Cesar Chavez's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Cesar Chavez.

Cesar Chavez was a prominent American labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA), which later became the United Farm Workers (UFW). His ideology blended left-wing politics with Catholic social teachings, advocating for the rights and fair treatment of farmworkers. Alongside Dolores Huerta and Gilbert Padilla, Chavez dedicated his life to improving working conditions and wages for agricultural laborers, becoming a significant figure in the American labor movement.

Sections (7)

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

September 30, 1962: Formalization of the National Farm Workers Association

On September 30, 1962, the National Farm Workers Association was formalized at a convention in Fresno, with Chavez elected as general-director. Delegates agreed on monthly dues and adopted the motto "viva la causa" along with a flag featuring a black eagle.

April 1965: Rose grafters strike

In April 1965, rose grafters approached the NFWA for help in organizing a strike for better working conditions. The strike targeted Mount Arbor and Conklin. After four days, the growers agreed to raise wages.

December 1965: UAW joins Delano Grape Strike and Boycott Launched

In December 1965, Walter Reuther of the United Automobile Workers joined Chavez in a pro-strike march, bringing national media attention. The UAW pledged monthly donations. Chavez, influenced by the civil rights movement, launched a boycott campaign, targeting the Schenley liquor company.

1965: Delano grape strike begins

In 1965, Chavez began organizing strikes among farmworkers, most notably the Delano grape strike.

March 1966: Senate Subcommittee Hearings and March to Sacramento

In March 1966, the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Migratory Labor held hearings in California, attended by Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Chavez decided on a 300-mile march to Sacramento to attract attention to their cause.

July 1969: Negotiations with Lionel Steinberg

In July 1969, Chavez negotiated contracts with Lionel Steinberg, a grape grower in the Coachella area, allowing Steinberg's products to be sold with a union logo, exempting them from the boycott. Other growers followed suit, resulting in contracts being signed with the union.

July 1969: Chavez on Time Magazine Cover

In July 1969, Chavez's portrait appeared on the cover of Time magazine, marking his rise to national celebrity.

July 29, 1970: Delano Growers Sign Contracts with the Union

On July 29, 1970, the Delano growers signed contracts with the union at the Forty Acres Hall, in front of the press. These contracts included wage rises for pickers, a health plan, and safety measures for pesticide use.

1970: Delano grape strike ends

In 1970, after 5 years of organizing, the Delano grape strike, led by Cesar Chavez, concluded.

November 1972: Proposition 22 Defeated

In November 1972, California growers organized a ballot on Proposition 22, which would ban boycott campaigns. Chavez tasked LeRoy Chatfield with running the campaign against it, and Proposition 22 was defeated by a vote of 58 percent to 42 percent.

1973: Jefferson Award for Greatest Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged

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

June 1975: California Agricultural Labor Relations Act Signed

In June 1975, Governor Brown signed the California Agricultural Labor Relations Act (ALRA) into law, guaranteeing farmworkers the right to a secret ballot for union representation. This was seen as a UFW victory.

1975: California Agricultural Labor Relations Act Passed

In 1975, Chavez's alliance with California Governor Jerry Brown helped ensure the passing of the California Agricultural Labor Relations Act.

January 1979: UFW Wage Demands and Strike

In January 1979, the UFW made its wage demands after its contracts had expired. Chavez organized a new strike over wages, hoping that salary increases would stem the UFW's losses. Eleven lettuce growers in the Salinas and Imperial Valleys were included in the strike, which caused lettuce prices to soar.

1982: Kris Kristofferson Praises Chavez

In 1982, the American country music singer Kris Kristofferson called Cesar Chavez "the only true hero we have walking on this Earth today."

1983: Chavez Most Admired Latino in California

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

July 1988: Chavez Launches Public Fast

In July 1988, Cesar Chavez launched another public fast at Forty Acres as the UFW's boycott of Bruce Church products failed to gain traction. Three of Robert Kennedy's children visited, generating media attention for the fast.

November 1989: Chavez Receives the Order of the Aztec Eagle

In November 1989, the Mexican government awarded Cesar Chavez the Order of the Aztec Eagle, during which he had a private audience with Mexican President Carlos Salinas.

October 1990: School Named After Chavez

In October 1990, Coachella became the first district to name a school after Cesar Chavez; he 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 Cesar Chavez's memory.

August 1994: Posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom

In August 1994, Cesar Chavez was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton; his widow collected it from the White House.

1994: Posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 1994, Cesar Chavez posthumously received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, solidifying his legacy as an icon for organized labor and leftist groups.

2006: Inducted into California Hall of Fame

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

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

On May 18, 2011, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus announced that the Navy would name the last of 14 Lewis and Clark-class cargo ships after Cesar Chavez, honoring him with this dedication.

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

On October 8, 2012, President Barack Obama designated the Cesar E. Chavez National Monument within the National Park system, preserving and honoring Chavez's legacy.

March 2013: Google Doodle Celebrates Chavez's Birthday

In March 2013, Google celebrated Cesar Chavez's 86th birthday with a Google Doodle.

April 23, 2015: Cesar Chavez Receives Military Honors

On April 23, 2015, the 22nd anniversary of his death, Cesar Chavez received belated full military honors from the U.S. Navy at his graveside, recognizing his contributions and service.