Celebrating Cesar Chavez as a Family

Cesar Chavez is one of the great heroes of the Latino community in the United States. Chavez dedicated his life to protecting the rights of Latino farmworkers through nonviolent protests and labor organizing. He believed that even those who live in poverty and have no political power can find a voice in the community and promote change. Chavez was a founder of the United Farm Workers union, which led to better working conditions and pay for workers across the country.

Though there's still progress to be made, Chavez's story reminds us that against all odds, change is possible. In the words of Dolores Huerta, "¡Sí, se puede!" (Yes, it can be done!) To celebrate Cesar Chavez, families can learn more about his life and brainstorm ways to carry on his work in our own communities.

Check out the books, videos, podcasts, and movies listed here to spark conversations about Chavez's legacy of activism, courage, justice, and equality.

For preschoolers and young kids

Books and videos:

• Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez by Kathleen Krull and Yuyi Morales (book in English or Spanish)
  Read this biographical picture book with young kids, then talk about who Cesar Chavez was and why his birthday is a national holiday in the United States. Little kids can follow up the story with this coloring sheet. (Read-aloud version of the book on YouTube.)
• "Cesar Chavez: Labor Leader and Political Rights Activist" (video in English or Spanish), Age 8+
  Introduce children to Cesar Chavez with this video overview of his life and work.
• Who Was Cesar Chavez? by Dana Meachen Rau from the Who Was Series (book in English), Age 8+
  Read this kid-friendly biography of Cesar Chavez with your child, and learn more about why and how he stood up for the rights of farmworkers.
• "Migrant Farmworker Families: Books for Kids" (book list in English) from ¡Colorín colorado!
  Learn more about the lives and experiences of migrant workers past and present with these relatable books for kids.

Questions to ask kids:

• What kinds of things did Cesar Chavez see or experience that were unfair?
• What are some jobs that you think are important but might be hard work?
• What is an activist? How was Cesar Chavez an activist?
• Is there anything happening in your life (or that you know about) that you think is unfair?
• How could you be an activist like Cesar Chavez?

For preteens and teens

Podcast episodes and movies:

• "Cesar Chavez's Campaign for Farmworkers" from the BBC's Witness History (podcast in English), Age 10+
  Listen to a 2012 interview with Dolores Huerta in this audio tribute to Cesar Chavez.
• Dolores (movie in English), Age 11+
  Learn more about the work Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta did together in this heartfelt documentary focused on Huerta's life and activism.
• Cesar Chavez: Respect for All (movie in English), Age 11+
  Watch this short documentary to learn more about Cesar Chavez's activism, and hear from people who carry on his legacy today.
• Cesar Chavez (movie in English), Age 13+
  Watch this film as a family to explore how the life and achievements of Cesar Chavez highlight his place in U.S. history.​
• "The Delano Grape Strike & Boycott" from the Stuff You Missed in History Class (podcast in English), Age 13+
  Learn more about Cesar Chavez's leadership during the Delano Grape Strike and Boycott and how it led to new and lasting protections for farmworkers.

Questions to ask preteens and teens:

• What were some of the inequalities Cesar Chavez witnessed?
• What methods did Chavez use to bring about change?
• Cesar Chavez was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. What similarities do you see between the two?
• What are some ways we can support or advocate for workers' rights in our community?
• Can you think of other Latino activists making a difference today?