Delano Grape Strike
In September 1965, a collaboration of Filipino and Latino farm workers against the deleterious policies of Californian grape growers initiated one of the organization's largest boycotts. Protest support reached unprecedented heights as laborers received aid across the country. Commercial establishments, including the Trans-World Airlines, withheld the sale of "California's poison grapes," raising worldwide attention to the urgency of farm labor rights.
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"The wrath of grapes is a plague born of selfish men that is indiscriminately and undeniably poisoning us all. Our only protection is to boycott the grapes and our only weapon is the truth. If we unite, we can only triumph for ourselves, for our children and for their children."
~Cesar Chavez, Wrath of Grapes
~Cesar Chavez, Wrath of Grapes
To draw public consciousness, Chavez undertook a twenty-five day fast in February 1968. While the fast itself roused controversy amongst members, its ultimate outcome proved to be advantageous. "Workers came from every sector of California and Arizona to meet with Cesar, to talk to him about the problems of their areas" (Chatfield). His fast propelled a simple method of organizing to a national movement as the malpractices of large-scale corporations were exposed to communities.
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Call for ChangeAn act of nonviolent defiance, the California grape boycott was an essential victory for the UFW. Twenty-six contracts were signed by July 29, 1970, granting benefits to a diverse population of laborers. As a landmark success, the strike became a beacon of hope for minority populations.
"If this experiment in social justice as they've called it, or this revolution in agriculture... works here, it can work elsewhere."
~John Giumarra, Jr. |