School History

César Chávez Middle School honors the life and legacy of César Estrada Chávez, a pivotal leader in the American labor movement and civil rights history. Born on March 31, 1927, in Yuma, Arizona, Chávez experienced firsthand the hardships and injustices faced by migrant workers, which would shape his lifelong mission for justice and equality.

Chávez’s journey began with the struggles of his family, who were swindled out of land and forced into a life of poverty. These early experiences instilled in him a profound commitment to fighting injustice.

In the 1960s, Chávez co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers (UFW), in response to the dire conditions faced by farm workers. Chávez's leadership in organizing the farm workers through nonviolent means, including the famous Delano grape strike and his multiple hunger strikes, brought national attention to their plight. His efforts led to better working conditions, higher wages, and the first union contracts for farm workers in the United States.

Chávez's belief in education and the importance of collective action became central to his work. Despite his limited formal education, Chávez was an avid reader, gaining knowledge from books on philosophy, economics, and nonviolence.

His legacy as a fierce advocate for the rights of migrant workers and his dedication to nonviolent protest continues to inspire communities today. César Chávez passed away on April 23, 1993, but his influence endures, making him a hero of social justice and labor rights.