Father Donald McDonnell
"He had a picture of a worker's shanty and a picture of a grower's mansion; a picture of a labor camp and a picture of a high-priced building in San Francisco owned by the same grower. When things were pointed out to me, I began to see."
~Cesar Chavez
|
"Father McDonnell embodied those Catholic teachings...impact[ing] Cesar and so many others."
~Arturo S. Rodriguez, President of the UFW |
|
"The priest's association with Cesar Chavez perhaps changed the course of history."
~Bishop Gerald Wilkerson, Los Angeles Archdiocese |
Donald McDonnell was one of Cesar Chavez's greatest mentors, a cardinal influence during his later years. Chavez, in his early twenties, was yet to comprehend the social inequities inflicted upon migrant families such as his own. Nonetheless, the education provided by Father McDonnell addressed issues of peace and righteousness through the study of literary texts, encouraging Chavez to follow the footsteps of revolutionary leaders.
Inspirations (click images to view)
Fred Ross Sr.
|
Fred Ross Sr. was a legendary instructor and lifelong partner for Chavez. Having formed the Community Service Organization in 1948, Ross himself was an experienced activist and aimed his efforts towards Mexican laborers. Due to communal passion, Ross's teachings unlocked a gateway for Cesar Chavez, kindling the spark of future reformations. |
|
"Organizing is providing people with the opportunity to become aware of their own capabilities and potential. If you are moving people to act through truth and for truth, as you understand it, then you are organizing them."
~Axioms for Organizers, Fred Ross Sr. |
"Injustice NEVER takes a vacation."
|
