Non-Violence Cesar Chavez

Black and white photograph of Cesar Chavez with black text on a white background

Cesar Chavez was a civil rights activist and American labor leader.  In 1962, he co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW) union (initially known as the National Farm Workers Association).  Chavez advocated non-violent tactics and gained national support for the farm workers.  In the late 1970s, growers finally recognized the UFW as the bargaining agent for approximately 50,000 farm workers in Florida and California.  After his death in 1993, Chavez became an iconic figure for labor organization and Hispanic empowerment.  In addition to promoting peaceful activism, he promoted the slogan, “Si, se puede” (Yes, it can be done), which was Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign slogan.