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Today in Civil Rights History: Labor Leader César Chávez' Birth AnniversaryMarch 31, 2009 - Posted by Katie Kohn  César Chávez and Duncan West of the Teamsters speaking at a Delano grape strike rally. Photo Credit: Joel Levine Today is the birthday anniversary of labor leader and civil rights activist César Chávez (1927-1993). Chávez worked tirelessly throughout his career to get higher wages and better working conditions for underpaid farm workers. Chavez started out as a community organizer at the Community Service Organization (CSO), a Latino civil rights organization, and eventually became the organization's national director. In 1962, he left the CSO to co-found the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA) with Dolores Huerta, so he could organize farm workers full time. Chávez' first big success with the NFWA came in 1965. That year, NFWA joined the Delano Grape Strike, a strike of California grape pickers initiated by the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee, and turned the strike into a major campaign that attracted national attention. During the strike, the two unions merged to form the United Farm Workers (UFW). The strike lasted five years and, in the end, more than 10,000 grape pickers were able to sign UFW union contracts that got them higher wages. Chávez continued to work for farm workers' rights until his death in 1993. Chávez' birthday is a holiday in eight states and people celebrate him by promoting service to the community. This year, in honor of Chávez, UFW is holding a series of marches and rallies around the country throughout March and April. Related PostsCivil and Human Rights Coalition Says Senators Should Be 'Ashamed' for Blocking Jobs Bill - 10/12/11
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