César E. Chávez Was an Activist Who Fought for Equal Rights for Farm Workers Across the United States Beginning in the 1960S Until His Death in 1993

2nd Annual César E. Chávez Contest

“Honoring our Land, People, and All Living Creatures”

César E. Chávez was an activist who fought for equal rights for farm workers across the United States beginning in the 1960s until his death in 1993. He, with Dolores Huerta, founded the United Farm Workers (UFW) Union where he fought for civil rights for Latinos and farmworkers. He believed in nonviolent demonstrations and civil disobedience, including protests, marches, and fasts, with his longest fast being 36 days. César E. Chávez inspired others to fight using nonviolent methods and to stand up for their rights. The infamous phrase “Si Se Puede” (It Can Be Done) was coined during this movement and is still used to unite the Latino community in their fight for la causa (the cause).

We are pleased to introduce the 2nd annual celebration of the birth of César E. Chávez. This event focuses on educating our communities about the legacy of César E. Chávez, an unselfish advocate of social justice and respect for human dignity. The César E. Chávez Birthday Celebration is organized by a steering committee of community members, school representatives, corporate leaders, and Marcus Center staff. We are proud to begin the tradition of celebrating the life and work of César E. Chávez.

The theme of the writing contest is “Honoring our Land, People, and All Living Creatures” Students may relate this theme to themselves or others in their family, school, neighborhood, or the world. How do you or your family show love and respect for the environment? How do you show respect to your family, teachers and friends?

Eligibility/Categories The writing contest is open to students in grades K-12 who live in the city of Milwaukee, or are enrolled in a school, either public or private, within the city of Milwaukee.

There are two grade level categories: • Middle School (grades 6, 7, 8): individual entries, maximum length 400-450 words • High School (grades 9-12): individual entries, maximum length 500-550 words

Typed essays are preferred. Handwritten submissions must be neat and legible. Only one side of the page may be used. Entries must stay within word limitation for their grade level, otherwise the essay will be disqualified.

Judging

The entries will be judged on a point system, with the following criteria considered:

1 • Entries must address the theme. • Entries should relate the student’s own personal ideas or experiences to the topic and show an understanding of Mr. Chávez’s ideals. • Entries must not be a biographical sketch of Mr. Chávez. • Entries will be judged on the basis of clearly expressed, creative ideas. In judging entries, emphasis will be placed on clarity, creativity, and originality. Correct usage of basic grammar and writing skills will also be considered.

Teachers are encouraged to help students understand the historical context of Mr. Chávez’s words and actions, see the relevance of these words and actions in their world today, and become familiar with Mr. Chávez’s life and values. Please see resource list at the end of this document for suggestions.

The 2019-2020 theme, “Honoring our Land, People, and All Living Creatures” This theme is based off of the ten core values of César E. Chávez, which include "Respect for Life and Environment.".

After he ended his fast in 1972, for which he was hospitalized, César E. Chávez issued a statement, “The greatest tragedy is not to live and die, as we all must. The greatest tragedy is for a person to live and die without knowing the satisfaction of giving life for others.” The legacy of Chávez lives on through the self-sacrifice and determination of activists and marginalized groups who are still fighting for equal treatment in the United States.

Prizes/Recognition Awards will be given at the Mr. Chávez celebration on Sunday, March 8, 2020. First, second, and third place writing contest winners will each receive a framed award certificate. Additional prizes will be given to first and second place winners. All participants will have their names listed in the newspaper.

Entry Delivery Information All entries must be submitted by Friday, February 14, 2020, by 5:00 p.m. at one of the following Milwaukee Public Library locations: Central Library (814 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53233) Mitchell Street Library (906 W. Historic Mitchell St. Milwaukee, WI 53204) Washington Park Library (2121 N. Sherman Blvd. Milwaukee, WI 53208)

The original essay should be submitted. Entries will not be returned. Teachers may wish to make copies for their students prior to submission. Entries submitted after 5:00 p.m., Friday, February 14, 2020, will not be considered for prizes.

2 NOTE: Please do not send your entry to Milwaukee Public Schools Central Services Office.

Identifying Your Entries To facilitate anonymity in judging, the following information must be clearly printed or typed on the BACK of each entry: • Student’s full name (include middle initial) • Student’s grade level • Student’s phone number • Student’s address (including zip code) • School name and phone number • Teacher’s name

Student’s name should not appear on the front of the essay. For each classroom packet of entries, attach a cover sheet (8.5 x 11) indicating the school, teacher’s name, grade level and a list of the students entering the contest.

Questions/Concerns If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Marcus Performing Arts Center information line: 414.273.7121

3 Resource List:

Biography. Cesar Chavez - American Civil Rights Activist | Mini Bio | BIO. (2019). YouTube. Retrieved 7 January 2019, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ns5NMHTk-yY Cesar Chavez Foundation. (2019). ChavezFoundation.org. Retrieved 7 January 2019, from https://chavezfoundation.org/ Cesar E. Chavez Foundation. (2019). Ufw.org. Retrieved 7 January 2019, from https://www.ufw.org/pdf/ChavezCampaignMiddleSchooltoPDF.pdf Teaching Tolerance. (2019). Viva La Causa: Teacher's Guide. Retrieved 7 January 2019, from http://www.tolerance.org/sites/default/files/kits/Viva%20Teachers%20Guide_web. pdf Take Part. Take Action: Urge a Cesar Chavez National Day of Service. (2019). YouTube. Retrieved 7 January 2019, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luLt8mfhFYs United Farm Workers. History. (2019). UFW. Retrieved 7 January 2019, from https://ufw.org/research/history/

Newsela.com: Articles on Chavez, Farmworkers, Farm Labor, Immigration