Unsung hero of farmworker movement Richard Chavez dies

[Omaha Steve]

http://peoplesworld.org/unsung-hero-of-farmworker-movement-richard-chavez-dies/

by: Pepe Lozano
July 29 2011



The civil rights, labor and farm worker community is mourning the loss of Richard E. Chavez, long-time farm worker and civil rights advocate and brother of Cesar Chavez, who died July 27 at 81 in Bakersfield, Calif.

"Richard was one of those little-known giants in our organization," said current United Farm Workers president Arturo Rodriguez to Bakersfield.com. "Those of us who have been a part of the organization know and understand the effectiveness of his leadership."

President Obama also paid tribute to the many contributions made by Richard Chavez.

"Richard fought for basic labor rights but also worked to improve the quality of life for countless farm workers," said Obama in a statement. "And beyond his work, Richard was a family man."

Obama added, "Richard understood that the struggle for a more perfect union and a better life for all America's workers didn't end with any particular victory or defeat, but instead required a commitment to getting up every single day to keep at it."

Richard Estrada Chavez was born on Nov. 12, 1929, in Yuma, Ariz. When he was eight years old, his family was forced into migrant farm work when the family farm was lost to taxes during the Great Depression. They migrated to California where Richard and his older brother, Cesar Chavez, began working in the fields, orchards and vineyards throughout the state. In 1949, the brothers left farm labor to work in the lumber mills.

FULL story at link.

[pinto]

1. Kick

:kick:

[friendly_iconoclast]

2. K&R. I salute you, Mr. Chavez. n/t

[patrice]

3. Life as a Labor of Love. We can see it in his face. Like others in his line, he will be conserved.

Sat Nam!