Posted 10 years ago
katherines…
(247 items)
These are all things I got when I worked as a boycott organizer, and later as part of the California initiative effort, for the United Farm Workers back in the 70s. I was privileged to meet Cesar Chavez, to work for him, to visit and stay at La Paz. Meeting Cesar and working with the UFW was the most influential time of my life. Cesar used to say, it is what we do with our lives that determines who we are. What he embodied to me was courage, focus, determination, and a willingness to sacrifice everything, even his life, to overturn injustice. March 28th is the Cesar Chavez holiday, often celebrated as a day of service.
1. Jacket patch, given to staff. I think I got this when I first went to work for them, c.70s.
2. Button, worn by supporters of the grape, lettuce, and Gallo wine boycott. From either the boycott offices in San Diego or the huelga offices in San Ysidro, c.70s.
3. Pendant, from the gift shop at La Paz, c.70s. I believe I got this when we went up for Cesar's daughter's wedding.
The fourth photo is a favorite picture of Cesar.
As seen here, UFW items featured the stylized Aztec eagle which was designed by Cesar, Richard, and Manuel Chavez. Black represented the tragic history of farmworkers, white signified hope for the future, red symbolized the struggle for justice. Used at first on strike and picket line flags, the UFW eagle evolved into a icon of the Chicano movement, and to the present day is often integrated into Chicano literature and art.
Thanks for looking.
Thanks for the love, blunderbuss2, lisa, mikelv85, aghcollect, PhilDavidAlexanderMorris, sklo42, and vetraio50. :)
Awesome post:)
Thanks for the love, ho2cultcha, PatSea, glasslove, Manikin, and Trey. :)
Thanks for the nice comment, Trey. :)
Thanks for sharing-- must have been a fascinating time in your life!
scott
Scott, because I was so young, a formative and influential time. To meet so great a man, to work with such dedicated colleagues, for so great a cause, changed my life.
I've been thinking about a little competition for a while and I think in light of all that's been going on this would be a good time. I don't want to give any details yet to keep it fair . And I do want EVERYONE to feel comfortable about joining in. I will post details and get it started tomorrow if no problems come up .There will be "A Major Award"
Thanks for the love, Hedgewalker, and SEAN68. :)
Thanks for the love, Roycroftbooksfromme1. :)
Thanks for the love, brunswick, and ttomtucker. :)
Thanks so much for your nice comment, brunswick. :)
So glad I saw this -- thank you for sharing and for all the work you did.
Thanks for the love, Windwalker, and Jean123. :)
Jean123, it was my privilege and honor to work for the UFW during those years, and to meet Cesar Chavez, and to learn from him. Thanks for your comment.
How wonderful that you knew the great Cesar Chavez, a union trailblazer who helped so many & paved the way for folks like my husband, a Teamsters warehouse shop steward (microscope tech) for many years. Super post Katherine
- Jenni