About Cesar Chavez
| Born |
César Estrada Chávez
March 31, 1927 Yuma, Arizona, U.S.
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|---|---|
| Died | April 23, 1993(aged 66)
San Luis, Arizona, U.S.
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Cesar Chavez was an American labor leader and civil rights activist who, with Dolores Huerta, co-founded the National Farm Workers Association in 1962. Originally a Mexican American farm worker, Chavez became the best known Latino American civil rights activist, and was strongly promoted by the American labor movement, which was eager to enroll Hispanic members. His public-relations approach to unionism and aggressive but nonviolent tactics made the farm workers’ struggle a moral cause with nationwide support. He is famous for popularizing the slogan “Sí, se puede” (Spanish for “Yes, one can” or, roughly, “Yes, it can be done”), which was adopted as the 2008 campaign slogan of Barack Obama.
Cesar Chavez’s birthday, March 31, is a state holiday in California, Colorado, and Texas. It is intended to promote community service in honor of Chavez’s life and work. President Barack Obama proclaimed March 31 “Cesar Chavez Day” in the United States, with Americans being urged to “observe this day with appropriate service, community, and educational programs to honor César Chávez’s enduring legacy”.
Cesar Chavez is the name of 2014 Mexican-American biographical film produced and directed by Diego Luna about his life. The film stars Michael Peña as Chavez. John Malkovich co-stars as the owner of a large industrial grape farm who leads the opposition to Chavez’s organizing efforts.
Awards and Honours
In 1973, Chavez received the Jefferson Award for Greatest Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged.
In 1992, Chavez was awarded the Pacem in Terris Award, a Catholic award meant to honor “achievements in peace and justice”.
On September 8, 1994, Chavez was presented posthumously with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton. The award was received by his widow, Helen Chavez.
On December 6, 2006, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver inducted Chavez into the California Hall of Fame.
Inspirational quotes from Cesar Chavez
Never, never is it possible to reach someone if you become angry or bitter only love and gentleness can do it. Maybe not this time but maybe the next or the hundredth time.
We must understand that the highest form of freedom carries with it the greatest measure of discipline.
There’s no reason to be non-violent. There’s no challenge unless you are living for people.
Concentration is inspiration. You must be completely overtaken by your work and your subject. Only then do all your influences and experience come up to the surface.
I am an organizer, not a union leader. A good organizer has to work hard and long. There are no shortcuts. You just keep talking to people, working with them, sharing, exchanging and they come along.
You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore.
In giving of yourself, you will discover a whole new life full of meaning and love.
True wealth is not measured in money or status or power. It is measured in the legacy we leave behind for those we love and those we inspire.
To make a great dream come true, the first requirement is a great capacity to dream; the second is persistence.
There is no substitute for hard work, 23 or 24 hours a day. And there is no substitute for patience and acceptance.
When we are really honest with ourselves we must admit our lives are all that really belong to us. So it is how we use our lives that determines the kind of men we are.
You are never strong enough that you don’t need help.
Which is your favourite Cesar Chavez quote? Let us know in the comments section below. Also check out our inspiring quotes list of various other legends.
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