Grapes of Conflict.

SMITH, Sydney D. Foreword by Cesar Chavez.

$425.00

Item Number: 122036

Pasadena: Hope Publishing House, 1987.

First edition, signed limited edition of Smith’s account of the relationship between the Migrant Ministry and National Farm Workers Association in the 1960s farmworkers’ movement. Octavo, original publisher’s red velvet with gilt titles and tooling to the front panel. Singed by Caesar Chavez, Chris Hartmire and Sydney Smith on the signature page. In fine condition.

Chavez states in his foreword: "Obviously the churches have been close to labor's struggles and have supported the cause of labor in many times and places during the past 100 years. But in this instance, one specific arm of the church - the Migrant Ministry - stood with us, pickets with us, marched with us, lived with us from the first days of our strike in Delano until the battle was won... It is a great story in the history of labor and in the history of the church. Syd Smith, who was himself one of the key figures in this story, has done a service for us all by analyzing and recording these events." This historic alliance which was forged between the faith community and the farm workers under the leadership of Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers Union of America resulted in the nationwide grape boycott and improvements in the conditions and pay of the migrant farm workers.