Today is Cesar Chavez Day. The movie depicting his life came out last Friday. As far as I know it did reasonably well for a picture that was made for a budget of about 10 million dollars. Big budget for you and me, tiny budget for many films.
The movie is clearly about the man and how he, and those around him, responded to the needs of the workers in the field. It includes a brief nod to the Filipino workers who were on strike and who had been involved with protesting for some time prior to the involvement of the Mexicanos and Mexican Americans. It also gave little time to Dolores Huerta. In the film its clear that she is strong willed and smart. What doesn't get developed in the film is the partnership that they develop over the years.
Its often shared that Cesar was the spokesman. In a way, you could think of his as the front man. Dolores led the boycotts and negotiated contracts - often being the only woman in the room. Well, maybe there were female secretaries...
Cesar's work and his commitment to better working conditions in the fields as well his commitment to non-violence is being recognized in the State of California. Someday Dolores will get her due.
Here is artist Favianna Rodriguez' image with quotes from each.
They were a team.
Favianna Rodriguiez - http://favianna.com
Oh, a small note. Dolores spoke at Oxy last week. In the course of the talk she mentioned the "Si, se puede" quote. She shared that President Obama "used" her quote during his campaign. Ever Dolores she replied, "Yes, you did". Most likely with a big smile on her face. In the movie it is Cesar who "uses" the phrase.
I don't have the source for the two images in the main body of the text at the moment. I'll add them tomorrow.
Here's a link to a column that draws out more of the "other story" that could have been told and that hopefully will be told in the future.
HI Roberta, Fancy seeing you here! I saw your blog title on Karin's Blog page, (hiking in altadena) How is the little bistro table looking? I hope you are enjoying it. Great post, I have a new dog I considered calling him Caesar since he came into my life on this day. Viva Caesa Chavez!
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