Cesar Chavez Day is March 31, and we're honoring it by sharing a few facts about him you might not know.
Sure, he was an inspiring leader who created lasting change for farmworkers and Latinx communities in America. Yes, he co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA), which later became the United Farm Workers (UFW) labor union. And, you probably knew he organized many strikes, most notably the Delano Grape Strike of 1965-1970, and he championed nonviolent tactics, including pickets and boycotts, in his fight for the fair treatment of farmworkers.
But, did you know…
- He was not always Cesar. In fact, he was born Cesario Estrada Chavez. In 1933, he attended a school in Arizona where speaking Spanish was forbidden. There, he had to change his name to Cesar. His nickname when he was younger was neither Cesar nor Cesario. It was "Manzi" in reference to his fondness for manzanilla tea.
- He used public fasting several times in his protests. The longest fast he ever did lasted 36 days! It was in Delano when he was 61, and he used it to protest the use of pesticides, which he argued were a danger to both farm workers and consumers.
- He attended more than 36 schools before finally dropping out after 8th grade to help support his parents. Also, when he got older, he embraced a life of poverty. He never owned a house or made more than $6,000 a year.
- John F. Kennedy once asked him to head the Peace Corps for part of Latin America. It’s true! But Cesar turned him down.
Cesar Chavez was a fascinating and complex man with complex views and a rich history. His legacy is felt to this day. You can learn more about him from the Chavez Foundation, by delving into a biography or perusing Treehugger.com for more unusual facts.
Also, check out MSU’s Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta Commemorative Celebration on March 29, 2025, which is hosted every year in honor of these two closely related civil rights activists.
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