Cesar Cruz facts for kids
César Cruz is a special person who helps young people avoid gang violence. He is also a leader at Harvard University, where he works with high school programs.
César was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, around 1974. When he was about 9 years old, he moved to the United States. He studied hard and earned a degree in history from UC Berkeley. Later, he got a special doctorate degree in educational leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education. This made him the first Mexican immigrant man to earn this kind of doctorate from Harvard's education program.
Early Life and Activism
César Cruz has always cared about fairness and justice. In 1992, when he was 18, he joined a protest march on the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge. He was one of many people who were upset about a court decision and wanted to see justice for everyone.
In 1995, while he was at University of California, Irvine, César took part in a fifteen-day hunger strike. He and other students from UC Berkeley and UC Irvine did this to support "affirmative action." This means they wanted to make sure everyone had fair chances, especially in college admissions.
Later, in 2004, César was part of another hunger strike that lasted 26 days! This time, he was trying to help schools. His efforts led to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger agreeing to help the West Contra Costa Unified School District with their school loans.
Helping Others and Important Work
César Cruz has dedicated his life to helping young people. He has worked with programs like Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles. This program helps young people who have been involved in gangs learn new job skills and find a different path in life. His research on this program was a big part of his studies at Harvard.
He is also a popular speaker. In 2014, he gave a main speech at the Cesar Chavez Convocation at UC Santa Cruz. In 2017, he spoke at the Hermanos Unidos National Conference at California State University, Fullerton.
Awards and Recognition
César Cruz has received many awards for his important work:
- In 1995, he was given the Orange County Human Rights Award.
- In 2005, the California State Senate honored him with the Peacemaker of the Year award.
- In 2011, he received a local Jefferson Award for Public Service for his work with the Homies Empowerment program, which helps young people in his community.
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