One Night in America

by Steven W. Bender

"Courageous." -Ilan Stavans, author of Spanglish: The Making of a New American Language Robert Kennedy and Cesar Chavez came from opposite sides of the tracks of race and class that still divide Americans. Both optimists, Kennedy and Chavez shared a common vision of equality. They united in the 1960s to crusade for the rights of migrant farm workers. Farm workers faded from public consciousness following Kennedy's assassination and Chavez's early passing. Yet the work of Kennedy and Chavez continues to reverberate in America today. Bender chronicles their warm friendship and embraces their bold political vision for making the American dream a reality for all. Although many books discuss Kennedy or Chavez individually, this is the first book to capture their multifaceted relationship and its relevance to mainstream U.S. politics and Latino/a politics today. Bender examines their shared legacy and its continuing influence on political issues including immigration, education, war, poverty, and religion. Mapping a new political path for Mexican Americans and the poor of all backgrounds, this book argues that there is still time to prove Kennedy and Chavez right.

Genres: History, Politics

243 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Dale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kennedy and Chavez first met in LA in 1959 when Chavez was organizing urban Mexican workers and working to register voters. It was not until 1966 that they formed their friendship, when Kennedy came to California to investigate the conditions of farm laborers, whom Chavez was organizing as part of the National Farm Workers Association, later to become the United Farm Workers union. Kennedy went out on a political limb, offering his whole-hearted support for legislation to gain economic and political rights for migrant farm workers.

[Gilbert Jimenez]

This was a great read. Two of my heros supporting each other.

[Diana Cramer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great work illumining the passion for justice that both men had. Highly recommended!