Cesar Chavez and Farm Workers' Rights — Reading Comprehension

Cesar Chavez was a leader who fought for rights and fair treatment of farm workers in the United States. He was born in 1927 in Arizona. His family lost their farm during the Great Depression. They became migrant workers, moving from place to place to find jobs picking fruits and vegetables.

Farm workers had to work very hard in the fields for long hours. They were paid low wages and had poor living conditions. Chavez saw how unfair this was. He wanted to help workers have better lives. In 1962, he started a group called the National Farm Workers Association. This group later became the United Farm Workers (union).

Cesar Chavez believed in peaceful protest. He used marches, strikes, and boycotts to get people to listen. In 1965, Chavez and the union led a famous strike by grape pickers in California. They asked people across the country to stop buying grapes until workers got fair treatment. Cesar said, "We draw our strength from the very despair in which we have been forced to live."

Because of these actions, many farm owners agreed to talk. Farm workers won better pay and safer working conditions. Chavez showed that one person's bravery can help many people. The movement taught others about the power of unity and peaceful change.

Interesting Fact: Cesar Chavez's birthday, March 31, is celebrated as a holiday in several states to honor his work for justice.

Where was Cesar Chavez born?

What job did Chavez's family do?

What year did Chavez start the union?

Why did farm workers go on strike?

What does a boycott mean?

How did Chavez help farm workers?

Cesar Chavez was born in 1927. True or false?

What is a union?