By Juan MontoyaIt was heartening for me to see local college kids from the UTB-TSC campus out marching to demand that the U.S. government establish a new national holiday in honor of the late farmwroker leader Cesar Chavez.
As a former agricultural migrant, I know what Chavez must have felt as a kid when he looked at the unending rows in the fields and felt his body ache after a day of good labor in the soil.
He was born in Sal Si Puedes, Arizona on March 31, 1927, and worked in the fields as a youngster. In 1944 he joined the Navy and was honorably discharged two years later.
From there on, he led his life organizing farmworkers with the help of Saul Alinsky's Community Services Organization. Over the course of his lifetime he helped organize the United Farmworkers Union, led boycotts against grape and lettuce farmers in California, and eventually led to the adoption of legislation guaranteeing better wages for farmworkers there.
His activism also helped to protect farmworkers in Texas, Ohio, and all over the Midwest and Southeast.
But he didn't stop there. Recognizing that pesticides in the fields ended on consumer dinner tables, he organized across the country to limit the amount of pesticides and other poisons that the agricultural industry used on fruits and vegetables.
I met Cesar Chavez when he made a stop in Saginaw, Mich., where I worked as a reporter for the Saginaw News. His stop was sponsored by the local UAW and he spoke passionately (but softly) about the dangers of pesticides on everyone, not just farmworkers.
Dressed in jeans, a flannel shirt and a simple jacket, he exuded a messianic air not lost on his listeners. You knew he wasn't going to blow you over with his rhetoric, but at the same time one felt the force and strength of the man who almost single-handedly proved those wrong who said farmworkers could not be organized.
Saginaw, a labor union town, embraced the farmworker leader warmly and the rank-and-file members, many of them resettled Mexican-Americans who had transitioned from the field to the factory floor, greeted him like a brother.
We have a day dedicated to a bunny, one to a turkey, and others to black rights leaders like Martin Luther King, and presidents dead long ago. Isn't it about time we honored someone who not only embraced the same principles that King and Gandhi did to bring about positive social change to their respective countries, but that also dedicated his life to making this nation better for all of us?
13 comments:
He didn't make the Nation better, Juan. He made life in the fields better for the farmworkers. There is a difference.
whuich one in picture is Cesaer chavez>?
Mr. Chavez would have been proud to join the local college students in their march, celebrating his birthday. He would have been proud of where their dreams have led them but not forgetting where they have been. Working in the fields, like many have, makes them more solid with their understanding of the things that are part of life. They, too, are proving that anyone can do what they set their mind to do, just like Mr. Chavez did in California and with his life. "Si se puede" has certainly become an important chant, hasn't it!
Thank you, Mr. Editor for such a well thought out editorial. I too worked on the fields many years ago. Never met any important people, but for some of us, Mr. Chaves was a great inspiration during the movement of the 60's
Montoya, what happen to the hat, don't tell me, unitll you got to Texas you started wearing one?? Good picture with a good man.
Who is the lady behind you? She looked like my English teacher when I was a Freshman in high school.
Please Listen/Por Favor Escuche,
Desde Brownsville
Sin Pelos en la Lengua
840 AM Digital
620 Digital AM
I didn't think radios had 840 am digital or 620 digital, i can barely here 1700 oldies.
It was good to see, a good man who fought for a good cause on your blog.
When I began my race for County Commissioner in Precinct 2, I vowed that I would address the issues facing our community, our citizens, and the county as a whole. On election night, both my opponent and I commended the campaigns for being positive - I will leave it up to the voters to decide who has lived up to that promise.
Recently, my opponent has decided to launch a negative attack campaign against me. It's sad and unfortunate that the dirty politics of yesterday continue to dominate Cameron County politics.
In 1998, I was accused by then-Constable Jose Alfredo Jimenez-who is now serving a 25-year federal prison term along with Conrado Cantu-of bilking a client. That was a lie then, and anyone who repeats the allegations is lying today. The record shows that I was exonerated. The State Bar of Texas never issued me a reprimand or any other form of punishment. In fact, the State Bar has relied on me to teach continuing legal education courses.
I was the target of corrupt government officials. By standing up for my rights in court, I obtained a judgment against Jimenez. The judgment reflects the serious crime that was committed against me.
I know what it's like to have a corrupt officials abuse their power. I vow to never allow County officials to take advantage of their position in government for personal gain or to victimize our citizens. I'm ready to stand with people all over Cameron who are ready for a change in leadership - who are finished with politics of yesterday, the dirty politics and mudslinging and I believe that Pct. 2 is ready to turn a new page for Cameron County.
As we enter this final stage of the election, I will make sure to focus on the issues that are important to the people of precinct 2. I will not engage in a smear campaign or dirty politics. The citizens of Cameron County deserve better and on April 13 they will make their choice.
Ruben Pena
Leave politics out of Easter Sunday alone. Mr. Pena you have no shame.
Montoya there is an article on the San Antonio Express, about Cesar Chavez, if you have a chance read it.
So Juan when are you putting up new stories, fellow you are staying behind. Why don't you and the other blogs sponsor a forum for some of the politicos. I mean a real debate, with good hard questions. You guys are way to stagnant.
Montoya I hate to say this but the Tribune and Brownsville Voice, and el rocinante are eating your lunch. Your stories are getting old. Ship in man, ship in.
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