Reading
Cesar Chavez was born in 1927 in Arizona, USA. His family worked on a farm, and they were very poor. When Cesar was ten, a drought ruined their farm. The family had to leave their home and move to California to look for work. In California, Cesar and his family became migrant farm workers. They moved from place to place, picking fruit and vegetables. The work was hard, and the pay was very low. Many farm workers lived in small, crowded houses and could not send their children to school regularly. Cesar left school after eighth grade to work in the fields full time and help his family. As an adult, Cesar wanted to make life better for farm workers. In 1962, he started a group called the National Farm Workers Association. He believed in peaceful protest. He organized strikes, marches, and boycotts, asking people not to buy grapes until farm workers were treated fairly. Cesar also used the words “Sí, se puede!” which means “Yes, it can be done!” He wanted workers to feel strong and hopeful. Cesar and his supporters worked hard for many years. Finally, in the 1970s, farm workers won better pay and safer working conditions. Cesar Chavez is remembered for his nonviolent leadership. He showed that one person can help many people and that peaceful protest can bring change. Today, many schools, parks, and streets in America are named after him. His birthday, March 31, is celebrated as Cesar Chavez Day in several states.
Vocabulary List
Here are some important words from the reading. Try to guess the meaning, then check the definitions.
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farm worker
A person who works on a farm, usually picking crops or taking care of animals."Cesar Chavez was a farm worker as a boy."
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drought
A long period with little or no rain."A drought ruined their farm."
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migrant
Moving from place to place, usually to find work."They became migrant farm workers."
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crowded
Having too many people in a small space."Many workers lived in crowded houses."
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fields
Large areas of land where crops are grown."Cesar worked in the fields to help his family."
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protest
To show that you do not agree with something, often in public."He believed in peaceful protest."
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strike
A period when workers stop working to try to get better pay or conditions."The workers organized a strike for better pay."
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march
A walk by many people to show support for a cause."Cesar led a march to support workers."
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boycott
To refuse to buy or use something as a form of protest."They organized a boycott of grapes."
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fairly
In a way that is right and treats people equally."Farm workers wanted to be treated fairly."
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nonviolent
Not using physical force or violence."Cesar Chavez believed in nonviolent leadership."
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leadership
The act of guiding or directing a group."He showed leadership in helping workers."
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supporter
A person who helps or believes in a cause."Cesar had many supporters."
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condition
The situation in which someone lives or works."They wanted better working conditions."
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hopeful
Feeling or showing hope; believing good things will happen."Cesar wanted workers to feel hopeful."
Comprehension Questions
Answer these questions about the reading.
- Where was Cesar Chavez born?
- Why did Cesar’s family leave Arizona?
- What kind of work did Cesar do as a boy?
- What did Cesar do to help farm workers?
- What does “Sí, se puede!” mean in English?
- How is Cesar Chavez remembered in America today?