Beyond the Fields: Cesar Chavez, the UFW, and the Struggle for Justice in the 21st Century

By Randy Shaw

Book Overview

Cesar Chavez is the most prominent Latino in United States history books, and much has been written about Chavez and the United Farm Worker's heyday in the 1960s and '70s. But left untold has been their ongoing impact on 21st century social justice movements. Beyond the Fields unearths this legacy, and describes how Chavez and the UFW's imprint can be found in the modern reshaping of the American labor movement, the building of Latino political power, the transformation of Los Angeles and California politics, the fight for environmental justice, and the burgeoning national movement for immigrant rights. Many of the ideas, tactics, and strategies that Chavez and the UFW initiated or revived--including the boycott, the fast, clergy-labor partnerships and door-to-door voter outreach--are now so commonplace that their roots in the farmworkers' movement is forgotten.

This powerful book also describes how the UFW became the era's leading incubator of young activist talent, creating a generation of skilled alumni who went on to play critical roles in progressive campaigns. UFW volunteers and staff were dedicated to furthering economic justice, and many devoted their post-UFW lives working for social change. When Barack Obama adopted "Yes We Can" as his 2008 campaign theme, he confirmed that the spirit of "Si Se Puede" has never been stronger, and that it still provides the clearest roadmap for achieving greater social and economic justice in the United States.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0520251075
• ISBN13: 9780520251076
• Release Date: September 2008
• Publisher: Perseus - Ucal Pod
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Gripping Account of Fight for Social Justice

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. For me, its greatest strength lies in the author's ability to describe organizing struggles from the past and make them feel fresh and immediate. The "Yes We Cane" chapter (which documents a labor battle in Florida) in particular was a page turner, something rare and difficult to accomplish with historical subject matter. I also think the author accomplishes one of his stated goals, which was to canonize the important work of these UFW activists - work I would've never known about had I not read this book. The breadth and depth of information uncovered by the author is unbelievable. An all-around excellent read.

Obama Supporters Take Note! / A Must Read for Social Justice Activists

Beyond the Fields follows in the tradition of Howard Zinn's People's History of the United States by providing little known history about the UFW, its organizing tactics and its profound legacy on political activism in America over the past four decades. The book provides a historic overview of the UFW, its leaders-- particularly Cesar Chavez--, its achievements and the lasting impact of tactics developed and used by the UFW on political organizing around the country. Many of the stories of post-UFW social justice struggles in the book are riveting, including the Justice for Janitors campaign in Miami and a history of the national movement for immigrant rights. The book is particularly timely now because of the use of UFW organizing strategies in the ground game to elect Barack Obama. Great as it will be to have Obama in the White House, Obama's election isn't a magic solution to the country's many and deep social problems. Shaw's book provides valuable history to guide activists in the battles to come.