Sí se puede facts for kids
"Sí, se puede" is a famous Spanish phrase that means "Yes, it is possible" or "Yes, we can!" It became well-known as the motto of the United Farm Workers (UFW) in America. Many other groups fighting for change have also used this powerful phrase.
The co-founder of the UFW, Dolores Huerta, created the slogan in 1972. This was during a 25-day fast by César Chávez in Phoenix, Arizona. "Sí, se puede" has always been a guiding idea for the UFW. It helps inspire people to achieve their goals. The phrase is even a special trademark of the UFW.
Many labor unions and groups working for civil rights have adopted this phrase. It gained a lot of attention during protests for immigration reform in the U.S.
Contents
What Does "Sí, se puede" Mean?
"Sí, se puede" is usually translated into English as "It can be done" or "Yes, you can." The United Farm Workers often use the translation "Yes, it can be done!"
How Did "Sí, se puede" Start?
The phrase "Sí, se puede" was first used by the United Farm Workers (UFW). This group works to improve conditions for farm workers. Dolores Huerta, who helped start the UFW, came up with the slogan. She created it to encourage people during a difficult time.
The UFW has always used "Sí, se puede" to inspire its members. It reminds them that even big challenges can be overcome. This motto has helped the UFW achieve many important goals over the years.
Who Else Uses "Sí, se puede"?
The inspiring phrase "Sí, se puede" has been used by many different people and groups. It has spread far beyond its beginnings with the United Farm Workers.
Barack Obama's "Yes, We Can!"
Former President Barack Obama used the English version, "Yes, we can!" This became a very popular slogan during his 2008 presidential campaign. He first used it in 2004 during his campaign for the U.S. Senate.
"Yes, we can!" was the main theme of a speech Obama gave in 2008. Many famous people even performed a song called "Yes We Can" to support him.
"Sí, se puede" in Other Places
The phrase "Sí, se puede!" has also appeared in popular culture. It was the name of an episode in the TV show "Dexter" on Showtime.
"Sí, se puede" in Venezuela
In 2019, "Sí, se puede!" became a rallying cry in Venezuela. Juan Guaidó used it during a political crisis in his country. People sometimes compared his use of the phrase to Obama's "Yes, we can!"
"Sí, se puede" in Israel
During the 2009 election campaign in Israel, a political party called Shas used a Hebrew version of the slogan. It meant "Yes, we can!" in Hebrew.
Protecting the Slogan
The United Farm Workers (UFW) worked to protect their famous phrase. A Mexican airline called AeroMexico tried to register "Sí se puede" as its own trademark. A trademark is like a special ownership for a phrase or logo.
Lawyers for the UFW argued that "Sí se puede" belonged to them. After some legal discussions, AeroMexico agreed not to use the phrase. They also dropped their trademark application. This showed how important the slogan is to the UFW.
See also
In Spanish: Sí se puede (lema) para niños
