Reading the Room: How César Chávez’s Early Life Prepared Him to Lead

Dr. Clay Walker explains how César Chávez’s lifeworld discourse – the language, culture, and experiences that shaped who he was and how he encountered and navigated the world – uniquely prepared him to lead the United Farm Workers and effectively communicate his message to a diverse audience. Dr. Walker is a senior lecturer in English and literacy studies at Wayne State University. Related Collections: UFW Office of the President: Cesar Chavez Records Sydney D. Smith Papers Related Resources: Clay Walker – “Lifeworld Discourse, Translingualism, and Agency in a Discourse Genealogy of César Chávez’s Literacies” Episode Credits Producers: Dan Golodner and Troy Eller English Host: Dan Golodner Interviewee: Clay Walker With support from the Reuther Podcast Collective: Bart Bealmear, Elizabeth Clemens, Meghan Courtney, Troy Eller English, Dan Golodner, Paul Neirink, and Mary Wallace