Highlights from the Archives: The Mexican-American Farm Workers' Movement Collection

The purpose of The Compass Rose is to raise awareness of Special Collections' resources and to foster the use of these resources. The blog series also reports significant new programs, initiatives, and acquisitions of Special Collections.

The fight for Farm Workers' rights is typically associated with the strikes and protests led by César Chávez in California. In 1962, César Chávez and organizers such as Dolores Huerta and Gilbert Padilla founded the National Farm Workers Association, now the United Farm Workers (UFW). This organization worked in California to fight against inhumane working conditions and salaries using nonviolent methods such as picketing, boycotts, and strikes. While this movement began in California, it was certainly not limited to California! 

The Mexican-American Farm Workers' Movement collection contains materials that show the history of the fight for Farm Workers' in Texas and throughout the US. This collection contains statements of support of the movement, news publications, research about affected communities, and documents showing the inner workings of the movement.

El Malcriado publications from Delano, California and McAllen, Texas, are represented in this collection. Here are some examples of this publication: 

Other publications were created to disseminate important news and updates on strikes and legal issues. The Farm Workers Newsletter and El Mosquito del Rio served as resources for farm workers in South Texas:

This collection also includes documents detailing the support some members of the Catholic Church gave to the strikes in Texas. At left is a letter written by Reverend John A. Wagner, Past Executive Secretary - Bishops Committee for the Spanish Speaking. It was written from St. Joseph's Church, Nixon, Texas, and states the following:

August 23, 1966

VIVA LA HUELGA!!

I regret that due to the celebration of the Parish feast of St. Phillip's Church in Smiley it is not possible to be personally present in Floresville to extend my best wishes to the courageous band of farm workers marching from Rio Grande City to Austin.

Mr. Pablo Leal and his little group represent the feelings and encouragement from the little pueblo of Nixon. He also brings sandwiches prepared by the people of Nixon for the marchers. 

For too long the Mexican American has been neglected, used and frequently abused in South Texas and throughout the South-western part of the United States. We rejoice that at this time the marchers indicate without doubt that the old era is passing and the old days of "peon" servitude are at an[d] end. Human power will soon rule the land and the Christian principle of love will supplant the toleration of second class citizenship. 

Especially are we pleased to recognize that by this march the "raza" itself is making known to all that time has come for full and unrestricted participation in all the realities of the American Way of life. It is now making known to all its sufferings of the past and present. We wish them God's blessings on this effort.

I will personally join your march before you reach Austin, tonight may you accept the good wishes of our friends from Nixon.

Sincerely Yours,

John A. Wagner 

At right is a poster announcing the march at New Braunfels, Texas, Labor Day, 1966. An unnamed priest holds a crucifix out towards Governor John Connally, who was Governor of Texas from 1963 to 1969. Behind Connally stands Ben Barnes, who was Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives and member of the Texas House of Representatives, District 64, at the time of the march. Behind the priest is Waggoner Carr, who was a member of the Texas House of Representatives, District 119, at the time of the march. 

These items offer perspectives into the community work that was done to support the Farm Workers' Movement, and the work done to ensure that farm workers worked in safe conditions. 

This month we'll be featuring more highlights from our collection in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month! Keep an eye out for more glimpses into our collection.