César Chávez

Institute of Texan Cultures: César Chávez exhibit

By James M. Benavides
Public Affairs Specialist

(March 27, 2009)–UTSA’s Institute of Texan Cultures will present the exhibition, "In His Own Words: The Life and Work of César Chávez," from March 31 to May 24. The exhibition is produced by Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Featuring 38 photographs paired with excerpts from his dynamic speeches, interviews and authoritative writings, the exhibit documents the full course of Chávez’ remarkable career and examines the life experiences and philosophical influences that drove him to dedicate himself to improving the lives of American farm workers.

Throughout his youth and into young adulthood, Chávez experienced the hardships of being a migrant farm worker and the sting of racial discrimination. Motivated by a dream of justice and equality, he dedicated himself to community organizing activities and to founding the first farm workers’ union.

He developed strategies to effect the change he envisioned inspired by the principles of his parents, the teachings of Catholicism and his mentors and the study of successful civil rights leaders. Utilizing strikes, boycotts, marches and other nonviolent tactics, Chávez worked tirelessly to secure better pay, job safety, improved living conditions, and other essential protections for farm workers.

"In His Own Words" is made possible by a We the People grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Humanities Texas develops and supports diverse programs across the state, including lectures, oral history projects, teacher institutes, museum exhibitions and documentary films. For more information, visit the Humanities Texas Web site or call (512) 440-1991.

For more information on viewing hours or to arrange group visits, contact UTSA’s Institute of Texan Cultures at (210) 458-2300.

UTSA’s Institute of Texan Cultures tells the stories of Texas’ diverse citizens and invites guests to join in the celebration of Texas’ multicultural heritage. Established as the Texas State Exhibits Building for HemisFair in 1968 and later designated as a campus of The University of Texas at San Antonio, the museum seeks to entertain, inspire and educate those who seek a greater understanding of the influence of multiculturalism in the Lone Star State.