I really liked this guy. Care to speculate on why movements such as his constantly fail today? Hint: the article doesn't mention the major factor that explains his success.
Legacy of Cesar Chavez feted at youth summit
Yvonne Wingett
The Arizona Republic
Feb. 27, 2004 12:00 AM
NORTH PHOENIX - Before he died, Cesar Chavez led thousands of farm workers on boycotts, fasts and strikes.
On Thursday, the spirit of the labor leader empowered 200 Arizona students, educators and lawmakers to start journeys of their own.
At the Arizona Youth Leadership Summit, the California-based Cesar E. Chavez Foundation officially kicked off plans to partner with schools, non-profits and cities statewide to spread the word about the labor leader's life and values.
"I can really relate to Cesar Chavez because my parents are farm workers," 18-year-old Yesenia Barraza told the crowd of mostly Latinos. "He was a leader. Even though I don't have money for college, and my parents don't have money for college, I want to educate myself and others and help other people . . . like he did. Si Se Puede."
"It can be done" was Chavez's rallying cry.
Participants learned about Chavez's legacy and a special education program that's expected to begin in 200 Arizona schools by September. Through the Cesar Chavez Service Learning Program, students will study farm-working conditions, heroism and homelessness while volunteering in the community. At the same time, they will read about Chavez's life and the values he lived by: giving service to others, helping those most needy and respect for life.
"The sacrifices made by Chavez are still being made by others today," said Dora Rendón-Longoria de Veach, an educator at Phoenix's James Sandoval Preparatory High School. "I'm so proud to be part of the movement."
Some schools in the Tolleson Union High School District and Maricopa School District started the curriculum as a pilot program. It has been implemented in other states, including Colorado and Florida.
The foundation is a non-profit dedicated to educating people, especially youth, about Chavez's life.
A second-generation American, Chavez was born near his family's Yuma farm in 1927. He died in San Luis in 1993. He fasted in Phoenix for 25 days in 1972 over an Arizona law banning the right of farm workers to strike or boycott.
"I admire him a lot because thanks to him I'll be a person in life and one day I'll be up there with you guys," said Claudia Ramos, 14, a Phoenix Preparatory student.
Reach the reporter at yvonne. wingett@arizonarepublic.com or (602) 444-4712.
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