César Estrada Chávez: Yes We Can!

César Estrada Chávez

President Barack Obama borrowed the phrase that was the slogan of one of the most important Latinos who have fought for rights, especially labor rights in the United States: CESAR ESTRADA CHAVEZ.

The famous phrase “Yes, we can!” It was the “slogan” that characterized the struggle of CESAR CHAVEZ throughout his career as a peaceful activist who tirelessly fought for the excellent treatment and fair and dignified payment of workers, especially Latinos who worked in the fields.

“The cause,” said Chávez, referring to his main reason for fighting, benefited thousands of farm workers throughout the United States.

He was born in Yuma, AZ, on March 31, 1927, and immigrated to California during the Great Depression. He dropped out of high school and joined the U.S. NAVY.

He formed a large family with Helena Fabela, bringing eight children into the world.

In 1962 he founded NFWA (National Farm Workers Association), with which he helped protect the most exploited workers, the same ones who spent long hours in the fields for much less than the minimum wage.

Following Gandhi’s peaceful footsteps, Chávez achieved his goals with hunger strikes, sacrificing his health each time.

In May 1972, Chávez proclaimed the phrase used for everything to this day: “Yes, you can!” in response to all the times he was told, “No, you can’t.”

He died while sleeping in 1966 of natural causes, inheriting to all Latinos and humanity in general teaching of struggle and hope. Next time you say, “YES, YOU CAN!” in some critical game or situation, consider CESAR ESTRADA CHAVEZ and his determination to achieve his goals.