Justice in the Fields
A Legacy of Advocacy and Peaceful Resistance.
The Legacy
César Estrada Chávez was a community organizer, a civil rights activist, and labor icon. With the support of other labor leaders, he transformed the American labor movement. He and Dolores Huerta founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers (UFW) labor union.
Chávez dedicated his life to securing humane working conditions for farmworkers, using peaceful tactics to gain public attention and support for better pay and working conditions. His legacy continues to inspire movements for social justice and workers' rights across the nation.
Library Closure
All library locations will be closed on Monday, March 31, 2025, in observance of the César Chávez Holiday.
Special Event
Recommended Reads
Physical and digital titles
Online Resources
Explore the life of César Chávez.
Online Learning: Cesar Chavez
Gale in Context: Biographies
Newsbank: San José Mercury News Historical Archive
Newspapers.com California Collection: César Chávez
California Room Digital Collection: César Chávez
Perspectives
Reflections, discoveries, and insights from library staff.
Remembering César Chávez.
Looking Back: César Chávez, a Dedicated Life
César Chávez Memorial Walkway
The Alcario and Carmen Castellano Family Collections
Past Celebrations
Take a trip down memory lane.