Cesar Chavez film screening by Eduardo Chavez

Come join a film screening followed by a Q&A about Cesar Chaves’ activist work narrated by his grandson Eduardo Chavez to speak about labor exploitation of Latino farm workers in California and why they began a strike. In 1962 Chavez founded the National Farm Workers Association, later to become the United Farm Workers. The Farm workers and supporters carried banners with the Aztec eagle with the word’s “strike” and “long live our cause”. The marchers wanted the government to pass laws that would permit farm workers to organize into a union and allow bargaining agreements.

The issues being explored in the film are especially relevant given the current political climate. This is a story about a family that is very much a part of American history, Yet, although Cesar was born in Arizona and fought on behalf of other Americans, people still confuse him with the Mexican boxer Julio
Cesar Chavez or have no idea why there are streets, parks and schools named after him. This film will appeal to a wide audience, including those with an interest in American history, Chicano culture, social justice, income inequality, the rural versus urban split, and generational struggles. Cesar Chavez worked with Dolores Huerta for this movement. Many of the women during the 1960’s devoted their efforts to negotiating better working contracts with companies, organizing boycotts, rallying
for changes in immigration policies, registering Latinos to vote with Spanish language ballots, and increasing pressure on legislation to improve labor relations.