On June 27, 1974, Cesar Chavez joined United Farm Workers union workers outside Hills Supermarket in Yonkers. They were picketing the supermarket to discourage shoppers from buying non-union Gallo wine, grapes, and lettuce. Chavez was with the protesters from 3 PM to 4 PM. The article about Chavez in Yonkers can be on the Yonkers News Archive. The article was published on July 29, 1974.
Cesar Chavez was a labor leader and civil rights activist that used non-violent methods to better the lives of farm workers that were working for low pay. Chavez organized marches, strikers, and undertook a hunger strike to raise awareness for his causes. In 1994, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
At the Yonkers Public Library, we have been celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Please visit our website to see activities that we have planned.
Michael Walsh is an Adult Services Librarian at the Will Library. He is currently reading Never Flinch by Stephen King.