Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta: Yes, We Can! — Reading Comprehension

Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta were two leaders who helped farm workers in California during the 1960s. At that time, many people worked long hours in the hot sun. They picked grapes, lettuce, and other crops. Most farm workers were paid very little. They did not have water or bathrooms in the fields. Their lives were hard.

Cesar Chavez grew up in a family of farm workers. He knew how difficult the work was. He wanted to change things. Dolores Huerta was a teacher. She saw how the children of farm workers suffered. She wanted to help too. Together, they formed a group called the United Farm Workers, or UFW. Their motto was, "Sí Se Puede!" which means "Yes, we can!"

Cesar and Dolores asked farm workers to join together. They believed that when people work as a team, they are stronger. In 1965, they led a strike against grape growers. A strike is when workers stop working to ask for better pay and conditions. The strike lasted five years. People all over the United States supported the workers. Many stopped buying grapes to help. This was called a boycott.

Cesar Chavez said, "The fight is never about grapes or lettuce. It is always about people." Dolores Huerta spoke at many events. She encouraged people to stand up for their rights. She said, "Every moment is an organizing opportunity." Their words inspired many.

After a long struggle, the grape growers agreed to give farm workers better pay and safer places to work. Cesar and Dolores showed that peaceful protests can bring change. They taught people that working together can make a difference.

Interesting Fact: Dolores Huerta is still active today and has won many awards for her work in civil rights.

Who were the two main leaders?

What did the farm workers pick?

What group did Chavez and Huerta start?

Why did workers go on strike?

What does 'Sí Se Puede!' mean?

What happened after the strike?

Dolores Huerta is still active today.

What is a boycott?