I did not see any diary on César Chávez (March 31, 1927 – April 23, 1993) today, so here is one, to celebrate the day named after him by Obama, with a few notable tributes from around the world.
A few celebrations -
His words are very relevant today -
Words to remember César Chávez by -
- It is possible to become discouraged about the injustice we see everywhere. But God did not promise us that the world would be humane and just. He gives us the gift of life and allows us to choose the way we will use our limited time on earth. It is an awesome opportunity.
- The fight is never about grapes or lettuce. It is always about people.
- Non-violence is not inaction. It is not discussion. It is not for the timid or weak... Non-violence is hard work.
- In some cases non-violence requires more militancy than violence.
- There is no such thing as defeat in non-violence.
- Preservation of one's own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures.
- We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community... Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.
- To make a great dream come true, the first requirement is a great capacity to dream; the second is persistence.
- You are never strong enough that you don't need help.
- We draw our strength from the very despair in which we have been forced to live. We shall endure.
- Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed. You cannot un-educate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore.
The words in his own voice -
What are your memories and thoughts on the legacy of César Chávez?