Cesar Chavez, born in 1927, observed the economic exploitation of farm workers in California and organized a new union, the United Farm Workers. Their grape boycotts drew national attention, and won better wages and working conditions for thousands of farm workers. Chavez was inspired by Gandhi, and in 1968 he embarked on a 25-day fast for nonviolence, breaking it on March 10 with Bobby Kennedy.
Dorothy Day, born in 1897, was first arrested at age 20 during a suffragette protest at the White House. Sentenced to 30 days, she joined a hunger strike that secured their release after 10 days. After exploring other opportunities for activism, Day went on to co-found the Catholic Worker movement, which embraced personalism and the values of equality, brotherhood, and service. Her last arrest came in 1973 with Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers.
Born in 1869, Mohandas Gandhi, who later became known as Mahatma (great soul), developed his techniques of satyagraha (nonviolent resistance) during the decades he spent fighting racial injustice in South Africa. After he returned to India, Gandhi dedicated himself to fighting poverty, speaking up for workers, addressing gender and caste discrimination, and securing independence from the British Empire. He united his countrymen with national days of fasting, and in 1920, promised them "Swaraj (self-rule) in a year." His plan failed because the British didn't let the people vote on anything substantial. We can do better.
Born January 15th, 1929, Martin Luther King, Jr. experienced racial injustice at an early age. In the 1955 Birmingham Bus Boycott, King built on Gandhian techniques of nonviolent resistance. He spoke out against the three major evils of poverty, racism, and militarism, and when arrested, King would fast for two days in jail to center and strengthen himself. He also suggested addressing poverty by providing all Americans with a guaranteed minimum income.
Andrew Yang is an American entrepreneur, born in 1975, who ran for the 2020 Democratic nomination for president. His platform introduced the idea of universal basic income to many Americans, and his example of civility in the political process inspired many more. Yang's slogan 'Humanity First' provides a blueprint for both individual behavior and a better America.
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