UFW First
Constitutional Convention

UFW First Constitutional Convention

(L-R) Marco Antonio “Diablo” Rodríguez, Miguel Vásquez, Joan Baez, Ricardo Félix, Chito Rivas, and members of La Rondalla Amerindia de Aztlán play their instruments at the UFW’s First Constitutional Convention at Fresno Convention Center’s Selland Arena. Fresno, September 21-23, 1973. Photo by John Kouns.

The United Farm Workers (UFW) held its First Constitutional Convention at Selland Arena of the Fresno Convention Center in Fresno, California between September 21 and September 23, 1973. A 16-by-24-foot big banner by Chicano artist Carlos Almaraz hung behind a podium. The acrylic painting was in the style of Mexican muralist Diego Rivera with Teamsters ready to attack farmworkers protected by picket signs and the Virgin of Guadalupe. The convention sought to organize and renew the union’s efforts against lettuce and grape growers, including setting up delegates to run against Teamster candidates in the upcoming elections. It also solidified the UFW as a full-fledged union with autonomy compared to just an organizing committee through a new charter from AFL-CIO. The union was hurting, having lost contracts to Teamsters and the lives of strikers Juan de la Cruz and Nagi Daifullah, which halted the strike. The new constitution vested large power in the president compared to the workers or their elected representatives. In contrast to the first constitution for the Farm Workers Association in 1962, which determined not to accept outside funds, the new 1973 constitution made the union almost dependent on outside financial support.

The floor of the UFW’s First Constitutional Convention, Selland Arena, Fresno, CA, 1973

The floor of the UFW’s First Constitutional Convention at Fresno Convention Center’s Selland Arena. Delegates are sitting at tables. UFW members are sitting on stage. A mural by Carlos Almaraz hangs as a backdrop. Fresno, September 21-23, 1973. Photo by John Kouns.

Senator Edward “Ted” Kennedy walking through a crowd on the floor of the UFW’s First Constitutional Convention

Senator Edward “Ted” Kennedy (center) walks through a crowd on the floor of the UFW’s First Constitutional Convention at Fresno Convention Center’s Selland Arena. Manuel Chávez and Pete Velasco walk to the left of Senator Kennedy. Fresno, September 21-23, 1973. Photo by John Kouns.

Senator Edward “Ted” Kennedy on stage at the UFW’s First Constitutional Convention

Senator Edward “Ted” Kennedy speaks from the stage at the UFW’s First Constitutional Convention at Fresno Convention Center’s Selland Arena in Fresno, September 21-23, 1973. Photo by John Kouns.

Mack Lyons and other delegates applauding on the floor of the UFW’s First Constitutional Convention

Mack Lyons (right) and Florida’s Coca-Cola delegates applaud on the floor of the UFW’s First Constitutional Convention at Fresno Convention Center’s Selland Arena. Fresno, September 21-23, 1973. Photo by John Kouns.

Senator Edward “Ted” Kennedy standing on stage at the UFW’s First Constitutional Convention

Senator Edward “Ted” Kennedy speaks from the stage at the UFW’s First Constitutional Convention at Fresno Convention Center’s Selland Arena. César Chávez is visible sitting to the left and Pete Velasco and Dolores Huerta are visible sitting to the right of Senator Kennedy. Fresno, September 21-23, 1973. Photo by John Kouns.

The floor of the UFW’s First Constitutional Convention, Selland Arena, Fresno, CA, 1973

The floor of the UFW’s First Constitutional Convention at Fresno Convention Center’s Selland Arena. In the foreground, two delegates wear On the foreground, two delegates wear a keffiyeh and a cowboy hat respectively. UFW leaders are sitting on stage. A mural by Carlos Almaraz hangs as a backdrop. Fresno, September 21-23, 1973. Photo by John Kouns.

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