Martin Luther King Jr. And Cesar Chavez

Throughout history there have been many people who helped shape the nation. Individuals who shook the very foundations of beliefs that people had. People who helped create change for the better. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) and Cesar Chavez were both servant leaders who contributed immensely to their respective causes. MLK was born in January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia and was a civil rights activist (Carson Clayborn). Chavez was born in March 31, 1927 in Yuma, Arizona and was an immigrant workers’ rights activist (Cesar Chavez). MLK came from a religious home, his father was a Baptist minister. He attended Morehouse College from 1944 to 1948 and would later move on to Boston University, where he began his doctoral studies in systematic

In MLK’s case, when he took charge of the protest he did so in a calm manner. His methods were Gandhian, meaning they were peaceful protest in which he won over supporters with nothing but words and nonviolent action. MLK was so well liked among his supporters that even when faced with jail time, he was able to somehow make it out just fine. In October of 1960 he was arrested during a student protest in Atlanta. Future president, John F. Kennedy intervened in MLK’s arrest in order to secure his release from jail. This move on future president Kennedy would help him win election by a narrow margin. Like MLK, Chavez was very keen in the art of persuasion. During his 10 years in the CSA he helped lead voter registration drives, aided in issues of immigration, welfare and police abuse. This experience would help him later when he started the NFWA. Chavez was able to persuade workers in joining his association even while having to beg them for scraps of food for him to eat. As his association grew, he was able to persuade growers to settle individual grievances. He would also be successful in having the growers agree to pay raise concessions. As one can clearly see both MLK and Chavez are skilled

MLK and Chavez were truly one of a kind people who were born to do great things for the sake of others. MLK showed his perseverance and stewardship through many selfless acts. One of his first documented acts of selflessness, and perhaps one of the most recognizable were his leading of the bus boycotts. By going out of his way for the sake of not only himself or his followers. But the sake of others after him, he immediately marched to Rosa Parks aid and led the bus boycott which would lead to busses no longer being segregated. Many other acts of kindness were made throughout his career as an activist, however one of his most famous protest was his “I have a dream” speech. After years of serving the African-American community, he was getting closer to achieving equality, not just for African-Americans but for everyone. Chavez similarly to MLK dedicated his life to the benefit of not just himself but others. Cesar Chavez was a huge contributor to La Causa, which was the start of a movement for immigrant workers. This movement was characterized by boycotts, rallies, and nonviolence, much like Gandhi and MLK. In 1965 Chavez lead a 25 day march, which spanned 300 miles. He would later outclass himself for the sake of his fellow workers by taking up a 25 day fast. Fasting became a regular mean for him to protest. Both MLK and Chavez showed spectacular stewardship in their