Preface:
This is a fictional story about how Cesar Chavez’s family was unjustly treated when he was a young boy.
My name is Fred Underhill. I live the next farm over from Justus Jackson. I have lived here for many years and have seen Jackson work his land just as long. Recently, I have seen a man who I believe he calls Cesario, out plowing his fields. Now you have to understand, this is no ordinary job. We’re talking 80 acres! That’s no simple feat. I spoke with Jackson the other day and he told me that he made a deal with Cesario; if he plows the fields, Jackson will compensate him with ownership of some land. Sounded like a fair deal to me. I’m fairly certain Cesario has a family around here and how wonderful it would be for all of them to own that land and build a ranch on it.
I watched Cesario work like crazy for weeks and weeks. He was out in those fields from sunrise to sunset. Finally he was able to finish the job. One day I saw Cesario walking down form Jackson’s place towards my ranch. He had a dumbfounded look and his face and he was hanging his head. I stopped and spoke with Cesario as I knew how to speak Spanish. I asked him what was the matter. He said that Jackson refused to compensate him and told him to leave even after he had done all that work. I told Cesario how unfair that was. He said he was going to try to hire a lawyer and get his deal back. Come to find out, he could not get his deal back. Last I heard, Cesario and his family left for California.
I was and still am bothered by Jackson’s actions; his oppressive behavior, his lack of integrity. I have since discontinued any relationship with Jackson. I hope Cesario and his family find happiness and fairness in California.