Chávez, César (1927–1993)

Early Chávez History

Born to Librado and Juana Chávez, César was named after his grandfather Césario, who, according to family legend, escaped from slavery in Mexico and homesteaded land in the 1880s near what is now the town of Yuma, Arizona. Chávez's earliest years were spent on that land. His father worked that land and ran a small country store in Gila Valley. When César was 10 years old, his life changed. Because of the Great Depression and a series of unfortunate events, the Chávez family lost both the store in Gila Valley and the family farm. The Chávez family left Arizona for California and began life as migrant farmworkers. They experienced harsh working conditions and uncertain wages. Health care was nonexistent, and job security unheard of. This early experience helped to shape the passions of Chávez's life and set the course for his future activism.

Education was not a priority in Chávez's early life. His ambivalence toward schooling was due in part to his early difficulties with English and the strict discipline he received. After attending over thirty elementary and middle schools, Chávez left after the eighth grade and began working full-time as a vineyard worker to help support his family. Even though his formal education ended at that point, he possessed an appetite for knowledge that was evident [Page 257]throughout his life. His family was able to rent a small home in San Jose, California, in a neighborhood known as Sal Si Puedes (“Get out if you can!”).

...