Happy birthday, Cesar Chavez

Cesar Chavez’ birthday is on March 31 and is celebrated in California, Arizona, and Texas. Those are just a few states that honor Cesar Chavez. I would love for Moses Lake to have a Cesar Chavez Day.

I met Mr. Chavez at the Church Council of Greater Seattle in 1985. He would often come to Seattle and visit both churches and unions. Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta founded the National Farm Workers Organization. I loved that Mr. Chavez employed nonviolent means.

In 1988, in order to bring attention to the dangers of pesticides to farm workers and their children, Cesar Chavez went on 36-day hunger strike he called the Fast for Life. Many prayed for Chavez to end the strike. Cesar Chavez died in his sleep.

In 2000, a state holiday was established on March 31 to celebrate Cesar Chavez in California.

Quotes by Cesar Chavez: “Non-violence is not inaction. It is not discussion. It is not for the timid or weak. Non-violence is hard work. If you really want to make a friend, go to someone house and eat with them; the people who give you their food give you their heart.”

Maryamu Givens

Moses Lake