César Chávez was born in Yuma, Arizona on March 31, 1927. He grew up in Arizona before later moving to Oxnard, California. Growing up as an immigrant during the depression period he had many hardships.  He lived in La Colonia Barrio in Oxnard for a short period, before returning to Arizona several months later. He returned to California in June 1939 and this time settled in San Jose. He and his family lived in the barrio called Sal Si Puedes which in English translates too ­"Get Out If You Can." César thought the only way to get out of the circle of poverty was to work his way up and get to college.

     César returned to San Jose where he met and was influenced by Father Donald McDonnell. They talked about farm workers and strikes. César began reading about St. Francis and Gandhi and nonviolence. After Father McDonnell came another very influential person, Fred Ross.

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