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Essay about The American Dream: César Chavez

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To say that immigrants in America have experienced discrimination would be an understatement. Ever since the country formed, they have been seen as inferior, such as African-Americans that were unwillingly brought to the 13 colonies in the 17th century with the intention to be used as slaves. However, post-1965, immigrants, mainly from Central and South America, came here by choice. Many came with their families, fleeing from their native land’s poverty; these immigrants were in search of new opportunities, and more importantly, a new life. They faced abuse and Cesar Chavez fought to help bring equality to minorities. For many around the world, the United States have become known as the country of opportunity and success. Consequently, …show more content…

Although Cesar’s family owned a small farm and store, they unfortunately lost their home and as a cause had to move from Arizona to California. In California, they settled in the Kern county city Delano. Once in California, Chavez struggled in his education, attending 38 different schools before dropping out in the eighth grade to work with his family full time in the fields. Cesars’ family experienced difficulties in their Delano since they did not have a stable home or a steady income. In 1946 Chavez enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 17. However, he left after two years; he then described it as the worst time of his life. After Chavez returned home to Delano, he married Helen Fabela, whom he had known prior to his enlistment, moved to San Jose, and started a family that grew to include 7 children. It was here in San Jose, where Cesar Chavez met the founder of the Community Service Organization, Fred Ross. Ross was in Delano with the intention to find people to train. Ross hired Chavez to work with him, and together they established more CSO chapters in the surrounding Los Angeles areas. CSO taught its members how to deal with police violence and discrimination. (Tejada-Flores). Chavez rose through the ranks of CSO but ultimately left the organization in 1962 to create, with the help of Dolores Huerta, the National Farm Workers Association, or NFWA for short. The goals of their association were to secure the rights of immigrant

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