Remembering Cesar Chavez

On César Chávez Day, the Latino community, thousands of farmworkers, union members, and social leaders remember the Mexican-born farmworker César Chávez, who became the most renowned civil rights activist. Along with Dolores Huerta, he led the historic march that left Delano, California, in 1965, demanding basic rights for farmworkers and thereby confronting the grape giants.

One of the greatest leaders who started this peaceful movement and fought for the dignity and justice of grape workers, he initiated boycotts, but his struggle and legacy spread throughout the country and throughout history.

Let’s listen to the audio of a speech by César Chávez on November 10, 1972, at the University of California, Los Angeles.

José Ángel Gutiérrez, one of the most prominent figures in the Chicano and civil rights movements, a lawyer and professor, talks about César Chávez, what he was like, and how he began his struggle.

José Ángel Gutiérrez recalls an anecdote about César Chávez from this struggle and how he helped them register people to vote.

José Ángel Gutiérrez points out how we continue to fight for community rights today.

He also says that schools are not teaching the history of the struggle of figures like César Chávez.

Leader José Ángel Gutiérrez affirms that he founded the Mexican American Youth movement and talks about how we can resist these current attacks.