Background: César Chávez (1927–1993) was born in Yuma, Arizona, to a Mexican American family of migrant farmworkers. Growing up, he worked long hours in the fields under harsh conditions, which forced him to leave school after eighth grade to help support his family. These early hardships shaped his deep empathy for workers and ignited his lifelong commitment to justice and equality.

Impact on Today: In 1962, Chávez co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW), organizing nonviolent marches, boycotts, and strikes to demand fair wages, safer working conditions, and respect for farmworkers. His leadership in the grape boycott of the late 1960s brought national attention to the exploitation of agricultural workers and proved the power of collective action. His motto, “Sí, se puede” (“Yes, it can be done”), continues to inspire labor rights, immigrant justice, and social activism movements today. Thanks to Chávez, many labor protections that exist now—such as contracts, rest periods, and safer conditions—owe their roots to his fight for dignity and fairness.

Quote: “The fight is never about grapes or lettuce. It is always about people.” – César Chávez