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United Farm Workers
President of the United Farm Workers Union
In 1972, the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee became the United Farm Workers of America. Cesar Chavez was president until his death in 1993. A soft-spoken, courageous person, Chavez became an internationally recognized labor leader and a premier statesman for Mexican Americans. Many regarded him as "a spiritual leader for all Chicanos." Chavez advocated non-violence and personally sacrificed for La Causa. He went on lengthy fasts three times to publicize UFW struggles such as the use of pesticides and grower violence against farm workers. Chavez was also a teacher. For many years before his death, Chavez lectured about farm labor issues to audiences around the world.
Chavez speaking to a crowd in New York, undated
Chavez with his dogs, Boycott and Huelga, 1970s (Photo by Cathy Murphy)
Cesar Chavez modestly claimed: "I am an organizer, not a union leader. A good organizer has to work hard and long. There are no shortcuts." For many Mexican Americans, UFW members, and Americans at-large, Chavez was much more than an organizer. He was a great labor leader and a great humanitarian.
Cesar Chavez, 1991.
Helen Chavez receives the PresidentialMedal of Freedom in Cesar's honor, August 1994 (White House Photograph)