How Cesar Chavez Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Cesar Chavez across different fields.

Cesar Chavez was a prominent American labor leader and civil rights activist. He co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA) with Dolores Huerta and Gilbert Padilla. NFWA later merged with the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC) to form the United Farm Workers (UFW) labor union. Chavez's ideology blended left-wing politics with Catholic social teachings, advocating for the rights and fair treatment of farmworkers through nonviolent means.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

February 1968: Chavez begins a fast

In February 1968, Cesar Chavez began a fast to reaffirm his commitment to peaceful protest. He stated he would remain at Forty Acres, which only had a gas station at the time. Members of the union were critical of the fast. After three weeks, doctors urged him to end the fast and he agreed to do so on March 10, inviting Robert Kennedy as the guest of honor.

1968: Full Responsibility

In 1968, Fred Hirsch noted that Cesar Chavez took full responsibility for as much of the operation as he was physically capable of, and that all decisions were made by him.

July 1969: Chavez on the Cover of Time Magazine

In July 1969, Cesar Chavez's portrait appeared on the front of Time magazine, marking him as a national celebrity.

1972: Chavez as Christ-figure

In 1972, John Zerzan described Cesar Chavez as presenting himself as "a Christ-figure sacrificing all for his flock" through his fasts, adding that Chavez took the form of a "messianic leader".

1973: Jefferson Award for Greatest Public Service

In 1973, Cesar Chavez received the Jefferson Award for Greatest Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged.

1982: Kris Kristofferson on Chavez

In 1982, American country music singer Kris Kristofferson called Cesar Chavez "the only true hero we have walking on this Earth today," reflecting the hero worship among many of Chavez's supporters.

1982: 20th Anniversary Celebration and Father's Death

In 1982, the UFW held a celebration of the twentieth anniversary of its first convention at San Jose. In October of that year, Chavez's father died, with the funeral being held in San Jose.

1983: Most Admired Latino

In 1983, a poll conducted by the Los Angeles Times found that Cesar Chavez was the Latino whom the Latinos of California most admired.

November 1984: Chavez Speaks to Commonwealth Club of California

In November 1984, Cesar Chavez gave a speech to the Commonwealth Club of California. The UFW also launched a print shop.

October 1990: School Named After Chavez

In October 1990, Coachella became the first district to name a school after Cesar Chavez. Chavez attended the dedication ceremony.

1992: Pacem in Terris Award

In 1992, Cesar Chavez received the Pacem in Terris Award, a Catholic award meant to honor "achievements in peace and justice".

1993: Asteroid Named After Chavez

In 1993, Asteroid 6982 Cesarchavez, discovered by Eleanor Helin at Palomar Observatory, was named in memory of Cesar Chavez.

August 1994: Presidential Medal of Freedom

In August 1994, Cesar Chavez was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country's highest honor for non-military personnel, by Democratic President Bill Clinton. Chavez's widow collected it from the White House.

1994: Posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 1994, Cesar Chavez posthumously received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

2006: Inducted into California Hall of Fame

In 2006, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger inducted Cesar Chavez into the California Hall of Fame.

2008: Obama Uses 'Sí se puede'

In 2008, Democratic Party candidate Barack Obama, during his campaign for the presidency, used Sí se puede—translated into English as "Yes we can"—as one of his main campaign slogans.

May 18, 2011: Navy to name cargo ship after Cesar Chavez

On May 18, 2011, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus announced that the Navy would be naming the last of 14 Lewis and Clark-class cargo ships after Cesar Chavez.

September 14, 2011: Historic Place Designation

On September 14, 2011, the U.S. Department of the Interior added the 187 acres (76 ha) Nuestra Senora Reina de La Paz ranch to the National Register of Historic Places.

May 5, 2012: Launch of the USNS Cesar Chavez

On May 5, 2012, the USNS Cesar Chavez, a Lewis and Clark-class cargo ship named after Cesar Chavez, was launched.

October 8, 2012: Cesar E. Chavez National Monument Designation

On October 8, 2012, President Barack Obama designated the Cesar E. Chavez National Monument within the National Park system.

2012: Obama Visits Chavez's Grave

In 2012, while seeking re-election, Barack Obama visited Cesar Chavez's grave and placed a rose upon it. Obama also declared Chavez's Union Headquarters to be a national monument.