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Con Dolores Y César
Si, Se Puede!
Texas State University honors, remembers and celebrates César E. Chávez and Dolores Huerta, co-founders of the United Farm Workers of America (UFW). The UFW transformed from a workers' rights organizations into a union as a result of a series of strikes in 1965.
Through self-sacrifice, a commitment to nonviolence, and their spirituality, César Chávez and Dolores Huerta changed a nation. Together they fought against agribusiness, and organized thousands of laborers so they could earn a living wage and have humane working conditions.
The U.S. President proclaims March 31st - César E. Chávez Day in the United States. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to participate in service to the community to honor Chávez's life and work. Just as importantly, we celebrate and honor Dolores Huerta, co-founder of UFW and activist, for her role in the success in the movement. The life and work of Dolores Huerta is observed as an official holiday in US states of Arizona, California, and Washington, on April 10th, Dolores' birthday, as Dolores Huerta Day.
Together, César E. Chávez, Dolores Huerta, the United Farm Workers, and residents of the California valley boycotted local grocery stores, picketed farm fields, and marched the 340-mile pilgrimage in the name of civil rights and dignity. The UFW organized strikes and boycotts, participated in civil disobedience, protested for equal pay and safe working conditions, and achieved civil liberties during the 1970s. Women, Mexican Americans, and Filipino Americans played pivotal roles in the migrant and farm worker movement. Members of the movement sacrificed their lives to create a better tomorrow and across various issues including restoration of land grants, farm workers’ rights, enhanced education, voting, and political rights.
Dolores Huerta: “Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world.”