Celebrate César Chávez
Who Was César Chávez?
César Chávez was an American labor leader and civil rights activist who used perseverance, humility, and non-violent methods to better the lives of farmworkers who were working in unsafe conditions for low pay. Together with Dolores Huerta and Filipino labor groups, they created the United Farmworkers Union which fought for the rights of laborers.
César Chávez led strikes, marches, and even undertook a personal hunger strike to raise awareness for his causes. His efforts changed the lives of many people, and in recognition for his nonviolent activism and support of working people, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994.
When is César Chávez Day?
March 31 is César Chávez’ birthday and is now a US federal commemorative holiday, proclaimed by President Barack Obama in 2014. The holiday celebrates the birth and legacy of Cesar Chavez on March 31 of every year.
How can LA County Library help me observe César Chávez Day?
Below, we have specially curated booklists for all ages that aim to expand everyone’s understanding of César Chávez’ life and legacy. We also have selected documentary titles available for rent at your library in addition to websites that further explore Chávez’ history and how his vision is still helping workers today.
Be sure to watch the special commemoration video by LA County First District Supervisor, Hilda Solis.
LA County Library offers many citizenship and immigration resources. If you are seeking information on how to become a citizen of the United States, visit our Citizenship and Immigration page to learn more about the resources available to you.
Know your Rights
Knowledge is safety so we’re sharing a Step-By-Step Family Preparedness Plan from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC). The plan can be downloaded and saved in both English and Spanish. You’ll also find a downloadable “Know Your Rights” pocket card which you can keep on you for immediate reference if ever needed.
All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. Visit ILRC to download their “Red Cards.” The cards are available in multiple languages and help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations, such as when ICE agents go to a home.
Inspirational Films
These movies, all available to stream for free on Kanopy with your library card! Explore the life and work of César Chávez as well as the farmworker movement and some of the figures who have continued the important work Cesar Chavez began.
A Song for Cesar
Inspired by the spirit of the thousands of farmworkers who struggled for justice alongside labor leaders Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, and Larry Itliong, musicians Abel Sanchez and Jorge Santana’s encapsulating tribute song bookends the film, highlighting the ways in which music and the arts were essential in building the farmworkers’ movement.
Fruits of Labor
The Delano Manongs tells the story of farm labor organizer Larry Itliong and a group of Filipino farm workers who instigated one of the American farm labor movement’s finest hours – The Delano Grape Strike of 1965 that brought about the creation of the United Farm Workers Union (UFW).
Invisible Valley
This documentary weaves together the disparate stories of undocumented farmworkers, wealthy snowbirds, and music festival-goers over the course of a year in California’s Coachella Valley. In exploring the Valley’s history as well its imperiled future, this riveting documentary uncovers an imminent environmental and social crisis, and the looming consequences for the people who call it home.
Food Chains
The Land Is Rich documents the United Farm Workers struggle to organize California farm workers in the early 1960’s. It includes their march from Delano to Sacramento in the spring of 1966. The film contrasts the economic strength of California agribusiness with the migrant workers’ poverty shown in bread lines, living conditions and the impact of extensive exposure to agricultural chemicals.
Resources
These resources further explore Chávez’ history and how his vision is still helping workers today.
Cesar Chavez Foundation
The Chavez Foundation works to provide better housing, education and communication for working families. The site is a great resource for learning about Cesar and how his vision is still being pursued today.
United Farm Workers
Begun in the early 1960s by Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, Larry Itliong, and other organizers, the United Farm Workers of America is the nation’s first enduring and largest farm workers’ union.
Farmworker Movement Documentation Project
Primary source accounts: photographs, oral histories, videos, essays and historical documents from the United Farm Worker Delano Grape Strikers and the UFW Volunteers who worked with Cesar Chavez to build his farmworker movement.
