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The Michigan Connection
Michigan has one of largest populations of migrant farm workers in the nation. Many of the state's major crops such as sugarbeets, celery, tomatoes, cherries, strawberries, and soybeans are harvested by migrant farm workers.
Flyer, 1970s
Detroiters carry banners in support of the grape and lettuce boycotts, 1977. Photo courtesy of the AFL-CIO
Michigan has been a source of strength for the UFW. When Cesar Chavez toured Michigan in 1974, 1979 and 1986, city officials, union members, students, and church groups embraced him and UFW boycotts. Current UFW president Arturo Rodriquez was the union's Michigan boycott coordinator until 1975. Two Michigan-based organizations have a special relationship with the UFW. The United Automobile Workers of America first threw its support behind Cesar Chavez in the 1960s and the Michigan Farm Worker Ministry has assisted migrant workers since the 1940s.
Detroit liquor store supports the boycott, 1974
UAW president Leonard Woodcock presents Chavez with a liberty bell, Kennedy Square, Detroit, July 1970. Photo courtesy of UAW.
Metro Detroit AFL-CIO director Tom Turner (far right) and other AFL-CIO officials show off the union label on a crate of grapes, 1973. Photo by Andee Seeger
Michigan State University student panel, 1996. During the spring semester, several students fasted for six days to boycott grapes on campus menus. L-R: Daniel Soza, Jr., Maria Zavala, Mark Torres, Matt Martinez and Jose Romero. Photo by Bob Alexander.
