como una semilla… los cultivadores cosecharan con la semilla de tu memoria.”
Lugar de descanso final / reconocimiento final
35. El cuerpo de Cesar Chávez fue llevado a La paz, la sucursal de UFW de California. Descansa cerca de un lecho de rosas.
36. El día 8 de agosto del 1994 en la ceremonia de la Casa Blanca, Helen
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Chaves, viuda de Cesar acepto la Medalla de Libertad por su marido fallecido de parte del Presidente Clinton. En las palabras que acompañaban el honorario civil más alto de América, el cual se le otorgo póstumamente, el Presidente elogio a Chávez por haber “enfrentado formidablemente, y a menudo oposición violenta con dignidad y sin violencia.
37. El llego a ser victorioso. Cesar Chaves dejo nuestro mundo mejor que como lo encontró, y su legado nos inspira aún. Él fue para su propia gente una figura como la de Moisés,” El presidente declaro. “Los trabajadores de la agricultura que trabajaron los campos y anhelaban respeto y autosuficiencia cifraron sus esperanzas en este hombre extraordinario que con fe y disciplina, humilde y de habla suave, sorprendente en fuerza interior, llevo una vida con mucha valentía.
38. Las palabras que acompañaban el reconocimiento indicaban como Chávez era un trabajador de la agricultura desde su niñez que “poseía una profunda comprensión personal de la situación grave de los trabajadores migrantes, y trabajo toda su vida para mejorar sus vidas.” Durante su vida, Chávez nunca gano más de $5,000 dólares al año. El fallecido Senador Robert Kennedy lo llamo “una de las figuras heroicas de nuestro tiempo.”
39. El sucesor de Chávez, UFW Presidente Arturo Rodríguez, dio las gracias al presidente de parte de United Farm Workers y dijo, “Todos los días en California y en otros estados donde trabajadores agrícolas se están organizando, Cesar Chávez vive en sus corazones. Cesar vive dondequiera…, el inspiro… cambio social sin utilizar violencia.
Un Héroe Americano (biografía 2)
40. Cesar E. Chávez era un hombre bueno que dedicó su vida ayudar a otros. Cesar nació de padres que le ensenaron ideas importantes sobre el trabajo duro, la importancia de la educación, y respeto.
41. Cuando era un jovencito, Cesar trabajo en el rancho de la familia dándoles comida y agua a los animales; recogiendo huevos, y acarreando agua a la casa.
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42. Los padres de Cesar pensaban que la escuela era importante. La escuela era difícil porque las maestras únicamente hablaban inglés. Cesar pensaba que algunas de las maestras eran malas porque lo castigaban cuando hablaba español. Cesar aprendió a leer ingles en la escuela y aprendió a leer español con sus tíos.
43. Los padres de Cesar eran muy estrictos lo enseñaron a él y a sus hermanas y hermanos a demostrar respeto por otros.
44. Sus padres también le enseñaron que era importante ayudar a otros. Cesar y su familia a menudo ayudaban a sus tíos, tías, y primos mediante darles comida cuando tenían poco para comer.
45. (nota al pie de la foto) Cesar y su hermana están parados fuera de su casa.
46. La abuela de Cesar, Mama Tella, les enseno sobre la importancia de su fe religiosa y a tener una creencia fuerte en Dios. Cuando cesar creció, el recordaba y practicaba lo que su abuela le había enseñado. Para Cesar, la religión era la cosa más importante.
47. Cuando Cesar tenía diez años, se les quito la casa de su familia porque no tenían suficiente dinero.
48. La familia de Cesar se mudó a California para encontrar trabajo. Ellos comenzaron a trabajar en el campo cosechando fruta y verduras. La familia de cesar se mudaba de campo en campo buscando trabajo, así como muchas familias que también perdieron sus hogares.
49. La familia de Cesar se mudaba a menudo. El mudarse no les molestaba tanto a Cesar, a sus hermanas o hermanos porque sus padres los amaban y siempre estaban contentos de estar juntos como familia.
50. El trabajar en el campo era muy difícil. Los trabajadores del campo como la familia Chávez trabajaban largas horas. Con frecuencia tenían acceso a
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pocos baños y poca agua limpia. Los trabajadores del campo sufrían mucho y eran tratados sin respeto y dignidad. La familia de Cesar trabajaba duro en el campo, pero hacían muy poco dinero. Todos los miembros de la familia tenían que trabajar, aun los niños. Se empeoraban las cosas porque a veces los hombres encargados de los trabajadores los engañaban mediante robarles el dinero a los trabajadores lo cual incluía la familia de Cesar. Estos hombres muchas veces corrían para no ser encontrados.
51. La familia de Cesar tenía muy poco dinero y muchas veces no tenían suficiente para comer. Cesar y su familia nunca pensaron que eran pobres. La mamá de Cesar con frecuencia le decía a Cesar y a su hermano Richard que buscara a las personas sin hogar y hombres con hambre para que ella les cocinara una comida.
52. Cuando Cesar era un adolecente, él y su hermana mayor, Rita ayudaban a los trabajadores del campo y a sus vecinos mediante llevarlos al hospital para ver al médico. Sin la ayuda de Cesar y su hermana, a esta gente se le hubiera hecho difícil conseguir ayuda médica.
53. Las personas a las que ayudo Cesar a menudo querían darle un poco de dinero para pagar la gasolina por su ayuda. Cesar nunca tomo su dinero porque su madre hubiera estado enojada con él. Ella decía, “Siempre hay que ayudar a los necesitados, y Dios te ayudara”.
54. Unos cuantos años después, Cesar se dio de voluntario para servir en la United States Navy. Cesar, como muchos hombres y mujeres americanas sirvieron en el servicio militar para pelear por la libertad y para proteger a la gente de Estados Unidos.
55. Después de dos años sirviendo en la Naval, Cesar volvió a casa y se casó con su novia, Helen. Después de un periodo corto de tiempo, se mudaron a san José, California y comenzaron una familia.
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56. La vida cambio para cesar cuando conoció un hombre llamado Fred Ross. Fred Ross creía que si la gente trabajaba junta podían mejorar su comunidad. Fred Ross contrato a Cesar para trabajar para él en la, Community Service Organization (Organización de Servicio para la Comunidad).
57. La Organización de Servicio para la Comunidad, funcionaba para ayudar a la gente. Cesar ahora trabajaba para reunir a la gente e identificar problemas y encontrar maneras de resolverlos. Muchos problemas no se resolvieron porque los líderes de la comunidad no respetaban a la gente.
58. Cesar, Fred Ross, y La Organización de Servicio para la Comunidad ayudaron a la gente dentro de la comunidad aprender cómo votar. También enseñaron a la gente que los líderes de la comunidad respetaban a los que votaban. Cesar trabajo en muchas comunidades en California para ayudar a la gente a conseguir el respeto que se merecían.
59. Después de ayudar a la gente a conseguir el respeto de los líderes de la comunidad, cesar dejo la Organización de Servicio para la Comunidad porque quería ayudar a los trabajadores del campo a conseguir el respeto y dignidad que se merecían.
60. Cesar comenzó el, National Farm Worker Association para mejorar las condiciones de los trabajadores del campo. afro-americanos, filipinos, americanos blancos, México-americanos y mexicanos, y hombres y mujeres de todos los antecedentes se unieron a Cesar.
61. Cesar y los trabajadores del campo querían que las compañías y rancheros, dueños de los campos respetaran a los trabajadores mediante proporcionarles agua limpia para tomar, que hubiera baños en los campos, y un pago justo por el trabajo del día.
62. Las compañías y rancheros reusaban tratar a los trabajadores con respeto y
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dignidad. Los rancheros hicieron todo lo posible para detener a Cesar y a los trabajadores de campo. Hasta utilizaron violencia y lesionaron a muchos trabajadores del campo y a personas que ayudaban a los trabajadores. Esta situación lleno de coraje a Cesar.
63. Cesar no creía en la violencia. Como Martin Luther King, Cesar quería traer cambio de manera pacífica. Mucha gente vino ayudar a Cesar. Mucha gente apoyo a Cesar porque él creía en la paz. Como Cesar, también creía que los trabajadores del campo merecían mejor tratamiento, respeto, dignidad, justicia, e imparcialidad.
(Nota al pie de la foto) Durante la firma de un acuerdo importante Cesar es observado por sus apoyadores, reporteros de estaciones de radio y periodistas.
64. Cesar trabajo duro. El sufrió y sacrifico muchísimo para mejorar las vidas de los trabajadores del campo.
65. Después de cinco años, algunos rancheros comenzaron a proporcionar agua limpia para tomar, baños, y mejor pago. Cesar, los trabajadores del campo, y sus amigos ganaron, logrando que las vidas de los trabajadores del campo mejoraran.
66. Cesar dedico el resto de su vida hacer del mundo un mejor lugar y a servir a otros. El siguió trabajando para conseguir respeto, dignidad, justicia, y un tratamiento imparcial para los pobres, los trabajadores del campo y a personas de todo lugar. Cesar murió el 23 de abril del 1993. Tenía sesenta y seis años de edad. Personas de todo el mundo recuerdan a Cesar E. Chávez como un hombre de valentía que peleo para mejorar las vidas de toda la gente.
67. Cesar E. Chávez es un héroe americano.
68. Su legado vive.
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Work Cited
http://chavez.cde.ca.gov/ModelCurriculum/Teachers/Lessons/Resources/Biographies/K-2_Bio.aspxC
http://www.spanishdict.com/translate/amendment
http://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=profit
http://translate.google.com/#en/es/boycotts
http://chavez.cde.ca.gov/ModelCurriculum/Teachers/Lessons/Resources/Biographies/K-2_Bio.aspxC
The Story of Cesar Chavez THE BEGINNING
1.The story of Cesar Estrada Chavez begins near Yuma, Arizona. Cesar was born on March 31, 1927. He was named after his grandfather, Cesario. Regrettably, the story of Cesar Estrada Chavez also ends near Yuma, Arizona. He passed away on April 23, 1993, in San Luis, a small village near Yuma, Arizona. 2.He learned about justice or rather injustice early in his life. Cesar grew up in Arizona; the small adobe home, where Cesar was born was swindled from them by dishonest Anglos. Cesar's father agreed to clear eighty acres of land and in exchange he would receive the deed to forty acres of land that adjoined the home. The agreement was broken and the land sold to a man named Justus Jackson. Cesar's dad went to a lawyer who advised him to borrow money and buy the land. Later when Cesar's father could not pay the interest on the loan the lawyer bought back the land and sold it to the original owner. Cesar learned a lesson about injustice that he would never forget. Later, he would say, The love for justice that is in us is not only the best part of our being but it is also the most true to our nature.
3.In 1938 he and his family moved to California. He lived in La Colonia Barrio in Oxnard for a
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short period, returning to Arizona several months later. They returned to California in June 1939 and this time settled in San Jose. They lived in the barrio called Sal Si Puedes -"Get Out If You Can." Cesar thought the only way to get out of the circle of poverty was to work his way up and send the kids to college. He and his family worked in the fields of California from Brawley to Oxnard, Atascadero, Gonzales, King City, Salinas, McFarland, Delano, Wasco, Selma, Kingsburg, and Mendota. 4.He did not like school as a child, probably because he spoke only Spanish at home. The teachers were mostly Anglo and only spoke English. Spanish was forbidden in school. He remembers being punished with a ruler to his knuckles for violating the rule. He also remembers that some schools were segregated and he felt that in the integrated schools he was like a monkey in a cage. He remembers having to listen to a lot of racist remarks. He remembers seeing signs that read whites only. He and his brother, Richard, attended thirty-seven schools. He felt that education had nothing to do with his farm worker/migrant way of life. In 1942 he graduated from the eighth grade. Because his father, Librado, had been in an accident and because he did not want his mother, Juana, to work in the fields, he could not to go to high school, and instead became a migrant farm worker. 5.While his childhood school education was not the best, later in life, education was his passion. The walls of his office in La Paz (United Farm Worker Headquarters ) are lined with hundreds of books ranging from philosophy, economics, cooperatives, and unions, to biographies on Gandhi and the Kennedys'. He believed that, "The end of all education should surely be service to others," a belief that he practiced until his untimely death. 6. He joined the U.S. Navy, which was then segregated, in 1946, at the age of 19, and served for two years. 7. In 1948 Cesar married Helen Fabela. They honeymooned in California by visiting all the California Missions from Sonoma to San Diego (again the influence of education). They settled in Delano and started their family. First Fernando, then Sylvia, then Linda, and five more children were to follow. 8. Cesar returned to San Jose where he met and was influenced by Father Donald McDonnell. They talked about farm workers and strikes. Cesar began reading about St. Francis and Gandhi and nonviolence. After Father McDonnell came another very influential person, Fred Ross. 9. Cesar became an organizer for Ross' organization, the Community Service Organization - CSO. His first task was voter registration. THE UNITED FARM WORKERS IS BORN
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10.In 1962 Cesar founded the National Farm Workers Association, later to become the United Farm Workers - the UFW. He was joined by Dolores Huerta and the union was born. That same year Richard Chavez designed the UFW Eagle and Cesar chose the black and red colors. Cesar told the story of the birth of the eagle. He asked Richard to design the flag, but Richard could not make an eagle that he liked. Finally he sketched one on a piece of brown wrapping paper. He then squared off the wing edges so that the eagle would be easier for union members to draw on the handmade red flags that would give courage to the farm workers with their own powerful symbol. Cesar made reference to the flag by stating, "A symbol is an important thing. That is why we chose an Aztec eagle. It gives pride . . . When people see it they know it means dignity." 11. For a long time in 1962, there were very few union dues paying members. By 1970 the UFW got grape growers to accept union contracts and had effectively organized most of that industry, at one point in time claiming 50,000 dues paying members. The reason was Cesar Chavez's tireless leadership and nonviolent tactics that included the Delano grape strike, his fasts that focused national attention on farm workers problems, and the 340-mile march from Delano to Sacramento in 1966. The farm workers and supporters carried banners with the black eagle with HUELGA (strike) and VIVA LA CAUSA (Long live our cause). The marchers wanted the state government to pass laws which would permit farm workers to organize into a union and allow collective bargaining agreements. Cesar made people aware of the struggles of farm workers for better pay and safer working conditions. He succeeded through nonviolent tactics (boycotts, pickets, and strikes). Cesar Chavez and the union sought recognition of the importance and dignity of all farm workers. 12. It was the beginning of La Causa a cause that was supported by organized labor, religious groups, minorities, and students. Cesar Chavez had the foresight to train his union workers and then to send many of them into the cities where they were to use the boycott and picket as their weapon. 13. Cesar was willing to sacrifice his own life so that the union would continue and that violence was not used. Cesar fasted many times. In 1968 Cesar went on a water only, 25 day fast. He repeated the fast in 1972 for 24 days, and again in 1988, this time for 36 days. What motivated him to do this? He said, Farm workers everywhere are angry and worried that we cannot win without violence. We have proved it before through persistence, hard work, faith and willingness to sacrifice. We can win and keep our own self-respect and build a great union that will secure the spirit of all people if we do it through a rededication and recommitment to the struggle for justice through nonviolence.
17
THE FAST
14. Many events precipitated the fast, especially the terrible suffering of the farm workers and their children, the crushing of farm worker rights, the dangers of pesticides, and the denial of fair and free elections.
15. Cesar said about the fast, " A fast is first and foremost personal. It is a fast for the purification of my own body, mind, and soul. The fast is also a heartfelt prayer for purification and strengthening for all those who work beside me in the farm worker movement. The fast is alsoan act of penance for those in positions of moral authority and for all men and women activists who know what is right and just, who know that they could and should do more. The fast is finally a declaration of non-cooperation with supermarkets who promote and sell and profit fromCalifornia table grapes. During the past few years I have been studying the plague of pesticides on our land and our food," Cesar continued "The evil is far greater than even I had thought it to be, it threatens to choke out the life of our people and also the life system that supports us all. This solution to this deadly crisis will not be found in the arrogance of the powerful, but in solidarity with the weak and helpless. I pray to God that this fast will be a preparation for a multitude of simple deeds for justice. Carried out by men and women whose hearts are focused on the suffering of the poor and who yearn, with us, for a better world. Together, all things are possible." 16. Cesar Chavez completed his 36-day Fast for Life on August 21, 1988. The Reverend Jesse Jackson took up where Cesar left off, fasting on water for three days before passing on the fast to celebrities and leaders. The fast was passed to Martin Sheen, actor; the Reverend J. Lowery, President SCLC; Edward Olmos, actor; Emilio Estevez, actor; Kerry Kennedy, daughter of Robert Kennedy, Peter Chacon, legislator, Julie Carmen, actress; Danny Glover, actor; Carly Simon, singer; and Whoopi Goldberg, actress. THE DEATH OF CESAR CHAVEZ
18
17. Cesar Estrada Chavez died peacefully in his sleep on April 23, 1993 near Yuma, Arizona, a short distance from the small family farm in the Gila River Valley where he was born more than 66 years before.
18.The founder and president of the United Farm Workers of America, AFL-CIO was in Yuma helping UFW attorneys defend the union against a lawsuit brought by Bruce Church Inc., a giant Salinas, Calif.-based lettuce and vegetable producer. Church demanded that the farm workers pay millions of dollars in damages resulting from a UFW boycott of its lettuce during the 1980's. Rather than bring the legal action in a state where the boycott actually took place, such as California or New York, Church "shopped around" for a friendly court in conservative, agribusiness-dominated Arizona-where there had been no boycott activity.
19. "Cesar gave his last ounce of strength defending the farm workers in this case," stated his successor, UFW President Arturo Rodriguez, who was with him in Arizona during the trial. He died standing up for their First Amendment right to speak out for themselves. He believed in his heart that the farm workers were right in boycotting Bruce Church Inc. lettuce during the l980's and he was determined to prove that in court." (When the second multimillion dollar judgement for Church was later thrown out by an appeal's court, the company signed a UFW contract in May 1996. 20. After the trial recessed at about 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 22, Cesar spent part of the afternoon driving through Latino neighborhoods in Yuma that he knew as a child. Many Chavezes still live in the area. 21. He arrived about 6 p.m. in San Luis, Arizona-about 20 miles from Yuma, at the modest concrete-block home of Dofla Maria Hau, a former farm worker and longtime friend. Cesar and eight other UFW leaders and staff were staying at her house in a poor farm worker neighborhood not far from the Mexican border. 22. Cesar ate dinner at around 9 p.m. and presided over a brief meeting to review the day's events. He had just finished two days of often grueling examination by attorneys for Bruce Church Inc.ma 23. He talked to his colleagues about taking care of themselves-a recent recurring theme with Cesar because he was well aware of the long hours required from him and other union officers and staff. Still, he was in good spirits despite being exhausted after prolonged questioning on the witness stand; he complained about feeling some weakness when doing his evening exercises.
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24. The UFW founder went to bed at about 10 or 10:30 p.m. A union staff member said he later saw a reading light shining from Cesar's room. 25. The light was still on at 6 a.m. the next morning. That was not seen as unusual. Cesar usually woke up in the early hours of the morning well before dawn to read, write or meditate. 26. When he had not come out by 9 a.m., his colleagues entered his bedroom found that Cesar had died apparently, according to authorities, at night in his sleep. 27. He was found lying on his back with his head turned to the left. His shoes were off and he still wore his clothes from the day before. In his right hand was a book on Native American crafts. There was a peaceful smile on his face.
THE LAST MARCH WITH CESAR CHAVEZ
28. On April 29, 1993, Cesar Estrada Chavez was honored in death by those he led in life. More than 50,000 mourners came to honor the charismatic labor leader at the site of his first public fast in 1968 and his last in 1988, the United Farm Workers Delano Field Office at "Forty Acres." 29. It was the largest funeral of any labor leader in the history of the U.S. They came in caravans from Florida to California to pay respect to a man whose strength was in his simplicity. 30. Farm workers, family members, friends and union staff took turns standing vigil over the plain pine coffin which held the body of Cesar Chavez. Among the honor guard were many celebrities who had supported Chavez throughout his years of struggle to better the lot of farmworkers throughout America. 31. Many of the mourners had marched side by side with Chavez during his tumultuous years in the vineyards and farms of America. For the last time, they came to march by the side of the man who had taught them to stand up for their rights, through nonviolent protest and collective bargaining. 32, Cardinal Roger M. Mahoney, who celebrated the funeral mass, called Chavez "a special prophet for the worlds' farm workers." Pall bearers, including crews of these workers, Chavez children and grandchildren, then carried their fallen leader, resting at last, from the Memorial Park to Forty Acres.
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33. The death of Chavez marked an era of dramatic changes in American agriculture. His contributions would be eroded, and others would have to shoulder the burden of his work. But, Cesar Chavez, who insisted that those who labor in the earth were entitled to share fairly in the rewards of their toil, would never be forgotten. 34. As Luis Valdez said, "Cesar, we have come to plant your heart like a seed . . . the farm workers shall harvest in the seed of your memory." FINAL RESTING PLACE/FINAL RECOGNITION 35. The body of Cesar Chavez was taken to La Paz, the UFW's California headquarters, by his family and UFW leadership. He was laid to rest near a bed of roses, in front of his office. 36. On August 8, 1994, at a White House ceremony, Helen Chavez, Cesar's widow, accepted the Medal of Freedom for her late husband from President Clinton. In the citation accompanying America's highest civilian honor which was awarded posthumously, the President lauded Chavez for having "faced formidable, often violent opposition with dignity and nonviolence. 37. And he was victorious. Cesar Chavez left our world better than he found it, and his legacy inspires us still. He was for his own people a Moses figure," the President declared. "The farm workers who labored in the fields and yearned for respect and self-sufficiency pinned their hopes on this remarkable man who, with faith and discipline, soft spoken humility and amazing inner strength, led a very courageous life"
38. The citation accompanying the award noted how Chavez was a farm worker from childhood who "possessed a deep personal understanding of the plight of migrant workers, and he labored all his years to lift their lives." During his lifetime, Chavez never earned more than $5,000 a year. The late Senator Robert Kennedy called him "one of the heroic figures of our time." 39. Chavez's successor, UFW President Arturo Rodriguez, thanked the president on behalf of the United Farm Workers and said, "Every day in California and in other states where farm workers are organizing, Cesar Chavez lives in their hearts. Cesar lives wherever Americans' he inspired work nonviolently for social change."
An American Hero
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The Biography of César E. Chávez
Photo copyright © Jocelyn Sherman
40. César E. Chávez was a good man who dedicated his life to helping others. César was born to parents who taught him important ideas about hard work, the importance of education, and respect. 41. As a young boy, César worked on his family’s farm feeding and watering the animals, collecting eggs, and bringing water to the house. 42. César’s parents thought school was important. School was hard for César because the teachers only spoke English and César did not understand English. César thought some teachers were mean because they would punish him when he spoke Spanish. César learned to read English in school and he learned to read Spanish from his uncles.
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43. César’s parents were very strict and taught him and his sisters and brothers to show respect to others. 44. His parents also taught him that it was important to help others. César and his family often helped his uncles, aunts, and cousins by giving them food when they had little to eat.
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation 45. César and his sister are standing outside their home.
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Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and his sister are dressed for their First Holy Communion.
46. César’s grandmother, Mama Tella, taught him about the importance of their religious faith and to have a strong belief in God. When César grew up, he would remember and practice what his grandmother had taught him. For César, religion was a most beautiful thing.
24
Photo Copyright © Manuel Echavaria
In 1975, this farm worker family is eating lunch along side the fields in the Santa Maria Valley in the shade of their van because there is no other shade available.
47. When César was ten years old, his family’s home was taken away from them because they did not have enough money. 48. César’s family moved to California to find work. They began working on farms picking fruits and vegetables. César’s family would move from farm to farm looking for work, just like many other families who also lost their homes.
25
49. César’s family moved often. Moving did not bother César, or his sisters and brothers too much because their parents loved them and because they were always happy to be together as a family.
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and his brothers and sisters in front of the family car
50. Working on the farms was very difficult. Farm workers like the Chávez family would very long hours. They often had few bathrooms and little clean water to drink. Farm workers suffered a lot and they were not treated with respect or dignity.
26
Photo Copyright © Manuel Echavaria
These farm workers are picking chili at Santa Maria in 1971.
César’s family worked very hard on the farms, but they made very little money. Everyone in the family had to work, even the children. To make things worse, sometimes the men in charge of the farm workers would cheat and steal money from the farm workers, including César’s family. These men would often run away so they would not get caught. 51. César’s family had very little money and many times they did not have enough food to eat. César and his family never thought of themselves as being poor. César’s mother would often tell César and his brother Richard to find homeless and hungry men so she could cook them a meal.
27
Photo by Cris Sanchez, Courtesy of United Farm Workers
In a migrant farm worker camp, the ladies are visiting while their laundry dries on the clothesline strung between their houses.
52. When César was a teenager, he and his older sister Rita would help other farm workers and neighbors by driving them to the hospital to see a doctor. Without César’s and his sister’s help, these people would have had
28
a very difficult time getting a doctor’s help. 53. The people César helped often wanted to give him a little bit of money to pay for gas and for his help. César never took any of their money because his mother would have been mad at him. She used to say, “You always have to help the needy, and God will help you.”
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César in his U.S. Navy uniform.
54. A few years later, César volunteered to serve in the United States Navy. César, like many American men and
29
women, served in the military to fight for freedom and to protect the people of the United States.
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and his wife, Helen, posed for their picture by the seashore.
55. After two years in the Navy, César returned home and married his girlfriend, Helen. After a short time, they moved to San Jose, California and began a family.
56. Life changed for César when he met a man named Fred Ross. Fred Ross believed that if people worked
30
together they could make their community better. Fred Ross hired César to work for him in the Community Service Organization. 57. The Community Service Organization worked to help people. César now worked to bring people together to identify problems and find ways to solve their problems. Many problems were not solved because community leaders did not respect all people. 58. César, Fred Ross, and the Community Service Organization helped people in the community learn how to vote. They also taught people that community leaders respected voters. Community leaders worked harder to solve the problems of voters. César worked in many communities in California to help people gain the respect they deserved.
31
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and other people from the Community Service Organization are getting ready to try to get the farm workers to vote.
59. After helping many people gain the respect of community leaders, César left the Community Service Organization to help farm workers gain the respect and dignity they deserved. 60. César started the National Farm Worker Association to help improve the working conditions of farm workers. African Americans, Filipinos, white Americans, Mexican Americans and Mexicans, and men and women of all backgrounds joined César.
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Photo by Cris Sanchez
In a migrant farm worker camp, the ladies are visiting while their laundry dries on the clothesline strung between their houses.
61. César and the farm workers wanted the companies and growers that owned the farms to respect farm workers by providing them with fresh water to drink, bathrooms in the fields, and fair pay for a day’s work. 62. The companies and growers refused to treat the farm workers with respect and dignity. The growers did everything they could to stop César and the farm workers. They even turned to violence and hurt many farm workers and people who helped the farm workers.
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This made César very upset.
Photo Copyright © Manuel Echavaria
People of all ages marched to Preisker Park while participating in a demonstration in 1972.
63. César did not believe in violence. Like Martin Luther King, César wanted to bring change in a nonviolent way. Many people came to help César. Many people supported César because he believed in nonviolence. Like César, they also believed that farm workers deserved better treatment, respect, dignity, justice, and fairness.
34
Photo Courtesy of United Farm Workers
César is signing an important agreement while many union supporters watch with reporters from radio stations and newspapers.
César worked hard. He suffered and sacrificed a lot to make farm workers’ lives better 65. After five years, some growers in California agreed with César and started to provide farm workers with fresh water to drink, bathrooms, and better pay. César, the farm workers, and their friends won, making farm worker’s lives better.
35
Photo Copyright © Jocelyn Sherman
César marching again with many supporters.
César dedicated the rest of his life to making the world a better place and to serving others. He continued to work to bring respect, dignity, justice, and fair treatment to the poor, to farm workers, and to people everywhere.
Photo Copyright © Jocelyn Sherman
Many people came to César’s funeral.
César died on April 23, 1993. He was sixty-six years old. People all over the world remember César E. Chávez as a man of courage who fought to improve the lives of all
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people.
Photo Courtesy of the César E. Chávez Foundation
César E. Chávez is an American hero. His legacy lives on!
http://chavez.cde.ca.gov/ModelCurriculum/Teachers/Lessons/Resources/Biographies/K-2_Bio.aspxC1
The Story of Cesar Chavez THE BEGINNING [English version the original document, translated version above match the number with the translated document above.]
1.The story of Cesar Estrada Chavez begins near Yuma, Arizona. Cesar was born on March 31, 1927. He was named after his grandfather, Cesario. Regrettably, the story of Cesar Estrada Chavez also ends near Yuma, Arizona. He passed away on April 23, 1993, in San Luis, a small village near Yuma, Arizona. 2.He learned about justice or rather injustice early in his life. Cesar grew up in Arizona; the small adobe home, where Cesar was born was swindled from them by dishonest Anglos. Cesar's father agreed to clear eighty acres of land and in exchange he would receive the deed to forty acres of land that adjoined the home. The agreement was broken and the land sold to a man named Justus Jackson. Cesar's dad went to a lawyer who advised him to borrow money and buy the land. Later when Cesar's father could not pay the interest on the loan the lawyer bought back the land and sold it to the original owner. Cesar learned a lesson about injustice that he would never forget. Later, he would say, The love for justice that is in us is not only the best part of our being but it is also the most true to our nature.
3.In 1938 he and his family moved to California. He lived in La Colonia Barrio in Oxnard for a
15
short period, returning to Arizona several months later. They returned to California in June 1939 and this time settled in San Jose. They lived in the barrio called Sal Si Puedes -"Get Out If You Can." Cesar thought the only way to get out of the circle of poverty was to work his way up and send the kids to college. He and his family worked in the fields of California from Brawley to Oxnard, Atascadero, Gonzales, King City, Salinas, McFarland, Delano, Wasco, Selma, Kingsburg, and Mendota. 4.He did not like school as a child, probably because he spoke only Spanish at home. The teachers were mostly Anglo and only spoke English. Spanish was forbidden in school. He remembers being punished with a ruler to his knuckles for violating the rule. He also remembers that some schools were segregated and he felt that in the integrated schools he was like a monkey in a cage. He remembers having to listen to a lot of racist remarks. He remembers seeing signs that read whites only. He and his brother, Richard, attended thirty-seven schools. He felt that education had nothing to do with his farm worker/migrant way of life. In 1942 he graduated from the eighth grade. Because his father, Librado, had been in an accident and because he did not want his mother, Juana, to work in the fields, he could not to go to high school, and instead became a migrant farm worker. 5.While his childhood school education was not the best, later in life, education was his passion. The walls of his office in La Paz (United Farm Worker Headquarters ) are lined with hundreds of books ranging from philosophy, economics, cooperatives, and unions, to biographies on Gandhi and the Kennedys'. He believed that, "The end of all education should surely be service to others," a belief that he practiced until his untimely death. 6. He joined the U.S. Navy, which was then segregated, in 1946, at the age of 19, and served for two years. 7. In 1948 Cesar married Helen Fabela. They honeymooned in California by visiting all the California Missions from Sonoma to San Diego (again the influence of education). They settled in Delano and started their family. First Fernando, then Sylvia, then Linda, and five more children were to follow. 8. Cesar returned to San Jose where he met and was influenced by Father Donald McDonnell. They talked about farm workers and strikes. Cesar began reading about St. Francis and Gandhi and nonviolence. After Father McDonnell came another very influential person, Fred Ross. 9. Cesar became an organizer for Ross' organization, the Community Service Organization - CSO. His first task was voter registration. THE UNITED FARM WORKERS IS BORN
16
10.In 1962 Cesar founded the National Farm Workers Association, later to become the United Farm Workers - the UFW. He was joined by Dolores Huerta and the union was born. That same year Richard Chavez designed the UFW Eagle and Cesar chose the black and red colors. Cesar told the story of the birth of the eagle. He asked Richard to design the flag, but Richard could not make an eagle that he liked. Finally he sketched one on a piece of brown wrapping paper. He then squared off the wing edges so that the eagle would be easier for union members to draw on the handmade red flags that would give courage to the farm workers with their own powerful symbol. Cesar made reference to the flag by stating, "A symbol is an important thing. That is why we chose an Aztec eagle. It gives pride . . . When people see it they know it means dignity." 11. For a long time in 1962, there were very few union dues paying members. By 1970 the UFW got grape growers to accept union contracts and had effectively organized most of that industry, at one point in time claiming 50,000 dues paying members. The reason was Cesar Chavez's tireless leadership and nonviolent tactics that included the Delano grape strike, his fasts that focused national attention on farm workers problems, and the 340-mile march from Delano to Sacramento in 1966. The farm workers and supporters carried banners with the black eagle with HUELGA (strike) and VIVA LA CAUSA (Long live our cause). The marchers wanted the state government to pass laws which would permit farm workers to organize into a union and allow collective bargaining agreements. Cesar made people aware of the struggles of farm workers for better pay and safer working conditions. He succeeded through nonviolent tactics (boycotts, pickets, and strikes). Cesar Chavez and the union sought recognition of the importance and dignity of all farm workers. 12. It was the beginning of La Causa a cause that was supported by organized labor, religious groups, minorities, and students. Cesar Chavez had the foresight to train his union workers and then to send many of them into the cities where they were to use the boycott and picket as their weapon. 13. Cesar was willing to sacrifice his own life so that the union would continue and that violence was not used. Cesar fasted many times. In 1968 Cesar went on a water only, 25 day fast. He repeated the fast in 1972 for 24 days, and again in 1988, this time for 36 days. What motivated him to do this? He said, Farm workers everywhere are angry and worried that we cannot win without violence. We have proved it before through persistence, hard work, faith and willingness to sacrifice. We can win and keep our own self-respect and build a great union that will secure the spirit of all people if we do it through a rededication and recommitment to the struggle for justice through nonviolence.
17
THE FAST
14. Many events precipitated the fast, especially the terrible suffering of the farm workers and their children, the crushing of farm worker rights, the dangers of pesticides, and the denial of fair and free elections.
15. Cesar said about the fast, " A fast is first and foremost personal. It is a fast for the purification of my own body, mind, and soul. The fast is also a heartfelt prayer for purification and strengthening for all those who work beside me in the farm worker movement. The fast is alsoan act of penance for those in positions of moral authority and for all men and women activists who know what is right and just, who know that they could and should do more. The fast is finally a declaration of non-cooperation with supermarkets who promote and sell and profit fromCalifornia table grapes. During the past few years I have been studying the plague of pesticides on our land and our food," Cesar continued "The evil is far greater than even I had thought it to be, it threatens to choke out the life of our people and also the life system that supports us all. This solution to this deadly crisis will not be found in the arrogance of the powerful, but in solidarity with the weak and helpless. I pray to God that this fast will be a preparation for a multitude of simple deeds for justice. Carried out by men and women whose hearts are focused on the suffering of the poor and who yearn, with us, for a better world. Together, all things are possible." 16. Cesar Chavez completed his 36-day Fast for Life on August 21, 1988. The Reverend Jesse Jackson took up where Cesar left off, fasting on water for three days before passing on the fast to celebrities and leaders. The fast was passed to Martin Sheen, actor; the Reverend J. Lowery, President SCLC; Edward Olmos, actor; Emilio Estevez, actor; Kerry Kennedy, daughter of Robert Kennedy, Peter Chacon, legislator, Julie Carmen, actress; Danny Glover, actor; Carly Simon, singer; and Whoopi Goldberg, actress. THE DEATH OF CESAR CHAVEZ
18
17. Cesar Estrada Chavez died peacefully in his sleep on April 23, 1993 near Yuma, Arizona, a short distance from the small family farm in the Gila River Valley where he was born more than 66 years before.
18.The founder and president of the United Farm Workers of America, AFL-CIO was in Yuma helping UFW attorneys defend the union against a lawsuit brought by Bruce Church Inc., a giant Salinas, Calif.-based lettuce and vegetable producer. Church demanded that the farm workers pay millions of dollars in damages resulting from a UFW boycott of its lettuce during the 1980's. Rather than bring the legal action in a state where the boycott actually took place, such as California or New York, Church "shopped around" for a friendly court in conservative, agribusiness-dominated Arizona-where there had been no boycott activity.
19. "Cesar gave his last ounce of strength defending the farm workers in this case," stated his successor, UFW President Arturo Rodriguez, who was with him in Arizona during the trial. He died standing up for their First Amendment right to speak out for themselves. He believed in his heart that the farm workers were right in boycotting Bruce Church Inc. lettuce during the l980's and he was determined to prove that in court." (When the second multimillion dollar judgement for Church was later thrown out by an appeal's court, the company signed a UFW contract in May 1996. 20. After the trial recessed at about 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 22, Cesar spent part of the afternoon driving through Latino neighborhoods in Yuma that he knew as a child. Many Chavezes still live in the area. 21. He arrived about 6 p.m. in San Luis, Arizona-about 20 miles from Yuma, at the modest concrete-block home of Dofla Maria Hau, a former farm worker and longtime friend. Cesar and eight other UFW leaders and staff were staying at her house in a poor farm worker neighborhood not far from the Mexican border. 22. Cesar ate dinner at around 9 p.m. and presided over a brief meeting to review the day's events. He had just finished two days of often grueling examination by attorneys for Bruce Church Inc.ma 23. He talked to his colleagues about taking care of themselves-a recent recurring theme with Cesar because he was well aware of the long hours required from him and other union officers and staff. Still, he was in good spirits despite being exhausted after prolonged questioning on the witness stand; he complained about feeling some weakness when doing his evening exercises.
19
24. The UFW founder went to bed at about 10 or 10:30 p.m. A union staff member said he later saw a reading light shining from Cesar's room. 25. The light was still on at 6 a.m. the next morning. That was not seen as unusual. Cesar usually woke up in the early hours of the morning well before dawn to read, write or meditate. 26. When he had not come out by 9 a.m., his colleagues entered his bedroom found that Cesar had died apparently, according to authorities, at night in his sleep. 27. He was found lying on his back with his head turned to the left. His shoes were off and he still wore his clothes from the day before. In his right hand was a book on Native American crafts. There was a peaceful smile on his face.
THE LAST MARCH WITH CESAR CHAVEZ
28. On April 29, 1993, Cesar Estrada Chavez was honored in death by those he led in life. More than 50,000 mourners came to honor the charismatic labor leader at the site of his first public fast in 1968 and his last in 1988, the United Farm Workers Delano Field Office at "Forty Acres." 29. It was the largest funeral of any labor leader in the history of the U.S. They came in caravans from Florida to California to pay respect to a man whose strength was in his simplicity. 30. Farm workers, family members, friends and union staff took turns standing vigil over the plain pine coffin which held the body of Cesar Chavez. Among the honor guard were many celebrities who had supported Chavez throughout his years of struggle to better the lot of farmworkers throughout America. 31. Many of the mourners had marched side by side with Chavez during his tumultuous years in the vineyards and farms of America. For the last time, they came to march by the side of the man who had taught them to stand up for their rights, through nonviolent protest and collective bargaining. 32, Cardinal Roger M. Mahoney, who celebrated the funeral mass, called Chavez "a special prophet for the worlds' farm workers." Pall bearers, including crews of these workers, Chavez children and grandchildren, then carried their fallen leader, resting at last, from the Memorial Park to Forty Acres.
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33. The death of Chavez marked an era of dramatic changes in American agriculture. His contributions would be eroded, and others would have to shoulder the burden of his work. But, Cesar Chavez, who insisted that those who labor in the earth were entitled to share fairly in the rewards of their toil, would never be forgotten. 34. As Luis Valdez said, "Cesar, we have come to plant your heart like a seed . . . the farm workers shall harvest in the seed of your memory." FINAL RESTING PLACE/FINAL RECOGNITION 35. The body of Cesar Chavez was taken to La Paz, the UFW's California headquarters, by his family and UFW leadership. He was laid to rest near a bed of roses, in front of his office. 36. On August 8, 1994, at a White House ceremony, Helen Chavez, Cesar's widow, accepted the Medal of Freedom for her late husband from President Clinton. In the citation accompanying America's highest civilian honor which was awarded posthumously, the President lauded Chavez for having "faced formidable, often violent opposition with dignity and nonviolence. 37. And he was victorious. Cesar Chavez left our world better than he found it, and his legacy inspires us still. He was for his own people a Moses figure," the President declared. "The farm workers who labored in the fields and yearned for respect and self-sufficiency pinned their hopes on this remarkable man who, with faith and discipline, soft spoken humility and amazing inner strength, led a very courageous life"
38. The citation accompanying the award noted how Chavez was a farm worker from childhood who "possessed a deep personal understanding of the plight of migrant workers, and he labored all his years to lift their lives." During his lifetime, Chavez never earned more than $5,000 a year. The late Senator Robert Kennedy called him "one of the heroic figures of our time." 39. Chavez's successor, UFW President Arturo Rodriguez, thanked the president on behalf of the United Farm Workers and said, "Every day in California and in other states where farm workers are organizing, Cesar Chavez lives in their hearts. Cesar lives wherever Americans' he inspired work nonviolently for social change."
An American Hero
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The Biography of César E. Chávez
Photo copyright © Jocelyn Sherman
40. César E. Chávez was a good man who dedicated his life to helping others. César was born to parents who taught him important ideas about hard work, the importance of education, and respect. 41. As a young boy, César worked on his family’s farm feeding and watering the animals, collecting eggs, and bringing water to the house. 42. César’s parents thought school was important. School was hard for César because the teachers only spoke English and César did not understand English. César thought some teachers were mean because they would punish him when he spoke Spanish. César learned to read English in school and he learned to read Spanish from his uncles.
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43. César’s parents were very strict and taught him and his sisters and brothers to show respect to others. 44. His parents also taught him that it was important to help others. César and his family often helped his uncles, aunts, and cousins by giving them food when they had little to eat.
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation 45. César and his sister are standing outside their home.
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Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and his sister are dressed for their First Holy Communion.
46. César’s grandmother, Mama Tella, taught him about the importance of their religious faith and to have a strong belief in God. When César grew up, he would remember and practice what his grandmother had taught him. For César, religion was a most beautiful thing.
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Photo Copyright © Manuel Echavaria
In 1975, this farm worker family is eating lunch along side the fields in the Santa Maria Valley in the shade of their van because there is no other shade available.
47. When César was ten years old, his family’s home was taken away from them because they did not have enough money. 48. César’s family moved to California to find work. They began working on farms picking fruits and vegetables. César’s family would move from farm to farm looking for work, just like many other families who also lost their homes.
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49. César’s family moved often. Moving did not bother César, or his sisters and brothers too much because their parents loved them and because they were always happy to be together as a family.
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and his brothers and sisters in front of the family car
50. Working on the farms was very difficult. Farm workers like the Chávez family would very long hours. They often had few bathrooms and little clean water to drink. Farm workers suffered a lot and they were not treated with respect or dignity.
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Photo Copyright © Manuel Echavaria
These farm workers are picking chili at Santa Maria in 1971.
César’s family worked very hard on the farms, but they made very little money. Everyone in the family had to work, even the children. To make things worse, sometimes the men in charge of the farm workers would cheat and steal money from the farm workers, including César’s family. These men would often run away so they would not get caught. 51. César’s family had very little money and many times they did not have enough food to eat. César and his family never thought of themselves as being poor. César’s mother would often tell César and his brother Richard to find homeless and hungry men so she could cook them a meal.
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Photo by Cris Sanchez, Courtesy of United Farm Workers
In a migrant farm worker camp, the ladies are visiting while their laundry dries on the clothesline strung between their houses.
52. When César was a teenager, he and his older sister Rita would help other farm workers and neighbors by driving them to the hospital to see a doctor. Without César’s and his sister’s help, these people would have had
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a very difficult time getting a doctor’s help. 53. The people César helped often wanted to give him a little bit of money to pay for gas and for his help. César never took any of their money because his mother would have been mad at him. She used to say, “You always have to help the needy, and God will help you.”
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César in his U.S. Navy uniform.
54. A few years later, César volunteered to serve in the United States Navy. César, like many American men and
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women, served in the military to fight for freedom and to protect the people of the United States.
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and his wife, Helen, posed for their picture by the seashore.
55. After two years in the Navy, César returned home and married his girlfriend, Helen. After a short time, they moved to San Jose, California and began a family.
56. Life changed for César when he met a man named Fred Ross. Fred Ross believed that if people worked
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together they could make their community better. Fred Ross hired César to work for him in the Community Service Organization. 57. The Community Service Organization worked to help people. César now worked to bring people together to identify problems and find ways to solve their problems. Many problems were not solved because community leaders did not respect all people. 58. César, Fred Ross, and the Community Service Organization helped people in the community learn how to vote. They also taught people that community leaders respected voters. Community leaders worked harder to solve the problems of voters. César worked in many communities in California to help people gain the respect they deserved.
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Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and other people from the Community Service Organization are getting ready to try to get the farm workers to vote.
59. After helping many people gain the respect of community leaders, César left the Community Service Organization to help farm workers gain the respect and dignity they deserved. 60. César started the National Farm Worker Association to help improve the working conditions of farm workers. African Americans, Filipinos, white Americans, Mexican Americans and Mexicans, and men and women of all backgrounds joined César.
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Photo by Cris Sanchez
In a migrant farm worker camp, the ladies are visiting while their laundry dries on the clothesline strung between their houses.
61. César and the farm workers wanted the companies and growers that owned the farms to respect farm workers by providing them with fresh water to drink, bathrooms in the fields, and fair pay for a day’s work. 62. The companies and growers refused to treat the farm workers with respect and dignity. The growers did everything they could to stop César and the farm workers. They even turned to violence and hurt many farm workers and people who helped the farm workers.
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This made César very upset.
Photo Copyright © Manuel Echavaria
People of all ages marched to Preisker Park while participating in a demonstration in 1972.
63. César did not believe in violence. Like Martin Luther King, César wanted to bring change in a nonviolent way. Many people came to help César. Many people supported César because he believed in nonviolence. Like César, they also believed that farm workers deserved better treatment, respect, dignity, justice, and fairness.
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Photo Courtesy of United Farm Workers
César is signing an important agreement while many union supporters watch with reporters from radio stations and newspapers.
César worked hard. He suffered and sacrificed a lot to make farm workers’ lives better 65. After five years, some growers in California agreed with César and started to provide farm workers with fresh water to drink, bathrooms, and better pay. César, the farm workers, and their friends won, making farm worker’s lives better.
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Photo Copyright © Jocelyn Sherman
César marching again with many supporters.
César dedicated the rest of his life to making the world a better place and to serving others. He continued to work to bring respect, dignity, justice, and fair treatment to the poor, to farm workers, and to people everywhere.
Photo Copyright © Jocelyn Sherman
Many people came to César’s funeral.
César died on April 23, 1993. He was sixty-six years old. People all over the world remember César E. Chávez as a man of courage who fought to improve the lives of all
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people.
Photo Courtesy of the César E. Chávez Foundation
César E. Chávez is an American hero. His legacy lives on!
http://chavez.cde.ca.gov/ModelCurriculum/Teachers/Lessons/Resources/Biographies/K-2_Bio.aspxC1
Evelia Meza
Spanish 315 (4,170 word document translation of a topic of choice)
Profesor Arrizabalaga
Spring, 2014
La historia de Cesar Chávez
Los Comienzos
1. La historia de Cesar Estrada Chávez comienza cerca de Yuma, Arizona. Cesar nació el 31 de marzo del 1927. Su nombre proviene del nombre de su abuelo, Cesario. Lamentable, la historia de Cesar estrada Chávez también termina cerca de Yuma, Arizona. Cesar falleció el 23 de abril, del 1993, cerca de Yuma, Arizona en una aldea.
2. El aprendió sobre la justicia, o mejor dicho sobre la injusticia a muy temprana edad. La casa pequeña de adobe ubicada en Arizona donde cesar nació y Cesar fue estafada por anglo-americanos fraudulentos. El padre de Cesar estuvo de acuerdo en limpiar 80 acres de terreno y en cambio recibiría la escritura de 40 acres de terreno que conectaban con la casa. El acuerdo no se cumplió y el terreno fue vendido a un hombre llamado Justus Jackson. El padre de Cesar se dirigió a un abogado quien le aconsejo que pidiera un préstamo y comprara el terreno. Después cuando el padre de Cesar no pudo pagar el interés sobre el préstamo el abogado compro el terreno y lo vendió al dueño original. Cesar aprendió una lección sobre la injusticia que nunca olvidaría. Después él decía, “El amor por la justicia que está dentro de nosotros no únicamente es la mejor parte de nuestro ser, es también la cosa más cierta a nuestra naturaleza”.
3. En 1938 el y su familia se mudaron a California. Él vivió en, La Colonia Barrio en Oxnard por un periodo corto de tiempo, volvió a Arizona varios meses después. Ellos volvieron a California en junio del 1939 y esta vez se establecieron en San José. Ellos vivieron en el barrio que se llama, Sal
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Si Puedes- “Get Out If You Can” Cesar pensó que la única manera de salirse del circulo de la pobreza era trabajar, ascender de puesto y mandar a los niños a la universidad. El y su familia trabajaron en los campos de California desde Brawley a Oxnard, Atascadero, Gonzales, King City, Salinas, Mcfarland, Delano, Vasco, Selma, Kingsburg, y Mendota.
4. No le interesaba la escuela de niño, seguramente porque hablaba únicamente español en casa. Las maestras eran principalmente anglo americanas y nada más hablaban inglés. El español era prohibido en las escuelas. El recuerda haber sido castigado con una regla sobre los nudillos por haber incumplido las normas. El también recuerda que algunas escuelas estaban divididas y que en las escuelas mixtas se sentía como un mono en una jaula. El recuerda que escuchaba muchos comentarios racistas. El recuerda haber visto rótulos que decían ‘blancos únicamente’. Él y su hermano, Richard, asistieron a treinta y siete escuelas. El creía que la educación no tenía nada que ver con su manera de vivir como trabajador del campo. En 1942 se graduó del grado octavo. Por el motivo de que su padre, Librado había sufrido un accidente y no quería que su mamá Juana trabajara en el campo, en lugar de asistir a la preparatoria, opto por ser un trabajador migrante del campo.
5. Durante su niñez la educación no era su prioridad, más después en su vida, la educación era su pasión. Las paredes de su consultorio en La Paz (United Farm Worker Headquarters) están llenos de cienes de libros desde filosofía, economía, cooperativas, y uniones, hasta biografías de Gandhi y de los Kennedys’. El creía que “El final de toda la educación debería ser de seguro, brindar servicio a otros.” una creencia que practico hasta su muerte inesperada.
6. Ingreso al U.S. Navy, que estaba segregado para entonces, en 1946, a la edad de 19 años, brindo servicio por dos años.
7. En 1948 Cesar se casó con Helen Fabela. Pasaron su luna de miel visitando las misiones de California desde Sonoma a san Diego
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(nuevamente la influencia de la educación). Se establecieron en Delano y comenzaron una familia. Primero Fernando, después Sylvia, después Linda, y cinco más hijos habrían de venir.
8. Cesar volvió a San José donde conoció al Padre Donald McDonnell el cual tuvo mucha influencia en el. Hablaron sobre los trabajadores de los ranchos y las demostraciones. Cesar comenzó a leer sobre St. Francis y Gandhi y temas relacionados a la paz. Después de que el Padre McDonnell vino otra persona que tuvo mucha influencia en el, Fred Ross.
9. Cesar llego a ser un organizador para Ross, La organización para Servicios a la Comunidad-CSO. Su primer reto fue conseguir los derechos para registrarse y votar.
The United farm Workers is Born
10. En el 1962 Cesar fundo the national farm Workers Association, mas después conocida como, United farm Workers-the UFW. Dolores huerta se unió en la causa y la ‘unión’ se establece. Ese mismo año Richard Chávez diseño el UFW Eagle Cesar opto por los colores negros y rojos. Cesar pronuncio la historia del nacimiento del águila. Le pidió a Richard que diseñara la bandera, pero Richard no pudo dibujar un águila que le gustara. Finalmente hiso un borrador en un pedazo de papel de envolver café. Después recorto las orillas de las alas para que los miembros de la unión pudieran fácilmente dibujar en las banderas hechas a mano que les brindarían valor a los trabajadores de la agricultura con su propio símbolo de poder. Cesar hacía referencia a la bandera mediante decir “Un símbolo es una cosa importante, por eso escogimos una águila azteca, tal símbolo otorga orgullo… Cuando las personas lo ven ellos saben que significa dignidad.”
11. Por mucho tiempo en 1962, había muy pocos miembros de la unión que pagaban su cuota. Para el 1970 el UFW consiguió que los rancheros de la uva aceptaran contratos de unión y habían efectivamente organizado la mayor parte de la industrial. En algún momento hubo 50,000 miembros pagando su cuota. El motivo fue el incansable liderazgo y táctica sin violencia que incluyo la demostración de la uva en Delano, sus ayunos
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que atrajeron la atención nacional a los problemas de los trabajadores del campo, y la marcha de 340 millas desde Delano a Sacramento en 1966. Los trabajadores del campo y sus apoyadores cargaban rótulos con la águila negra que leían HUELGA (strike) y ViVA LA CAUSA (Long live the cause), Los marchadores querían que el gobierno del estado pasara leyes que permitieran a los trabajadores organizarse en una unión y que permitieran acuerdos de negociación colectiva. Cesar puso al día a la gente sobre las batallas de los trabajadores del campo para mejor pago y condiciones más seguras para trabajar. Tuvo éxito sin tácticas de violencia con boicots, manifestaciones, y demostraciones. Cesar Chávez y la unión procuraban que se reconociera la importancia y la dignidad de todos los trabajadores del campo.
12. Era el comienzo de LA Causa, una causa que era apoyada por trabajo organizado, grupos religiosos, minoridades, y estudiantes. Cesar Chávez tenía la previsión para capacitar a sus trabajadores de la unión y después mandar a muchos de ellos a la ciudad donde utilizarían los boicots y las demostraciones como su arma.
13. Cesar estaba dispuesto a sacrificar su propia vida para que continuara la unión y la violencia no se utilizó. Cesar ayuno muchas veces. En 1968 Cesar ayuno tomando únicamente agua por 25 días. El la repitió en 1972 por 24 días y nuevamente en 1988, esta vez por 36 días. ¿Que lo motivo hacer esto? Trabajadores del campo en dondequiera están con coraje y preocupados de que no podremos ganar sin violencia. Lo hemos comprobado anteriormente mediante persistencia, y trabajo arduo, fe y la disponibilidad de sacrificar. Podemos ganar y mantener nuestro respeto propio y crear una unión buena que asegurara el espíritu de toda la gente si la hacemos mediante re- dedicación y compromiso por la batalla para justicia sin violencia.
El ayuno
14. Muchos asuntos precipitaron el ayuno, especialmente el terrible sufrimiento de los trabajadores del campo y sus hijos, el aplastamiento de los derechos de los trabajadores, los peligros de las pesticidas, el rechazo
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de las elecciones libres y justas.
15. Sobre el ayuno Cesar dijo, “Un ayuno es primero y principalmente personal. Es un ayuno para la purificación de mi propio cuerpo, mente y alma. El ayuno es también una oración sentida en el corazón para purificación y para conseguir fuerzas para todos aquellos quienes trabajan a mi lado en el movimiento para el trabajador del campo. El ayuno es también un hecho de penitencia para aquellas posiciones de autoridad moral para todos los hombres y mujeres activistas que saben lo que es correcto y justo, que saben que pueden hacer más. El ayuno es una declaración final de los supermercados que no cooperan, promueven, venden y sacan provecho de las uvas de California. Durante los últimos años he estado estudiando la plaga de pesticidas en nuestra tierra y nuestra comida,” Cesar continua diciendo, “El mal es mucho más grave de lo que hasta yo pensé que sería, amenaza sacarle la vida a nuestra gente y también al sistema de vida que nos sostiene a todos. La solución a esta crisis mortal no será encontrada en la arrogancia de los poderosos, pero en solidaridad con los débiles e indefensos. Yo oro a Dios de que este ayuno será una preparación para una multitud de buenas obras de justicia. Llevadas a cabo por hombres y mujeres quienes sus corazones están enfocados en el sufrimiento del pobre y que desean, junto con nosotros, un mundo mejor. Juntos todas las cosas son posibles.”
16. Cesar Chávez completo su ayuno de 36 días para la Vida (Fast for Life) en agosto 21, 1988. El Reverendo Jesse Jackson continuo donde Cesar se detuvo, ayunando mediante consumir agua únicamente por tres días antes de pasar el ayuno a celebridades y líderes. El ayuno fue pasado a Martin Sheen, actor; el reverendo J. Lowery , President SCLC; Edward Olmos, actor; Emilio Estevez, actor; Kerry Kennedy, hija de Robert Kennedy, Peter Chacon, legislador, Julie Carmen, actress; Danny Glover, actor; Carly Simon, Singer; and Whoopi Goldber, actriz.
La Muerte de Cesar Chávez
17. Cesar Estrada Chávez murió en paz cuando dormía el 23 de abril, 1993 cerca de Yuma, Arizona, a corta distancia de la granja pequeña de la familia en Gila River Valley donde nació más de 66 años atrás.
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18. El fundador y presidente de United farm Workers de America, AFL-CIO estaba en Yuma ayudando al abogado de UFW en defender la unión en contra de una demanda presentada por Bruce Church Inc., un gigante ubicado en Salinas, California-productor de lechuga y verduras. Church exigía que los trabajadores agrícolas pagaran millones de dólares en danos que resultaron del UFW boycott y su lechuga durante 1980’s. En lugar de tomar acción legal en el estado donde se llevó a cabo el boicot como California o New York, Church “Shopped around”/procura un tribunal amigable en negocios de agricultura conservativos y nomino Arizona-un lugar donde no había habido actividad de boicot.
19. “Cesar dio su última onza de fuerza al defender a los trabajadores agrícolas en este caso” dijo su sucesor, UFW Presidente Arturo Rodríguez, que estaba con él en Arizona durante el juicio. El murió defendiendo la Primera Enmienda, el derecho hablar por nuestra cuenta. El sabia en su corazón que los trabajadores del campo tenían derecho a llevar a cabo el (boicot) de la lechuga de Bruce Church Inc. durante los 1980’s él estaba determinado a comprobarlo en el tribunal.” (Cuando el segundo fallo multimillonario en contra de Church, más después fue descartado por el tribunal de apelaciones, la empresa firmó un contrato con UFW en mayo del 1996).
20. Durante el descanso del juicio alas aproximadas 3:00 p.m. el jueves, 22 de abril, Cesar pasó parte de la tarde en Yuma conduciendo entre las vecindades latinas que conoció de niño.
21. Llego aproximadamente a las 6 p.m. a San Luis, Arizona que esta aproximadamente a 20 millas de Yuma la modesta casa de bloque de concreto de Dofla María Hau, una previa trabajadora y vieja amiga. Cesar y ocho líderes del personal de UFW estaban quedándose en su casa, una vecindad pobre de trabajadores agrícolas a corta distancia de la línea fronteriza mexicana.
22. Cesar ceno a las aproximadas 9 p.m. y dirigió una breve reunión para repasar los asuntos del día. Había terminado dos días muy agotantes
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debido a las preguntas de los abogados a favor de Bruce Church Inc.
23. Hablo con sus colegas sobre el auto-cuidarse, un tema que salía mucho con Cesar debido a que estaba al tanto de las largas horas exigidas de él y otros oficiales de la unión y personal. Aun así estaba con buen espíritu a pesar de estar agotado después de las preguntas prolongadas en el banquillo de los testigos; él se quejó de estar padeciendo debilidad cuando estuvo haciendo sus ejercicios de la tarde.
24. El fundador de UFW se dirigió a su cama a las 10 o 10:30 p.m. Un miembro de la unión dijo que más después vio relucir desde el dormitorio la luz que utilizaba para leer.
25. La luz aún estaba encendida a las 6 a.m. la próxima mañana. Esta situación no era vista como fuera de lo regular. Cesar generalmente despertaba en las horas tempranas de la mañana mucho antes de la salida del sol, que era cuando escribía o meditaba.
26. Cuando para las 9 a.m. no había salido, sus colegas entraron a su dormitorio e encontraron que Cesar había fallecido, aparentemente, durante la noche en lo que dormía, según autoridades.
27. Fue encontrado acostado boca arriba con su cabeza girada hacia la izquierda. Sin zapatos y todavía con su ropa puesta del día anterior. En su mano derecha sostenía un libro sobre el arte de los americanos nativos. Había una sonrisa de paz en su cara.
La Última Marcha con Cesar Chávez
28. El 29 de abril, del 1993, a Cesar Chávez se le dio honor en muerte por aquellos a quienes guío en vida. Más de 50, 000 dolientes vinieron a darle honor al carismático líder laboral al lugar donde llevo a cabo su primer ayuno público en 1968 y su última en 1988, en United farm Workers Delano Field Office en “Forty Acres.”
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29. En la historia de estados Unidos fue el servicio fúnebre más numeroso a un líder laboral. Vinieron en caravanas desde florida a California para pagar su respeto a un hombre que en su sencillez estaba su fuerza.
30. Trabajadores de la agricultura, miembros de familia, amigos y personal de la unión se turnaban para pararse durante la vigilia sobre un féretro de pino sencillo, el cual sostenía el cuerpo de Cesar Chávez. Entre la guardia de honor estaban celebridades que habían apoyado a Chávez a través de sus años de batalla para mejorar a los muchos trabajadores de la agricultura por todo América.
31. Muchos de los dolientes habían marchado lado a lado con Chávez durante sus años tumultuosos en las viñas y ranchos de América. Por última vez vinieron a marchar al lado del hombre que les había ensenado a defender sus derechos, mediante protestas sin violencia y negociaciones colectivas.
32. Cardinal Roger Mahoney, quien celebró la misa del entierro, llamo a Chávez “un especial profeta para los trabajadores agrícolas del mundo.” Los sostenedores del manto, incluyendo cuadrillas de estos trabajadores, los hijos de Chávez y nietos, cargaron su caído líder, descansando por fin, desde Memorial Park a Forty Acres.
33. La muerte de Cesar Chávez marco una era de cambios dramáticos en la agricultura Americana. Sus contribuciones serian erosionadas, y otros tendrían que cargar en sus hombros el trabajo que él hacía. Pero Cesar Chávez, que insistió que aquellos quienes trabajaban la tierra tenían derecho a compartir de manera justa las recompensas de su esfuerzo, nunca seria olvidado.
34. Como dijo Luis Valdez, “Cesar hemos llegado a plantar tu corazón como una semilla… los cultivadores cosecharan con la semilla de tu memoria.”
Lugar de descanso final / reconocimiento final
35. El cuerpo de Cesar Chávez fue llevado a La paz, la sucursal de UFW de California. Descansa cerca de un lecho de rosas.
36. El día 8 de agosto del 1994 en la ceremonia de la Casa Blanca, Helen
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Chaves, viuda de Cesar acepto la Medalla de Libertad por su marido fallecido de parte del Presidente Clinton. En las palabras que acompañaban el honorario civil más alto de América, el cual se le otorgo póstumamente, el Presidente elogio a Chávez por haber “enfrentado formidablemente, y a menudo oposición violenta con dignidad y sin violencia.
37. El llego a ser victorioso. Cesar Chaves dejo nuestro mundo mejor que como lo encontró, y su legado nos inspira aún. Él fue para su propia gente una figura como la de Moisés,” El presidente declaro. “Los trabajadores de la agricultura que trabajaron los campos y anhelaban respeto y autosuficiencia cifraron sus esperanzas en este hombre extraordinario que con fe y disciplina, humilde y de habla suave, sorprendente en fuerza interior, llevo una vida con mucha valentía.
38. Las palabras que acompañaban el reconocimiento indicaban como Chávez era un trabajador de la agricultura desde su niñez que “poseía una profunda comprensión personal de la situación grave de los trabajadores migrantes, y trabajo toda su vida para mejorar sus vidas.” Durante su vida, Chávez nunca gano más de $5,000 dólares al año. El fallecido Senador Robert Kennedy lo llamo “una de las figuras heroicas de nuestro tiempo.”
39. El sucesor de Chávez, UFW Presidente Arturo Rodríguez, dio las gracias al presidente de parte de United Farm Workers y dijo, “Todos los días en California y en otros estados donde trabajadores agrícolas se están organizando, Cesar Chávez vive en sus corazones. Cesar vive dondequiera…, el inspiro… cambio social sin utilizar violencia.
Un Héroe Americano (biografía 2)
40. Cesar E. Chávez era un hombre bueno que dedicó su vida ayudar a otros. Cesar nació de padres que le ensenaron ideas importantes sobre el trabajo duro, la importancia de la educación, y respeto.
41. Cuando era un jovencito, Cesar trabajo en el rancho de la familia dándoles comida y agua a los animales; recogiendo huevos, y acarreando agua a la casa.
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42. Los padres de Cesar pensaban que la escuela era importante. La escuela era difícil porque las maestras únicamente hablaban inglés. Cesar pensaba que algunas de las maestras eran malas porque lo castigaban cuando hablaba español. Cesar aprendió a leer ingles en la escuela y aprendió a leer español con sus tíos.
43. Los padres de Cesar eran muy estrictos lo enseñaron a él y a sus hermanas y hermanos a demostrar respeto por otros.
44. Sus padres también le enseñaron que era importante ayudar a otros. Cesar y su familia a menudo ayudaban a sus tíos, tías, y primos mediante darles comida cuando tenían poco para comer.
45. (nota al pie de la foto) Cesar y su hermana están parados fuera de su casa.
46. La abuela de Cesar, Mama Tella, les enseno sobre la importancia de su fe religiosa y a tener una creencia fuerte en Dios. Cuando cesar creció, el recordaba y practicaba lo que su abuela le había enseñado. Para Cesar, la religión era la cosa más importante.
47. Cuando Cesar tenía diez años, se les quito la casa de su familia porque no tenían suficiente dinero.
48. La familia de Cesar se mudó a California para encontrar trabajo. Ellos comenzaron a trabajar en el campo cosechando fruta y verduras. La familia de cesar se mudaba de campo en campo buscando trabajo, así como muchas familias que también perdieron sus hogares.
49. La familia de Cesar se mudaba a menudo. El mudarse no les molestaba tanto a Cesar, a sus hermanas o hermanos porque sus padres los amaban y siempre estaban contentos de estar juntos como familia.
50. El trabajar en el campo era muy difícil. Los trabajadores del campo como la familia Chávez trabajaban largas horas. Con frecuencia tenían acceso a
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pocos baños y poca agua limpia. Los trabajadores del campo sufrían mucho y eran tratados sin respeto y dignidad. La familia de Cesar trabajaba duro en el campo, pero hacían muy poco dinero. Todos los miembros de la familia tenían que trabajar, aun los niños. Se empeoraban las cosas porque a veces los hombres encargados de los trabajadores los engañaban mediante robarles el dinero a los trabajadores lo cual incluía la familia de Cesar. Estos hombres muchas veces corrían para no ser encontrados.
51. La familia de Cesar tenía muy poco dinero y muchas veces no tenían suficiente para comer. Cesar y su familia nunca pensaron que eran pobres. La mamá de Cesar con frecuencia le decía a Cesar y a su hermano Richard que buscara a las personas sin hogar y hombres con hambre para que ella les cocinara una comida.
52. Cuando Cesar era un adolecente, él y su hermana mayor, Rita ayudaban a los trabajadores del campo y a sus vecinos mediante llevarlos al hospital para ver al médico. Sin la ayuda de Cesar y su hermana, a esta gente se le hubiera hecho difícil conseguir ayuda médica.
53. Las personas a las que ayudo Cesar a menudo querían darle un poco de dinero para pagar la gasolina por su ayuda. Cesar nunca tomo su dinero porque su madre hubiera estado enojada con él. Ella decía, “Siempre hay que ayudar a los necesitados, y Dios te ayudara”.
54. Unos cuantos años después, Cesar se dio de voluntario para servir en la United States Navy. Cesar, como muchos hombres y mujeres americanas sirvieron en el servicio militar para pelear por la libertad y para proteger a la gente de Estados Unidos.
55. Después de dos años sirviendo en la Naval, Cesar volvió a casa y se casó con su novia, Helen. Después de un periodo corto de tiempo, se mudaron a san José, California y comenzaron una familia.
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56. La vida cambio para cesar cuando conoció un hombre llamado Fred Ross. Fred Ross creía que si la gente trabajaba junta podían mejorar su comunidad. Fred Ross contrato a Cesar para trabajar para él en la, Community Service Organization (Organización de Servicio para la Comunidad).
57. La Organización de Servicio para la Comunidad, funcionaba para ayudar a la gente. Cesar ahora trabajaba para reunir a la gente e identificar problemas y encontrar maneras de resolverlos. Muchos problemas no se resolvieron porque los líderes de la comunidad no respetaban a la gente.
58. Cesar, Fred Ross, y La Organización de Servicio para la Comunidad ayudaron a la gente dentro de la comunidad aprender cómo votar. También enseñaron a la gente que los líderes de la comunidad respetaban a los que votaban. Cesar trabajo en muchas comunidades en California para ayudar a la gente a conseguir el respeto que se merecían.
59. Después de ayudar a la gente a conseguir el respeto de los líderes de la comunidad, cesar dejo la Organización de Servicio para la Comunidad porque quería ayudar a los trabajadores del campo a conseguir el respeto y dignidad que se merecían.
60. Cesar comenzó el, National Farm Worker Association para mejorar las condiciones de los trabajadores del campo. afro-americanos, filipinos, americanos blancos, México-americanos y mexicanos, y hombres y mujeres de todos los antecedentes se unieron a Cesar.
61. Cesar y los trabajadores del campo querían que las compañías y rancheros, dueños de los campos respetaran a los trabajadores mediante proporcionarles agua limpia para tomar, que hubiera baños en los campos, y un pago justo por el trabajo del día.
62. Las compañías y rancheros reusaban tratar a los trabajadores con respeto y
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dignidad. Los rancheros hicieron todo lo posible para detener a Cesar y a los trabajadores de campo. Hasta utilizaron violencia y lesionaron a muchos trabajadores del campo y a personas que ayudaban a los trabajadores. Esta situación lleno de coraje a Cesar.
63. Cesar no creía en la violencia. Como Martin Luther King, Cesar quería traer cambio de manera pacífica. Mucha gente vino ayudar a Cesar. Mucha gente apoyo a Cesar porque él creía en la paz. Como Cesar, también creía que los trabajadores del campo merecían mejor tratamiento, respeto, dignidad, justicia, e imparcialidad.
(Nota al pie de la foto) Durante la firma de un acuerdo importante Cesar es observado por sus apoyadores, reporteros de estaciones de radio y periodistas.
64. Cesar trabajo duro. El sufrió y sacrifico muchísimo para mejorar las vidas de los trabajadores del campo.
65. Después de cinco años, algunos rancheros comenzaron a proporcionar agua limpia para tomar, baños, y mejor pago. Cesar, los trabajadores del campo, y sus amigos ganaron, logrando que las vidas de los trabajadores del campo mejoraran.
66. Cesar dedico el resto de su vida hacer del mundo un mejor lugar y a servir a otros. El siguió trabajando para conseguir respeto, dignidad, justicia, y un tratamiento imparcial para los pobres, los trabajadores del campo y a personas de todo lugar. Cesar murió el 23 de abril del 1993. Tenía sesenta y seis años de edad. Personas de todo el mundo recuerdan a Cesar E. Chávez como un hombre de valentía que peleo para mejorar las vidas de toda la gente.
67. Cesar E. Chávez es un héroe americano.
68. Su legado vive.
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Work Cited
http://chavez.cde.ca.gov/ModelCurriculum/Teachers/Lessons/Resources/Biographies/K-2_Bio.aspxC
http://www.spanishdict.com/translate/amendment
http://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=profit
http://translate.google.com/#en/es/boycotts
http://chavez.cde.ca.gov/ModelCurriculum/Teachers/Lessons/Resources/Biographies/K-2_Bio.aspxC
The Story of Cesar Chavez THE BEGINNING
1.The story of Cesar Estrada Chavez begins near Yuma, Arizona. Cesar was born on March 31, 1927. He was named after his grandfather, Cesario. Regrettably, the story of Cesar Estrada Chavez also ends near Yuma, Arizona. He passed away on April 23, 1993, in San Luis, a small village near Yuma, Arizona. 2.He learned about justice or rather injustice early in his life. Cesar grew up in Arizona; the small adobe home, where Cesar was born was swindled from them by dishonest Anglos. Cesar's father agreed to clear eighty acres of land and in exchange he would receive the deed to forty acres of land that adjoined the home. The agreement was broken and the land sold to a man named Justus Jackson. Cesar's dad went to a lawyer who advised him to borrow money and buy the land. Later when Cesar's father could not pay the interest on the loan the lawyer bought back the land and sold it to the original owner. Cesar learned a lesson about injustice that he would never forget. Later, he would say, The love for justice that is in us is not only the best part of our being but it is also the most true to our nature.
3.In 1938 he and his family moved to California. He lived in La Colonia Barrio in Oxnard for a
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short period, returning to Arizona several months later. They returned to California in June 1939 and this time settled in San Jose. They lived in the barrio called Sal Si Puedes -"Get Out If You Can." Cesar thought the only way to get out of the circle of poverty was to work his way up and send the kids to college. He and his family worked in the fields of California from Brawley to Oxnard, Atascadero, Gonzales, King City, Salinas, McFarland, Delano, Wasco, Selma, Kingsburg, and Mendota. 4.He did not like school as a child, probably because he spoke only Spanish at home. The teachers were mostly Anglo and only spoke English. Spanish was forbidden in school. He remembers being punished with a ruler to his knuckles for violating the rule. He also remembers that some schools were segregated and he felt that in the integrated schools he was like a monkey in a cage. He remembers having to listen to a lot of racist remarks. He remembers seeing signs that read whites only. He and his brother, Richard, attended thirty-seven schools. He felt that education had nothing to do with his farm worker/migrant way of life. In 1942 he graduated from the eighth grade. Because his father, Librado, had been in an accident and because he did not want his mother, Juana, to work in the fields, he could not to go to high school, and instead became a migrant farm worker. 5.While his childhood school education was not the best, later in life, education was his passion. The walls of his office in La Paz (United Farm Worker Headquarters ) are lined with hundreds of books ranging from philosophy, economics, cooperatives, and unions, to biographies on Gandhi and the Kennedys'. He believed that, "The end of all education should surely be service to others," a belief that he practiced until his untimely death. 6. He joined the U.S. Navy, which was then segregated, in 1946, at the age of 19, and served for two years. 7. In 1948 Cesar married Helen Fabela. They honeymooned in California by visiting all the California Missions from Sonoma to San Diego (again the influence of education). They settled in Delano and started their family. First Fernando, then Sylvia, then Linda, and five more children were to follow. 8. Cesar returned to San Jose where he met and was influenced by Father Donald McDonnell. They talked about farm workers and strikes. Cesar began reading about St. Francis and Gandhi and nonviolence. After Father McDonnell came another very influential person, Fred Ross. 9. Cesar became an organizer for Ross' organization, the Community Service Organization - CSO. His first task was voter registration. THE UNITED FARM WORKERS IS BORN
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10.In 1962 Cesar founded the National Farm Workers Association, later to become the United Farm Workers - the UFW. He was joined by Dolores Huerta and the union was born. That same year Richard Chavez designed the UFW Eagle and Cesar chose the black and red colors. Cesar told the story of the birth of the eagle. He asked Richard to design the flag, but Richard could not make an eagle that he liked. Finally he sketched one on a piece of brown wrapping paper. He then squared off the wing edges so that the eagle would be easier for union members to draw on the handmade red flags that would give courage to the farm workers with their own powerful symbol. Cesar made reference to the flag by stating, "A symbol is an important thing. That is why we chose an Aztec eagle. It gives pride . . . When people see it they know it means dignity." 11. For a long time in 1962, there were very few union dues paying members. By 1970 the UFW got grape growers to accept union contracts and had effectively organized most of that industry, at one point in time claiming 50,000 dues paying members. The reason was Cesar Chavez's tireless leadership and nonviolent tactics that included the Delano grape strike, his fasts that focused national attention on farm workers problems, and the 340-mile march from Delano to Sacramento in 1966. The farm workers and supporters carried banners with the black eagle with HUELGA (strike) and VIVA LA CAUSA (Long live our cause). The marchers wanted the state government to pass laws which would permit farm workers to organize into a union and allow collective bargaining agreements. Cesar made people aware of the struggles of farm workers for better pay and safer working conditions. He succeeded through nonviolent tactics (boycotts, pickets, and strikes). Cesar Chavez and the union sought recognition of the importance and dignity of all farm workers. 12. It was the beginning of La Causa a cause that was supported by organized labor, religious groups, minorities, and students. Cesar Chavez had the foresight to train his union workers and then to send many of them into the cities where they were to use the boycott and picket as their weapon. 13. Cesar was willing to sacrifice his own life so that the union would continue and that violence was not used. Cesar fasted many times. In 1968 Cesar went on a water only, 25 day fast. He repeated the fast in 1972 for 24 days, and again in 1988, this time for 36 days. What motivated him to do this? He said, Farm workers everywhere are angry and worried that we cannot win without violence. We have proved it before through persistence, hard work, faith and willingness to sacrifice. We can win and keep our own self-respect and build a great union that will secure the spirit of all people if we do it through a rededication and recommitment to the struggle for justice through nonviolence.
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THE FAST
14. Many events precipitated the fast, especially the terrible suffering of the farm workers and their children, the crushing of farm worker rights, the dangers of pesticides, and the denial of fair and free elections.
15. Cesar said about the fast, " A fast is first and foremost personal. It is a fast for the purification of my own body, mind, and soul. The fast is also a heartfelt prayer for purification and strengthening for all those who work beside me in the farm worker movement. The fast is alsoan act of penance for those in positions of moral authority and for all men and women activists who know what is right and just, who know that they could and should do more. The fast is finally a declaration of non-cooperation with supermarkets who promote and sell and profit fromCalifornia table grapes. During the past few years I have been studying the plague of pesticides on our land and our food," Cesar continued "The evil is far greater than even I had thought it to be, it threatens to choke out the life of our people and also the life system that supports us all. This solution to this deadly crisis will not be found in the arrogance of the powerful, but in solidarity with the weak and helpless. I pray to God that this fast will be a preparation for a multitude of simple deeds for justice. Carried out by men and women whose hearts are focused on the suffering of the poor and who yearn, with us, for a better world. Together, all things are possible." 16. Cesar Chavez completed his 36-day Fast for Life on August 21, 1988. The Reverend Jesse Jackson took up where Cesar left off, fasting on water for three days before passing on the fast to celebrities and leaders. The fast was passed to Martin Sheen, actor; the Reverend J. Lowery, President SCLC; Edward Olmos, actor; Emilio Estevez, actor; Kerry Kennedy, daughter of Robert Kennedy, Peter Chacon, legislator, Julie Carmen, actress; Danny Glover, actor; Carly Simon, singer; and Whoopi Goldberg, actress. THE DEATH OF CESAR CHAVEZ
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17. Cesar Estrada Chavez died peacefully in his sleep on April 23, 1993 near Yuma, Arizona, a short distance from the small family farm in the Gila River Valley where he was born more than 66 years before.
18.The founder and president of the United Farm Workers of America, AFL-CIO was in Yuma helping UFW attorneys defend the union against a lawsuit brought by Bruce Church Inc., a giant Salinas, Calif.-based lettuce and vegetable producer. Church demanded that the farm workers pay millions of dollars in damages resulting from a UFW boycott of its lettuce during the 1980's. Rather than bring the legal action in a state where the boycott actually took place, such as California or New York, Church "shopped around" for a friendly court in conservative, agribusiness-dominated Arizona-where there had been no boycott activity.
19. "Cesar gave his last ounce of strength defending the farm workers in this case," stated his successor, UFW President Arturo Rodriguez, who was with him in Arizona during the trial. He died standing up for their First Amendment right to speak out for themselves. He believed in his heart that the farm workers were right in boycotting Bruce Church Inc. lettuce during the l980's and he was determined to prove that in court." (When the second multimillion dollar judgement for Church was later thrown out by an appeal's court, the company signed a UFW contract in May 1996. 20. After the trial recessed at about 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 22, Cesar spent part of the afternoon driving through Latino neighborhoods in Yuma that he knew as a child. Many Chavezes still live in the area. 21. He arrived about 6 p.m. in San Luis, Arizona-about 20 miles from Yuma, at the modest concrete-block home of Dofla Maria Hau, a former farm worker and longtime friend. Cesar and eight other UFW leaders and staff were staying at her house in a poor farm worker neighborhood not far from the Mexican border. 22. Cesar ate dinner at around 9 p.m. and presided over a brief meeting to review the day's events. He had just finished two days of often grueling examination by attorneys for Bruce Church Inc.ma 23. He talked to his colleagues about taking care of themselves-a recent recurring theme with Cesar because he was well aware of the long hours required from him and other union officers and staff. Still, he was in good spirits despite being exhausted after prolonged questioning on the witness stand; he complained about feeling some weakness when doing his evening exercises.
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24. The UFW founder went to bed at about 10 or 10:30 p.m. A union staff member said he later saw a reading light shining from Cesar's room. 25. The light was still on at 6 a.m. the next morning. That was not seen as unusual. Cesar usually woke up in the early hours of the morning well before dawn to read, write or meditate. 26. When he had not come out by 9 a.m., his colleagues entered his bedroom found that Cesar had died apparently, according to authorities, at night in his sleep. 27. He was found lying on his back with his head turned to the left. His shoes were off and he still wore his clothes from the day before. In his right hand was a book on Native American crafts. There was a peaceful smile on his face.
THE LAST MARCH WITH CESAR CHAVEZ
28. On April 29, 1993, Cesar Estrada Chavez was honored in death by those he led in life. More than 50,000 mourners came to honor the charismatic labor leader at the site of his first public fast in 1968 and his last in 1988, the United Farm Workers Delano Field Office at "Forty Acres." 29. It was the largest funeral of any labor leader in the history of the U.S. They came in caravans from Florida to California to pay respect to a man whose strength was in his simplicity. 30. Farm workers, family members, friends and union staff took turns standing vigil over the plain pine coffin which held the body of Cesar Chavez. Among the honor guard were many celebrities who had supported Chavez throughout his years of struggle to better the lot of farmworkers throughout America. 31. Many of the mourners had marched side by side with Chavez during his tumultuous years in the vineyards and farms of America. For the last time, they came to march by the side of the man who had taught them to stand up for their rights, through nonviolent protest and collective bargaining. 32, Cardinal Roger M. Mahoney, who celebrated the funeral mass, called Chavez "a special prophet for the worlds' farm workers." Pall bearers, including crews of these workers, Chavez children and grandchildren, then carried their fallen leader, resting at last, from the Memorial Park to Forty Acres.
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33. The death of Chavez marked an era of dramatic changes in American agriculture. His contributions would be eroded, and others would have to shoulder the burden of his work. But, Cesar Chavez, who insisted that those who labor in the earth were entitled to share fairly in the rewards of their toil, would never be forgotten. 34. As Luis Valdez said, "Cesar, we have come to plant your heart like a seed . . . the farm workers shall harvest in the seed of your memory." FINAL RESTING PLACE/FINAL RECOGNITION 35. The body of Cesar Chavez was taken to La Paz, the UFW's California headquarters, by his family and UFW leadership. He was laid to rest near a bed of roses, in front of his office. 36. On August 8, 1994, at a White House ceremony, Helen Chavez, Cesar's widow, accepted the Medal of Freedom for her late husband from President Clinton. In the citation accompanying America's highest civilian honor which was awarded posthumously, the President lauded Chavez for having "faced formidable, often violent opposition with dignity and nonviolence. 37. And he was victorious. Cesar Chavez left our world better than he found it, and his legacy inspires us still. He was for his own people a Moses figure," the President declared. "The farm workers who labored in the fields and yearned for respect and self-sufficiency pinned their hopes on this remarkable man who, with faith and discipline, soft spoken humility and amazing inner strength, led a very courageous life"
38. The citation accompanying the award noted how Chavez was a farm worker from childhood who "possessed a deep personal understanding of the plight of migrant workers, and he labored all his years to lift their lives." During his lifetime, Chavez never earned more than $5,000 a year. The late Senator Robert Kennedy called him "one of the heroic figures of our time." 39. Chavez's successor, UFW President Arturo Rodriguez, thanked the president on behalf of the United Farm Workers and said, "Every day in California and in other states where farm workers are organizing, Cesar Chavez lives in their hearts. Cesar lives wherever Americans' he inspired work nonviolently for social change."
An American Hero
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The Biography of César E. Chávez
Photo copyright © Jocelyn Sherman
40. César E. Chávez was a good man who dedicated his life to helping others. César was born to parents who taught him important ideas about hard work, the importance of education, and respect. 41. As a young boy, César worked on his family’s farm feeding and watering the animals, collecting eggs, and bringing water to the house. 42. César’s parents thought school was important. School was hard for César because the teachers only spoke English and César did not understand English. César thought some teachers were mean because they would punish him when he spoke Spanish. César learned to read English in school and he learned to read Spanish from his uncles.
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43. César’s parents were very strict and taught him and his sisters and brothers to show respect to others. 44. His parents also taught him that it was important to help others. César and his family often helped his uncles, aunts, and cousins by giving them food when they had little to eat.
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation 45. César and his sister are standing outside their home.
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Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and his sister are dressed for their First Holy Communion.
46. César’s grandmother, Mama Tella, taught him about the importance of their religious faith and to have a strong belief in God. When César grew up, he would remember and practice what his grandmother had taught him. For César, religion was a most beautiful thing.
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Photo Copyright © Manuel Echavaria
In 1975, this farm worker family is eating lunch along side the fields in the Santa Maria Valley in the shade of their van because there is no other shade available.
47. When César was ten years old, his family’s home was taken away from them because they did not have enough money. 48. César’s family moved to California to find work. They began working on farms picking fruits and vegetables. César’s family would move from farm to farm looking for work, just like many other families who also lost their homes.
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49. César’s family moved often. Moving did not bother César, or his sisters and brothers too much because their parents loved them and because they were always happy to be together as a family.
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and his brothers and sisters in front of the family car
50. Working on the farms was very difficult. Farm workers like the Chávez family would very long hours. They often had few bathrooms and little clean water to drink. Farm workers suffered a lot and they were not treated with respect or dignity.
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Photo Copyright © Manuel Echavaria
These farm workers are picking chili at Santa Maria in 1971.
César’s family worked very hard on the farms, but they made very little money. Everyone in the family had to work, even the children. To make things worse, sometimes the men in charge of the farm workers would cheat and steal money from the farm workers, including César’s family. These men would often run away so they would not get caught. 51. César’s family had very little money and many times they did not have enough food to eat. César and his family never thought of themselves as being poor. César’s mother would often tell César and his brother Richard to find homeless and hungry men so she could cook them a meal.
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Photo by Cris Sanchez, Courtesy of United Farm Workers
In a migrant farm worker camp, the ladies are visiting while their laundry dries on the clothesline strung between their houses.
52. When César was a teenager, he and his older sister Rita would help other farm workers and neighbors by driving them to the hospital to see a doctor. Without César’s and his sister’s help, these people would have had
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a very difficult time getting a doctor’s help. 53. The people César helped often wanted to give him a little bit of money to pay for gas and for his help. César never took any of their money because his mother would have been mad at him. She used to say, “You always have to help the needy, and God will help you.”
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César in his U.S. Navy uniform.
54. A few years later, César volunteered to serve in the United States Navy. César, like many American men and
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women, served in the military to fight for freedom and to protect the people of the United States.
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and his wife, Helen, posed for their picture by the seashore.
55. After two years in the Navy, César returned home and married his girlfriend, Helen. After a short time, they moved to San Jose, California and began a family.
56. Life changed for César when he met a man named Fred Ross. Fred Ross believed that if people worked
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together they could make their community better. Fred Ross hired César to work for him in the Community Service Organization. 57. The Community Service Organization worked to help people. César now worked to bring people together to identify problems and find ways to solve their problems. Many problems were not solved because community leaders did not respect all people. 58. César, Fred Ross, and the Community Service Organization helped people in the community learn how to vote. They also taught people that community leaders respected voters. Community leaders worked harder to solve the problems of voters. César worked in many communities in California to help people gain the respect they deserved.
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Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and other people from the Community Service Organization are getting ready to try to get the farm workers to vote.
59. After helping many people gain the respect of community leaders, César left the Community Service Organization to help farm workers gain the respect and dignity they deserved. 60. César started the National Farm Worker Association to help improve the working conditions of farm workers. African Americans, Filipinos, white Americans, Mexican Americans and Mexicans, and men and women of all backgrounds joined César.
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Photo by Cris Sanchez
In a migrant farm worker camp, the ladies are visiting while their laundry dries on the clothesline strung between their houses.
61. César and the farm workers wanted the companies and growers that owned the farms to respect farm workers by providing them with fresh water to drink, bathrooms in the fields, and fair pay for a day’s work. 62. The companies and growers refused to treat the farm workers with respect and dignity. The growers did everything they could to stop César and the farm workers. They even turned to violence and hurt many farm workers and people who helped the farm workers.
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This made César very upset.
Photo Copyright © Manuel Echavaria
People of all ages marched to Preisker Park while participating in a demonstration in 1972.
63. César did not believe in violence. Like Martin Luther King, César wanted to bring change in a nonviolent way. Many people came to help César. Many people supported César because he believed in nonviolence. Like César, they also believed that farm workers deserved better treatment, respect, dignity, justice, and fairness.
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Photo Courtesy of United Farm Workers
César is signing an important agreement while many union supporters watch with reporters from radio stations and newspapers.
César worked hard. He suffered and sacrificed a lot to make farm workers’ lives better 65. After five years, some growers in California agreed with César and started to provide farm workers with fresh water to drink, bathrooms, and better pay. César, the farm workers, and their friends won, making farm worker’s lives better.
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Photo Copyright © Jocelyn Sherman
César marching again with many supporters.
César dedicated the rest of his life to making the world a better place and to serving others. He continued to work to bring respect, dignity, justice, and fair treatment to the poor, to farm workers, and to people everywhere.
Photo Copyright © Jocelyn Sherman
Many people came to César’s funeral.
César died on April 23, 1993. He was sixty-six years old. People all over the world remember César E. Chávez as a man of courage who fought to improve the lives of all
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people.
Photo Courtesy of the César E. Chávez Foundation
César E. Chávez is an American hero. His legacy lives on!
http://chavez.cde.ca.gov/ModelCurriculum/Teachers/Lessons/Resources/Biographies/K-2_Bio.aspxC1
Evelia Meza
Spanish 315 (4,170 word document translation of a topic of choice)
Profesor Arrizabalaga
Spring, 2014
La historia de Cesar Chávez
Los Comienzos
1. La historia de Cesar Estrada Chávez comienza cerca de Yuma, Arizona. Cesar nació el 31 de marzo del 1927. Su nombre proviene del nombre de su abuelo, Cesario. Lamentable, la historia de Cesar estrada Chávez también termina cerca de Yuma, Arizona. Cesar falleció el 23 de abril, del 1993, cerca de Yuma, Arizona en una aldea.
2. El aprendió sobre la justicia, o mejor dicho sobre la injusticia a muy temprana edad. La casa pequeña de adobe ubicada en Arizona donde cesar nació y Cesar fue estafada por anglo-americanos fraudulentos. El padre de Cesar estuvo de acuerdo en limpiar 80 acres de terreno y en cambio recibiría la escritura de 40 acres de terreno que conectaban con la casa. El acuerdo no se cumplió y el terreno fue vendido a un hombre llamado Justus Jackson. El padre de Cesar se dirigió a un abogado quien le aconsejo que pidiera un préstamo y comprara el terreno. Después cuando el padre de Cesar no pudo pagar el interés sobre el préstamo el abogado compro el terreno y lo vendió al dueño original. Cesar aprendió una lección sobre la injusticia que nunca olvidaría. Después él decía, “El amor por la justicia que está dentro de nosotros no únicamente es la mejor parte de nuestro ser, es también la cosa más cierta a nuestra naturaleza”.
3. En 1938 el y su familia se mudaron a California. Él vivió en, La Colonia Barrio en Oxnard por un periodo corto de tiempo, volvió a Arizona varios meses después. Ellos volvieron a California en junio del 1939 y esta vez se establecieron en San José. Ellos vivieron en el barrio que se llama, Sal
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Si Puedes- “Get Out If You Can” Cesar pensó que la única manera de salirse del circulo de la pobreza era trabajar, ascender de puesto y mandar a los niños a la universidad. El y su familia trabajaron en los campos de California desde Brawley a Oxnard, Atascadero, Gonzales, King City, Salinas, Mcfarland, Delano, Vasco, Selma, Kingsburg, y Mendota.
4. No le interesaba la escuela de niño, seguramente porque hablaba únicamente español en casa. Las maestras eran principalmente anglo americanas y nada más hablaban inglés. El español era prohibido en las escuelas. El recuerda haber sido castigado con una regla sobre los nudillos por haber incumplido las normas. El también recuerda que algunas escuelas estaban divididas y que en las escuelas mixtas se sentía como un mono en una jaula. El recuerda que escuchaba muchos comentarios racistas. El recuerda haber visto rótulos que decían ‘blancos únicamente’. Él y su hermano, Richard, asistieron a treinta y siete escuelas. El creía que la educación no tenía nada que ver con su manera de vivir como trabajador del campo. En 1942 se graduó del grado octavo. Por el motivo de que su padre, Librado había sufrido un accidente y no quería que su mamá Juana trabajara en el campo, en lugar de asistir a la preparatoria, opto por ser un trabajador migrante del campo.
5. Durante su niñez la educación no era su prioridad, más después en su vida, la educación era su pasión. Las paredes de su consultorio en La Paz (United Farm Worker Headquarters) están llenos de cienes de libros desde filosofía, economía, cooperativas, y uniones, hasta biografías de Gandhi y de los Kennedys’. El creía que “El final de toda la educación debería ser de seguro, brindar servicio a otros.” una creencia que practico hasta su muerte inesperada.
6. Ingreso al U.S. Navy, que estaba segregado para entonces, en 1946, a la edad de 19 años, brindo servicio por dos años.
7. En 1948 Cesar se casó con Helen Fabela. Pasaron su luna de miel visitando las misiones de California desde Sonoma a san Diego
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(nuevamente la influencia de la educación). Se establecieron en Delano y comenzaron una familia. Primero Fernando, después Sylvia, después Linda, y cinco más hijos habrían de venir.
8. Cesar volvió a San José donde conoció al Padre Donald McDonnell el cual tuvo mucha influencia en el. Hablaron sobre los trabajadores de los ranchos y las demostraciones. Cesar comenzó a leer sobre St. Francis y Gandhi y temas relacionados a la paz. Después de que el Padre McDonnell vino otra persona que tuvo mucha influencia en el, Fred Ross.
9. Cesar llego a ser un organizador para Ross, La organización para Servicios a la Comunidad-CSO. Su primer reto fue conseguir los derechos para registrarse y votar.
The United farm Workers is Born
10. En el 1962 Cesar fundo the national farm Workers Association, mas después conocida como, United farm Workers-the UFW. Dolores huerta se unió en la causa y la ‘unión’ se establece. Ese mismo año Richard Chávez diseño el UFW Eagle Cesar opto por los colores negros y rojos. Cesar pronuncio la historia del nacimiento del águila. Le pidió a Richard que diseñara la bandera, pero Richard no pudo dibujar un águila que le gustara. Finalmente hiso un borrador en un pedazo de papel de envolver café. Después recorto las orillas de las alas para que los miembros de la unión pudieran fácilmente dibujar en las banderas hechas a mano que les brindarían valor a los trabajadores de la agricultura con su propio símbolo de poder. Cesar hacía referencia a la bandera mediante decir “Un símbolo es una cosa importante, por eso escogimos una águila azteca, tal símbolo otorga orgullo… Cuando las personas lo ven ellos saben que significa dignidad.”
11. Por mucho tiempo en 1962, había muy pocos miembros de la unión que pagaban su cuota. Para el 1970 el UFW consiguió que los rancheros de la uva aceptaran contratos de unión y habían efectivamente organizado la mayor parte de la industrial. En algún momento hubo 50,000 miembros pagando su cuota. El motivo fue el incansable liderazgo y táctica sin violencia que incluyo la demostración de la uva en Delano, sus ayunos
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que atrajeron la atención nacional a los problemas de los trabajadores del campo, y la marcha de 340 millas desde Delano a Sacramento en 1966. Los trabajadores del campo y sus apoyadores cargaban rótulos con la águila negra que leían HUELGA (strike) y ViVA LA CAUSA (Long live the cause), Los marchadores querían que el gobierno del estado pasara leyes que permitieran a los trabajadores organizarse en una unión y que permitieran acuerdos de negociación colectiva. Cesar puso al día a la gente sobre las batallas de los trabajadores del campo para mejor pago y condiciones más seguras para trabajar. Tuvo éxito sin tácticas de violencia con boicots, manifestaciones, y demostraciones. Cesar Chávez y la unión procuraban que se reconociera la importancia y la dignidad de todos los trabajadores del campo.
12. Era el comienzo de LA Causa, una causa que era apoyada por trabajo organizado, grupos religiosos, minoridades, y estudiantes. Cesar Chávez tenía la previsión para capacitar a sus trabajadores de la unión y después mandar a muchos de ellos a la ciudad donde utilizarían los boicots y las demostraciones como su arma.
13. Cesar estaba dispuesto a sacrificar su propia vida para que continuara la unión y la violencia no se utilizó. Cesar ayuno muchas veces. En 1968 Cesar ayuno tomando únicamente agua por 25 días. El la repitió en 1972 por 24 días y nuevamente en 1988, esta vez por 36 días. ¿Que lo motivo hacer esto? Trabajadores del campo en dondequiera están con coraje y preocupados de que no podremos ganar sin violencia. Lo hemos comprobado anteriormente mediante persistencia, y trabajo arduo, fe y la disponibilidad de sacrificar. Podemos ganar y mantener nuestro respeto propio y crear una unión buena que asegurara el espíritu de toda la gente si la hacemos mediante re- dedicación y compromiso por la batalla para justicia sin violencia.
El ayuno
14. Muchos asuntos precipitaron el ayuno, especialmente el terrible sufrimiento de los trabajadores del campo y sus hijos, el aplastamiento de los derechos de los trabajadores, los peligros de las pesticidas, el rechazo
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de las elecciones libres y justas.
15. Sobre el ayuno Cesar dijo, “Un ayuno es primero y principalmente personal. Es un ayuno para la purificación de mi propio cuerpo, mente y alma. El ayuno es también una oración sentida en el corazón para purificación y para conseguir fuerzas para todos aquellos quienes trabajan a mi lado en el movimiento para el trabajador del campo. El ayuno es también un hecho de penitencia para aquellas posiciones de autoridad moral para todos los hombres y mujeres activistas que saben lo que es correcto y justo, que saben que pueden hacer más. El ayuno es una declaración final de los supermercados que no cooperan, promueven, venden y sacan provecho de las uvas de California. Durante los últimos años he estado estudiando la plaga de pesticidas en nuestra tierra y nuestra comida,” Cesar continua diciendo, “El mal es mucho más grave de lo que hasta yo pensé que sería, amenaza sacarle la vida a nuestra gente y también al sistema de vida que nos sostiene a todos. La solución a esta crisis mortal no será encontrada en la arrogancia de los poderosos, pero en solidaridad con los débiles e indefensos. Yo oro a Dios de que este ayuno será una preparación para una multitud de buenas obras de justicia. Llevadas a cabo por hombres y mujeres quienes sus corazones están enfocados en el sufrimiento del pobre y que desean, junto con nosotros, un mundo mejor. Juntos todas las cosas son posibles.”
16. Cesar Chávez completo su ayuno de 36 días para la Vida (Fast for Life) en agosto 21, 1988. El Reverendo Jesse Jackson continuo donde Cesar se detuvo, ayunando mediante consumir agua únicamente por tres días antes de pasar el ayuno a celebridades y líderes. El ayuno fue pasado a Martin Sheen, actor; el reverendo J. Lowery , President SCLC; Edward Olmos, actor; Emilio Estevez, actor; Kerry Kennedy, hija de Robert Kennedy, Peter Chacon, legislador, Julie Carmen, actress; Danny Glover, actor; Carly Simon, Singer; and Whoopi Goldber, actriz.
La Muerte de Cesar Chávez
17. Cesar Estrada Chávez murió en paz cuando dormía el 23 de abril, 1993 cerca de Yuma, Arizona, a corta distancia de la granja pequeña de la familia en Gila River Valley donde nació más de 66 años atrás.
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18. El fundador y presidente de United farm Workers de America, AFL-CIO estaba en Yuma ayudando al abogado de UFW en defender la unión en contra de una demanda presentada por Bruce Church Inc., un gigante ubicado en Salinas, California-productor de lechuga y verduras. Church exigía que los trabajadores agrícolas pagaran millones de dólares en danos que resultaron del UFW boycott y su lechuga durante 1980’s. En lugar de tomar acción legal en el estado donde se llevó a cabo el boicot como California o New York, Church “Shopped around”/procura un tribunal amigable en negocios de agricultura conservativos y nomino Arizona-un lugar donde no había habido actividad de boicot.
19. “Cesar dio su última onza de fuerza al defender a los trabajadores agrícolas en este caso” dijo su sucesor, UFW Presidente Arturo Rodríguez, que estaba con él en Arizona durante el juicio. El murió defendiendo la Primera Enmienda, el derecho hablar por nuestra cuenta. El sabia en su corazón que los trabajadores del campo tenían derecho a llevar a cabo el (boicot) de la lechuga de Bruce Church Inc. durante los 1980’s él estaba determinado a comprobarlo en el tribunal.” (Cuando el segundo fallo multimillonario en contra de Church, más después fue descartado por el tribunal de apelaciones, la empresa firmó un contrato con UFW en mayo del 1996).
20. Durante el descanso del juicio alas aproximadas 3:00 p.m. el jueves, 22 de abril, Cesar pasó parte de la tarde en Yuma conduciendo entre las vecindades latinas que conoció de niño.
21. Llego aproximadamente a las 6 p.m. a San Luis, Arizona que esta aproximadamente a 20 millas de Yuma la modesta casa de bloque de concreto de Dofla María Hau, una previa trabajadora y vieja amiga. Cesar y ocho líderes del personal de UFW estaban quedándose en su casa, una vecindad pobre de trabajadores agrícolas a corta distancia de la línea fronteriza mexicana.
22. Cesar ceno a las aproximadas 9 p.m. y dirigió una breve reunión para repasar los asuntos del día. Había terminado dos días muy agotantes
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debido a las preguntas de los abogados a favor de Bruce Church Inc.
23. Hablo con sus colegas sobre el auto-cuidarse, un tema que salía mucho con Cesar debido a que estaba al tanto de las largas horas exigidas de él y otros oficiales de la unión y personal. Aun así estaba con buen espíritu a pesar de estar agotado después de las preguntas prolongadas en el banquillo de los testigos; él se quejó de estar padeciendo debilidad cuando estuvo haciendo sus ejercicios de la tarde.
24. El fundador de UFW se dirigió a su cama a las 10 o 10:30 p.m. Un miembro de la unión dijo que más después vio relucir desde el dormitorio la luz que utilizaba para leer.
25. La luz aún estaba encendida a las 6 a.m. la próxima mañana. Esta situación no era vista como fuera de lo regular. Cesar generalmente despertaba en las horas tempranas de la mañana mucho antes de la salida del sol, que era cuando escribía o meditaba.
26. Cuando para las 9 a.m. no había salido, sus colegas entraron a su dormitorio e encontraron que Cesar había fallecido, aparentemente, durante la noche en lo que dormía, según autoridades.
27. Fue encontrado acostado boca arriba con su cabeza girada hacia la izquierda. Sin zapatos y todavía con su ropa puesta del día anterior. En su mano derecha sostenía un libro sobre el arte de los americanos nativos. Había una sonrisa de paz en su cara.
La Última Marcha con Cesar Chávez
28. El 29 de abril, del 1993, a Cesar Chávez se le dio honor en muerte por aquellos a quienes guío en vida. Más de 50, 000 dolientes vinieron a darle honor al carismático líder laboral al lugar donde llevo a cabo su primer ayuno público en 1968 y su última en 1988, en United farm Workers Delano Field Office en “Forty Acres.”
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29. En la historia de estados Unidos fue el servicio fúnebre más numeroso a un líder laboral. Vinieron en caravanas desde florida a California para pagar su respeto a un hombre que en su sencillez estaba su fuerza.
30. Trabajadores de la agricultura, miembros de familia, amigos y personal de la unión se turnaban para pararse durante la vigilia sobre un féretro de pino sencillo, el cual sostenía el cuerpo de Cesar Chávez. Entre la guardia de honor estaban celebridades que habían apoyado a Chávez a través de sus años de batalla para mejorar a los muchos trabajadores de la agricultura por todo América.
31. Muchos de los dolientes habían marchado lado a lado con Chávez durante sus años tumultuosos en las viñas y ranchos de América. Por última vez vinieron a marchar al lado del hombre que les había ensenado a defender sus derechos, mediante protestas sin violencia y negociaciones colectivas.
32. Cardinal Roger Mahoney, quien celebró la misa del entierro, llamo a Chávez “un especial profeta para los trabajadores agrícolas del mundo.” Los sostenedores del manto, incluyendo cuadrillas de estos trabajadores, los hijos de Chávez y nietos, cargaron su caído líder, descansando por fin, desde Memorial Park a Forty Acres.
33. La muerte de Cesar Chávez marco una era de cambios dramáticos en la agricultura Americana. Sus contribuciones serian erosionadas, y otros tendrían que cargar en sus hombros el trabajo que él hacía. Pero Cesar Chávez, que insistió que aquellos quienes trabajaban la tierra tenían derecho a compartir de manera justa las recompensas de su esfuerzo, nunca seria olvidado.
34. Como dijo Luis Valdez, “Cesar hemos llegado a plantar tu corazón como una semilla… los cultivadores cosecharan con la semilla de tu memoria.”
Lugar de descanso final / reconocimiento final
35. El cuerpo de Cesar Chávez fue llevado a La paz, la sucursal de UFW de California. Descansa cerca de un lecho de rosas.
36. El día 8 de agosto del 1994 en la ceremonia de la Casa Blanca, Helen
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Chaves, viuda de Cesar acepto la Medalla de Libertad por su marido fallecido de parte del Presidente Clinton. En las palabras que acompañaban el honorario civil más alto de América, el cual se le otorgo póstumamente, el Presidente elogio a Chávez por haber “enfrentado formidablemente, y a menudo oposición violenta con dignidad y sin violencia.
37. El llego a ser victorioso. Cesar Chaves dejo nuestro mundo mejor que como lo encontró, y su legado nos inspira aún. Él fue para su propia gente una figura como la de Moisés,” El presidente declaro. “Los trabajadores de la agricultura que trabajaron los campos y anhelaban respeto y autosuficiencia cifraron sus esperanzas en este hombre extraordinario que con fe y disciplina, humilde y de habla suave, sorprendente en fuerza interior, llevo una vida con mucha valentía.
38. Las palabras que acompañaban el reconocimiento indicaban como Chávez era un trabajador de la agricultura desde su niñez que “poseía una profunda comprensión personal de la situación grave de los trabajadores migrantes, y trabajo toda su vida para mejorar sus vidas.” Durante su vida, Chávez nunca gano más de $5,000 dólares al año. El fallecido Senador Robert Kennedy lo llamo “una de las figuras heroicas de nuestro tiempo.”
39. El sucesor de Chávez, UFW Presidente Arturo Rodríguez, dio las gracias al presidente de parte de United Farm Workers y dijo, “Todos los días en California y en otros estados donde trabajadores agrícolas se están organizando, Cesar Chávez vive en sus corazones. Cesar vive dondequiera…, el inspiro… cambio social sin utilizar violencia.
Un Héroe Americano (biografía 2)
40. Cesar E. Chávez era un hombre bueno que dedicó su vida ayudar a otros. Cesar nació de padres que le ensenaron ideas importantes sobre el trabajo duro, la importancia de la educación, y respeto.
41. Cuando era un jovencito, Cesar trabajo en el rancho de la familia dándoles comida y agua a los animales; recogiendo huevos, y acarreando agua a la casa.
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42. Los padres de Cesar pensaban que la escuela era importante. La escuela era difícil porque las maestras únicamente hablaban inglés. Cesar pensaba que algunas de las maestras eran malas porque lo castigaban cuando hablaba español. Cesar aprendió a leer ingles en la escuela y aprendió a leer español con sus tíos.
43. Los padres de Cesar eran muy estrictos lo enseñaron a él y a sus hermanas y hermanos a demostrar respeto por otros.
44. Sus padres también le enseñaron que era importante ayudar a otros. Cesar y su familia a menudo ayudaban a sus tíos, tías, y primos mediante darles comida cuando tenían poco para comer.
45. (nota al pie de la foto) Cesar y su hermana están parados fuera de su casa.
46. La abuela de Cesar, Mama Tella, les enseno sobre la importancia de su fe religiosa y a tener una creencia fuerte en Dios. Cuando cesar creció, el recordaba y practicaba lo que su abuela le había enseñado. Para Cesar, la religión era la cosa más importante.
47. Cuando Cesar tenía diez años, se les quito la casa de su familia porque no tenían suficiente dinero.
48. La familia de Cesar se mudó a California para encontrar trabajo. Ellos comenzaron a trabajar en el campo cosechando fruta y verduras. La familia de cesar se mudaba de campo en campo buscando trabajo, así como muchas familias que también perdieron sus hogares.
49. La familia de Cesar se mudaba a menudo. El mudarse no les molestaba tanto a Cesar, a sus hermanas o hermanos porque sus padres los amaban y siempre estaban contentos de estar juntos como familia.
50. El trabajar en el campo era muy difícil. Los trabajadores del campo como la familia Chávez trabajaban largas horas. Con frecuencia tenían acceso a
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pocos baños y poca agua limpia. Los trabajadores del campo sufrían mucho y eran tratados sin respeto y dignidad. La familia de Cesar trabajaba duro en el campo, pero hacían muy poco dinero. Todos los miembros de la familia tenían que trabajar, aun los niños. Se empeoraban las cosas porque a veces los hombres encargados de los trabajadores los engañaban mediante robarles el dinero a los trabajadores lo cual incluía la familia de Cesar. Estos hombres muchas veces corrían para no ser encontrados.
51. La familia de Cesar tenía muy poco dinero y muchas veces no tenían suficiente para comer. Cesar y su familia nunca pensaron que eran pobres. La mamá de Cesar con frecuencia le decía a Cesar y a su hermano Richard que buscara a las personas sin hogar y hombres con hambre para que ella les cocinara una comida.
52. Cuando Cesar era un adolecente, él y su hermana mayor, Rita ayudaban a los trabajadores del campo y a sus vecinos mediante llevarlos al hospital para ver al médico. Sin la ayuda de Cesar y su hermana, a esta gente se le hubiera hecho difícil conseguir ayuda médica.
53. Las personas a las que ayudo Cesar a menudo querían darle un poco de dinero para pagar la gasolina por su ayuda. Cesar nunca tomo su dinero porque su madre hubiera estado enojada con él. Ella decía, “Siempre hay que ayudar a los necesitados, y Dios te ayudara”.
54. Unos cuantos años después, Cesar se dio de voluntario para servir en la United States Navy. Cesar, como muchos hombres y mujeres americanas sirvieron en el servicio militar para pelear por la libertad y para proteger a la gente de Estados Unidos.
55. Después de dos años sirviendo en la Naval, Cesar volvió a casa y se casó con su novia, Helen. Después de un periodo corto de tiempo, se mudaron a san José, California y comenzaron una familia.
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56. La vida cambio para cesar cuando conoció un hombre llamado Fred Ross. Fred Ross creía que si la gente trabajaba junta podían mejorar su comunidad. Fred Ross contrato a Cesar para trabajar para él en la, Community Service Organization (Organización de Servicio para la Comunidad).
57. La Organización de Servicio para la Comunidad, funcionaba para ayudar a la gente. Cesar ahora trabajaba para reunir a la gente e identificar problemas y encontrar maneras de resolverlos. Muchos problemas no se resolvieron porque los líderes de la comunidad no respetaban a la gente.
58. Cesar, Fred Ross, y La Organización de Servicio para la Comunidad ayudaron a la gente dentro de la comunidad aprender cómo votar. También enseñaron a la gente que los líderes de la comunidad respetaban a los que votaban. Cesar trabajo en muchas comunidades en California para ayudar a la gente a conseguir el respeto que se merecían.
59. Después de ayudar a la gente a conseguir el respeto de los líderes de la comunidad, cesar dejo la Organización de Servicio para la Comunidad porque quería ayudar a los trabajadores del campo a conseguir el respeto y dignidad que se merecían.
60. Cesar comenzó el, National Farm Worker Association para mejorar las condiciones de los trabajadores del campo. afro-americanos, filipinos, americanos blancos, México-americanos y mexicanos, y hombres y mujeres de todos los antecedentes se unieron a Cesar.
61. Cesar y los trabajadores del campo querían que las compañías y rancheros, dueños de los campos respetaran a los trabajadores mediante proporcionarles agua limpia para tomar, que hubiera baños en los campos, y un pago justo por el trabajo del día.
62. Las compañías y rancheros reusaban tratar a los trabajadores con respeto y
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dignidad. Los rancheros hicieron todo lo posible para detener a Cesar y a los trabajadores de campo. Hasta utilizaron violencia y lesionaron a muchos trabajadores del campo y a personas que ayudaban a los trabajadores. Esta situación lleno de coraje a Cesar.
63. Cesar no creía en la violencia. Como Martin Luther King, Cesar quería traer cambio de manera pacífica. Mucha gente vino ayudar a Cesar. Mucha gente apoyo a Cesar porque él creía en la paz. Como Cesar, también creía que los trabajadores del campo merecían mejor tratamiento, respeto, dignidad, justicia, e imparcialidad.
(Nota al pie de la foto) Durante la firma de un acuerdo importante Cesar es observado por sus apoyadores, reporteros de estaciones de radio y periodistas.
64. Cesar trabajo duro. El sufrió y sacrifico muchísimo para mejorar las vidas de los trabajadores del campo.
65. Después de cinco años, algunos rancheros comenzaron a proporcionar agua limpia para tomar, baños, y mejor pago. Cesar, los trabajadores del campo, y sus amigos ganaron, logrando que las vidas de los trabajadores del campo mejoraran.
66. Cesar dedico el resto de su vida hacer del mundo un mejor lugar y a servir a otros. El siguió trabajando para conseguir respeto, dignidad, justicia, y un tratamiento imparcial para los pobres, los trabajadores del campo y a personas de todo lugar. Cesar murió el 23 de abril del 1993. Tenía sesenta y seis años de edad. Personas de todo el mundo recuerdan a Cesar E. Chávez como un hombre de valentía que peleo para mejorar las vidas de toda la gente.
67. Cesar E. Chávez es un héroe americano.
68. Su legado vive.
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Work Cited
http://chavez.cde.ca.gov/ModelCurriculum/Teachers/Lessons/Resources/Biographies/K-2_Bio.aspxC
http://www.spanishdict.com/translate/amendment
http://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=profit
http://translate.google.com/#en/es/boycotts
http://chavez.cde.ca.gov/ModelCurriculum/Teachers/Lessons/Resources/Biographies/K-2_Bio.aspxC
The Story of Cesar Chavez THE BEGINNING
1.The story of Cesar Estrada Chavez begins near Yuma, Arizona. Cesar was born on March 31, 1927. He was named after his grandfather, Cesario. Regrettably, the story of Cesar Estrada Chavez also ends near Yuma, Arizona. He passed away on April 23, 1993, in San Luis, a small village near Yuma, Arizona. 2.He learned about justice or rather injustice early in his life. Cesar grew up in Arizona; the small adobe home, where Cesar was born was swindled from them by dishonest Anglos. Cesar's father agreed to clear eighty acres of land and in exchange he would receive the deed to forty acres of land that adjoined the home. The agreement was broken and the land sold to a man named Justus Jackson. Cesar's dad went to a lawyer who advised him to borrow money and buy the land. Later when Cesar's father could not pay the interest on the loan the lawyer bought back the land and sold it to the original owner. Cesar learned a lesson about injustice that he would never forget. Later, he would say, The love for justice that is in us is not only the best part of our being but it is also the most true to our nature.
3.In 1938 he and his family moved to California. He lived in La Colonia Barrio in Oxnard for a
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short period, returning to Arizona several months later. They returned to California in June 1939 and this time settled in San Jose. They lived in the barrio called Sal Si Puedes -"Get Out If You Can." Cesar thought the only way to get out of the circle of poverty was to work his way up and send the kids to college. He and his family worked in the fields of California from Brawley to Oxnard, Atascadero, Gonzales, King City, Salinas, McFarland, Delano, Wasco, Selma, Kingsburg, and Mendota. 4.He did not like school as a child, probably because he spoke only Spanish at home. The teachers were mostly Anglo and only spoke English. Spanish was forbidden in school. He remembers being punished with a ruler to his knuckles for violating the rule. He also remembers that some schools were segregated and he felt that in the integrated schools he was like a monkey in a cage. He remembers having to listen to a lot of racist remarks. He remembers seeing signs that read whites only. He and his brother, Richard, attended thirty-seven schools. He felt that education had nothing to do with his farm worker/migrant way of life. In 1942 he graduated from the eighth grade. Because his father, Librado, had been in an accident and because he did not want his mother, Juana, to work in the fields, he could not to go to high school, and instead became a migrant farm worker. 5.While his childhood school education was not the best, later in life, education was his passion. The walls of his office in La Paz (United Farm Worker Headquarters ) are lined with hundreds of books ranging from philosophy, economics, cooperatives, and unions, to biographies on Gandhi and the Kennedys'. He believed that, "The end of all education should surely be service to others," a belief that he practiced until his untimely death. 6. He joined the U.S. Navy, which was then segregated, in 1946, at the age of 19, and served for two years. 7. In 1948 Cesar married Helen Fabela. They honeymooned in California by visiting all the California Missions from Sonoma to San Diego (again the influence of education). They settled in Delano and started their family. First Fernando, then Sylvia, then Linda, and five more children were to follow. 8. Cesar returned to San Jose where he met and was influenced by Father Donald McDonnell. They talked about farm workers and strikes. Cesar began reading about St. Francis and Gandhi and nonviolence. After Father McDonnell came another very influential person, Fred Ross. 9. Cesar became an organizer for Ross' organization, the Community Service Organization - CSO. His first task was voter registration. THE UNITED FARM WORKERS IS BORN
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10.In 1962 Cesar founded the National Farm Workers Association, later to become the United Farm Workers - the UFW. He was joined by Dolores Huerta and the union was born. That same year Richard Chavez designed the UFW Eagle and Cesar chose the black and red colors. Cesar told the story of the birth of the eagle. He asked Richard to design the flag, but Richard could not make an eagle that he liked. Finally he sketched one on a piece of brown wrapping paper. He then squared off the wing edges so that the eagle would be easier for union members to draw on the handmade red flags that would give courage to the farm workers with their own powerful symbol. Cesar made reference to the flag by stating, "A symbol is an important thing. That is why we chose an Aztec eagle. It gives pride . . . When people see it they know it means dignity." 11. For a long time in 1962, there were very few union dues paying members. By 1970 the UFW got grape growers to accept union contracts and had effectively organized most of that industry, at one point in time claiming 50,000 dues paying members. The reason was Cesar Chavez's tireless leadership and nonviolent tactics that included the Delano grape strike, his fasts that focused national attention on farm workers problems, and the 340-mile march from Delano to Sacramento in 1966. The farm workers and supporters carried banners with the black eagle with HUELGA (strike) and VIVA LA CAUSA (Long live our cause). The marchers wanted the state government to pass laws which would permit farm workers to organize into a union and allow collective bargaining agreements. Cesar made people aware of the struggles of farm workers for better pay and safer working conditions. He succeeded through nonviolent tactics (boycotts, pickets, and strikes). Cesar Chavez and the union sought recognition of the importance and dignity of all farm workers. 12. It was the beginning of La Causa a cause that was supported by organized labor, religious groups, minorities, and students. Cesar Chavez had the foresight to train his union workers and then to send many of them into the cities where they were to use the boycott and picket as their weapon. 13. Cesar was willing to sacrifice his own life so that the union would continue and that violence was not used. Cesar fasted many times. In 1968 Cesar went on a water only, 25 day fast. He repeated the fast in 1972 for 24 days, and again in 1988, this time for 36 days. What motivated him to do this? He said, Farm workers everywhere are angry and worried that we cannot win without violence. We have proved it before through persistence, hard work, faith and willingness to sacrifice. We can win and keep our own self-respect and build a great union that will secure the spirit of all people if we do it through a rededication and recommitment to the struggle for justice through nonviolence.
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THE FAST
14. Many events precipitated the fast, especially the terrible suffering of the farm workers and their children, the crushing of farm worker rights, the dangers of pesticides, and the denial of fair and free elections.
15. Cesar said about the fast, " A fast is first and foremost personal. It is a fast for the purification of my own body, mind, and soul. The fast is also a heartfelt prayer for purification and strengthening for all those who work beside me in the farm worker movement. The fast is alsoan act of penance for those in positions of moral authority and for all men and women activists who know what is right and just, who know that they could and should do more. The fast is finally a declaration of non-cooperation with supermarkets who promote and sell and profit fromCalifornia table grapes. During the past few years I have been studying the plague of pesticides on our land and our food," Cesar continued "The evil is far greater than even I had thought it to be, it threatens to choke out the life of our people and also the life system that supports us all. This solution to this deadly crisis will not be found in the arrogance of the powerful, but in solidarity with the weak and helpless. I pray to God that this fast will be a preparation for a multitude of simple deeds for justice. Carried out by men and women whose hearts are focused on the suffering of the poor and who yearn, with us, for a better world. Together, all things are possible." 16. Cesar Chavez completed his 36-day Fast for Life on August 21, 1988. The Reverend Jesse Jackson took up where Cesar left off, fasting on water for three days before passing on the fast to celebrities and leaders. The fast was passed to Martin Sheen, actor; the Reverend J. Lowery, President SCLC; Edward Olmos, actor; Emilio Estevez, actor; Kerry Kennedy, daughter of Robert Kennedy, Peter Chacon, legislator, Julie Carmen, actress; Danny Glover, actor; Carly Simon, singer; and Whoopi Goldberg, actress. THE DEATH OF CESAR CHAVEZ
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17. Cesar Estrada Chavez died peacefully in his sleep on April 23, 1993 near Yuma, Arizona, a short distance from the small family farm in the Gila River Valley where he was born more than 66 years before.
18.The founder and president of the United Farm Workers of America, AFL-CIO was in Yuma helping UFW attorneys defend the union against a lawsuit brought by Bruce Church Inc., a giant Salinas, Calif.-based lettuce and vegetable producer. Church demanded that the farm workers pay millions of dollars in damages resulting from a UFW boycott of its lettuce during the 1980's. Rather than bring the legal action in a state where the boycott actually took place, such as California or New York, Church "shopped around" for a friendly court in conservative, agribusiness-dominated Arizona-where there had been no boycott activity.
19. "Cesar gave his last ounce of strength defending the farm workers in this case," stated his successor, UFW President Arturo Rodriguez, who was with him in Arizona during the trial. He died standing up for their First Amendment right to speak out for themselves. He believed in his heart that the farm workers were right in boycotting Bruce Church Inc. lettuce during the l980's and he was determined to prove that in court." (When the second multimillion dollar judgement for Church was later thrown out by an appeal's court, the company signed a UFW contract in May 1996. 20. After the trial recessed at about 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 22, Cesar spent part of the afternoon driving through Latino neighborhoods in Yuma that he knew as a child. Many Chavezes still live in the area. 21. He arrived about 6 p.m. in San Luis, Arizona-about 20 miles from Yuma, at the modest concrete-block home of Dofla Maria Hau, a former farm worker and longtime friend. Cesar and eight other UFW leaders and staff were staying at her house in a poor farm worker neighborhood not far from the Mexican border. 22. Cesar ate dinner at around 9 p.m. and presided over a brief meeting to review the day's events. He had just finished two days of often grueling examination by attorneys for Bruce Church Inc.ma 23. He talked to his colleagues about taking care of themselves-a recent recurring theme with Cesar because he was well aware of the long hours required from him and other union officers and staff. Still, he was in good spirits despite being exhausted after prolonged questioning on the witness stand; he complained about feeling some weakness when doing his evening exercises.
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24. The UFW founder went to bed at about 10 or 10:30 p.m. A union staff member said he later saw a reading light shining from Cesar's room. 25. The light was still on at 6 a.m. the next morning. That was not seen as unusual. Cesar usually woke up in the early hours of the morning well before dawn to read, write or meditate. 26. When he had not come out by 9 a.m., his colleagues entered his bedroom found that Cesar had died apparently, according to authorities, at night in his sleep. 27. He was found lying on his back with his head turned to the left. His shoes were off and he still wore his clothes from the day before. In his right hand was a book on Native American crafts. There was a peaceful smile on his face.
THE LAST MARCH WITH CESAR CHAVEZ
28. On April 29, 1993, Cesar Estrada Chavez was honored in death by those he led in life. More than 50,000 mourners came to honor the charismatic labor leader at the site of his first public fast in 1968 and his last in 1988, the United Farm Workers Delano Field Office at "Forty Acres." 29. It was the largest funeral of any labor leader in the history of the U.S. They came in caravans from Florida to California to pay respect to a man whose strength was in his simplicity. 30. Farm workers, family members, friends and union staff took turns standing vigil over the plain pine coffin which held the body of Cesar Chavez. Among the honor guard were many celebrities who had supported Chavez throughout his years of struggle to better the lot of farmworkers throughout America. 31. Many of the mourners had marched side by side with Chavez during his tumultuous years in the vineyards and farms of America. For the last time, they came to march by the side of the man who had taught them to stand up for their rights, through nonviolent protest and collective bargaining. 32, Cardinal Roger M. Mahoney, who celebrated the funeral mass, called Chavez "a special prophet for the worlds' farm workers." Pall bearers, including crews of these workers, Chavez children and grandchildren, then carried their fallen leader, resting at last, from the Memorial Park to Forty Acres.
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33. The death of Chavez marked an era of dramatic changes in American agriculture. His contributions would be eroded, and others would have to shoulder the burden of his work. But, Cesar Chavez, who insisted that those who labor in the earth were entitled to share fairly in the rewards of their toil, would never be forgotten. 34. As Luis Valdez said, "Cesar, we have come to plant your heart like a seed . . . the farm workers shall harvest in the seed of your memory." FINAL RESTING PLACE/FINAL RECOGNITION 35. The body of Cesar Chavez was taken to La Paz, the UFW's California headquarters, by his family and UFW leadership. He was laid to rest near a bed of roses, in front of his office. 36. On August 8, 1994, at a White House ceremony, Helen Chavez, Cesar's widow, accepted the Medal of Freedom for her late husband from President Clinton. In the citation accompanying America's highest civilian honor which was awarded posthumously, the President lauded Chavez for having "faced formidable, often violent opposition with dignity and nonviolence. 37. And he was victorious. Cesar Chavez left our world better than he found it, and his legacy inspires us still. He was for his own people a Moses figure," the President declared. "The farm workers who labored in the fields and yearned for respect and self-sufficiency pinned their hopes on this remarkable man who, with faith and discipline, soft spoken humility and amazing inner strength, led a very courageous life"
38. The citation accompanying the award noted how Chavez was a farm worker from childhood who "possessed a deep personal understanding of the plight of migrant workers, and he labored all his years to lift their lives." During his lifetime, Chavez never earned more than $5,000 a year. The late Senator Robert Kennedy called him "one of the heroic figures of our time." 39. Chavez's successor, UFW President Arturo Rodriguez, thanked the president on behalf of the United Farm Workers and said, "Every day in California and in other states where farm workers are organizing, Cesar Chavez lives in their hearts. Cesar lives wherever Americans' he inspired work nonviolently for social change."
An American Hero
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The Biography of César E. Chávez
Photo copyright © Jocelyn Sherman
40. César E. Chávez was a good man who dedicated his life to helping others. César was born to parents who taught him important ideas about hard work, the importance of education, and respect. 41. As a young boy, César worked on his family’s farm feeding and watering the animals, collecting eggs, and bringing water to the house. 42. César’s parents thought school was important. School was hard for César because the teachers only spoke English and César did not understand English. César thought some teachers were mean because they would punish him when he spoke Spanish. César learned to read English in school and he learned to read Spanish from his uncles.
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43. César’s parents were very strict and taught him and his sisters and brothers to show respect to others. 44. His parents also taught him that it was important to help others. César and his family often helped his uncles, aunts, and cousins by giving them food when they had little to eat.
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation 45. César and his sister are standing outside their home.
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Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and his sister are dressed for their First Holy Communion.
46. César’s grandmother, Mama Tella, taught him about the importance of their religious faith and to have a strong belief in God. When César grew up, he would remember and practice what his grandmother had taught him. For César, religion was a most beautiful thing.
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Photo Copyright © Manuel Echavaria
In 1975, this farm worker family is eating lunch along side the fields in the Santa Maria Valley in the shade of their van because there is no other shade available.
47. When César was ten years old, his family’s home was taken away from them because they did not have enough money. 48. César’s family moved to California to find work. They began working on farms picking fruits and vegetables. César’s family would move from farm to farm looking for work, just like many other families who also lost their homes.
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49. César’s family moved often. Moving did not bother César, or his sisters and brothers too much because their parents loved them and because they were always happy to be together as a family.
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and his brothers and sisters in front of the family car
50. Working on the farms was very difficult. Farm workers like the Chávez family would very long hours. They often had few bathrooms and little clean water to drink. Farm workers suffered a lot and they were not treated with respect or dignity.
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Photo Copyright © Manuel Echavaria
These farm workers are picking chili at Santa Maria in 1971.
César’s family worked very hard on the farms, but they made very little money. Everyone in the family had to work, even the children. To make things worse, sometimes the men in charge of the farm workers would cheat and steal money from the farm workers, including César’s family. These men would often run away so they would not get caught. 51. César’s family had very little money and many times they did not have enough food to eat. César and his family never thought of themselves as being poor. César’s mother would often tell César and his brother Richard to find homeless and hungry men so she could cook them a meal.
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Photo by Cris Sanchez, Courtesy of United Farm Workers
In a migrant farm worker camp, the ladies are visiting while their laundry dries on the clothesline strung between their houses.
52. When César was a teenager, he and his older sister Rita would help other farm workers and neighbors by driving them to the hospital to see a doctor. Without César’s and his sister’s help, these people would have had
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a very difficult time getting a doctor’s help. 53. The people César helped often wanted to give him a little bit of money to pay for gas and for his help. César never took any of their money because his mother would have been mad at him. She used to say, “You always have to help the needy, and God will help you.”
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César in his U.S. Navy uniform.
54. A few years later, César volunteered to serve in the United States Navy. César, like many American men and
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women, served in the military to fight for freedom and to protect the people of the United States.
Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and his wife, Helen, posed for their picture by the seashore.
55. After two years in the Navy, César returned home and married his girlfriend, Helen. After a short time, they moved to San Jose, California and began a family.
56. Life changed for César when he met a man named Fred Ross. Fred Ross believed that if people worked
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together they could make their community better. Fred Ross hired César to work for him in the Community Service Organization. 57. The Community Service Organization worked to help people. César now worked to bring people together to identify problems and find ways to solve their problems. Many problems were not solved because community leaders did not respect all people. 58. César, Fred Ross, and the Community Service Organization helped people in the community learn how to vote. They also taught people that community leaders respected voters. Community leaders worked harder to solve the problems of voters. César worked in many communities in California to help people gain the respect they deserved.
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Photo Courtesy of César E. Chávez Foundation
César and other people from the Community Service Organization are getting ready to try to get the farm workers to vote.
59. After helping many people gain the respect of community leaders, César left the Community Service Organization to help farm workers gain the respect and dignity they deserved. 60. César started the National Farm Worker Association to help improve the working conditions of farm workers. African Americans, Filipinos, white Americans, Mexican Americans and Mexicans, and men and women of all backgrounds joined César.
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Photo by Cris Sanchez
In a migrant farm worker camp, the ladies are visiting while their laundry dries on the clothesline strung between their houses.
61. César and the farm workers wanted the companies and growers that owned the farms to respect farm workers by providing them with fresh water to drink, bathrooms in the fields, and fair pay for a day’s work. 62. The companies and growers refused to treat the farm workers with respect and dignity. The growers did everything they could to stop César and the farm workers. They even turned to violence and hurt many farm workers and people who helped the farm workers.
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This made César very upset.
Photo Copyright © Manuel Echavaria
People of all ages marched to Preisker Park while participating in a demonstration in 1972.
63. César did not believe in violence. Like Martin Luther King, César wanted to bring change in a nonviolent way. Many people came to help César. Many people supported César because he believed in nonviolence. Like César, they also believed that farm workers deserved better treatment, respect, dignity, justice, and fairness.
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Photo Courtesy of United Farm Workers
César is signing an important agreement while many union supporters watch with reporters from radio stations and newspapers.
César worked hard. He suffered and sacrificed a lot to make farm workers’ lives better 65. After five years, some growers in California agreed with César and started to provide farm workers with fresh water to drink, bathrooms, and better pay. César, the farm workers, and their friends won, making farm worker’s lives better.
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Photo Copyright © Jocelyn Sherman
César marching again with many supporters.
César dedicated the rest of his life to making the world a better place and to serving others. He continued to work to bring respect, dignity, justice, and fair treatment to the poor, to farm workers, and to people everywhere.
Photo Copyright © Jocelyn Sherman
Many people came to César’s funeral.
César died on April 23, 1993. He was sixty-six years old. People all over the world remember César E. Chávez as a man of courage who fought to improve the lives of all
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people.
Photo Courtesy of the César E. Chávez Foundation
César E. Chávez is an American hero. His legacy lives on!
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