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Cesar Chavez
The farmworkers’ union organiser who helped lead the Delano grape strike and national consumer boycotts.
March to Sacramento · Grape contracts
- Born
- 31 March 1927
- Birthplace
- United States
- Died
- 23 April 1993
More people
Cesar Chavez
Cesar Chavez co-founded the organisation that became the United Farm Workers. His record includes major labour organising, controversial leadership decisions and serious posthumous abuse allegations.
Early life
Arizona
Born near Yuma into a Mexican American family.
Migrant labour
Worked in California’s fields after his family lost its farm.
Career
- 1952
Community organising
Joined the Community Service Organization.
- 1962
Farmworkers’ association
Co-founded the National Farm Workers Association.
- 1965
Delano strike
Joined Filipino farmworkers’ strike and helped build a national boycott.
- 1975
Labour legislation
Helped campaign for California’s Agricultural Labor Relations Act.
Campaigns & outcomes
March to Sacramento
Helped lead a farmworkers’ pilgrimage to California’s capital.
Grape contracts
The campaign secured agreements with major grape growers.
Labour law
Supported California legislation establishing farmworkers’ collective-bargaining rights.
Beyond work
Methods
Used boycotts, marches and fasts, drawing on Catholic and nonviolent traditions.
Abuse allegations
In 2026, women including Dolores Huerta publicly accused him of sexual abuse, prompting a reassessment of his legacy.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Dolores Huerta — statement, 18 March 2026 ↗Dolores Huerta Foundation — statement authentication ↗Photo: Trikosko, Marion S., photographer. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.