FAST AT THE FORTY ACRES (Photo Essay)
In the Spring of 1968, Cesar Chavez fasted for 25 days to recommit his farmworker movement to nonviolence. The Fast took place on the outskirts of Delano at the union headquarters called Forty Acres. The commentary for these photos was written by LeRoy Chatfield.
FAST AT FORTY ACRES – KOUNS & LEWIS 1968
After the evening religious service, farmworkers lined up outside the door to the hallway leading to the room where Cesar Chavez was fasting. Each one waited their turn to meet and speak with him, no one was turned away.
Placed above the door – you have to look carefully – are small wood crosses, each one counts a day that Cesar has fasted. I count 10 crosses, this would be the 10th day of the Fast.
The Fast for Nonviolence turned out to be the most ingenious organizing campaign ever conceived. Farmworkers from throughout California, Arizona, Texas, Oregon and Washington came to Delano because Cesar Chavez was fasting and each one wanted to meet with him personally to pledge their support for his farmworker movement. In the course of the 25-day period of the Fast, I estimate Cesar Chavez spoke personally with more than 4000 farmworkers.
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