Podium and United Farm Workers Flag

Date6/5/1972

MediumPaper

Dimensions3 x 5 in. (7.6 x 12.7 cm)

ClassificationsDocumentary Artifact

Catalog number2008.11.113

DescriptionBlack and white photo showing aspects of the United Farm Worker's mass in Phoenix to end Chavez's hunger strike. Photo shows a well lit room from behind a crowd. A long table with people seated at it can be seen in the photo. The table sits in front of the United Farm Workers Flags. Above near the ceiling are three banners: "Viva la causa," "Si se puede," and another that cannot be made out.

Photos 2008.22.96 through 126 all show the mass attended by 5000 people through Arizona and several other states. The event was held at the Del Webb Townhouse on North Central Avenue. It was the end of Cesar Chavez's fast. He had become so weak he had to use a wheelchair. The fast was meant as a call to sacrifice for justice and as a reminder of how much suffering there is among farm workers. An enormous voter registration program and a recall after this event sent the first Mexican Americans and Navajos to the Arizona Legislature. The fast was a response to a law that was quickly shoved through in order to outlaw boycotts and strikes during harvest season.

Status

Not on view