America's Social Arsonist Book: Fred Ross Sr. CSO History San Jose , CA 11/16/2016
America's Social Arsonist Book: Fred Ross Sr. CSO History San Jose , CA 11/16/2016
Photo: (r-l): Dolores Huerta and Fred Ross Sr., Photo Credit: Leroy Chatfield.
Book Talk in San Jose, California by Gabriel Thompson, author of
America's Social Arsonist: Fred Ross and Grassroots Organizing in the Twentieth Century
Held on Wednesday, November 16 , co-sponsored by La Raza Historical Society of Santa Clara Valley and The Foundation for Hispanic Education (TFHE - formerly NHU National Hispanic University). Please Like us, Share and tell us if you are interested in attending at Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LaRazaHistoricalSocietySCV/
Source for the following edited review: Amazon.com
"Gabriel Thompson. a John Steinbeck Fellow from San Jose State is the biographer of Fred Ross, who, as many of us know, had a long and devoted relationship to Cesar Chavez, and was instrumental in recruiting Cesar to organize communities throughout California by forming CSO Chapters. His biography of Fred Ross, titled "Social Anarchist" illuminates the historical path of the CSO's, and the contributions of Cesar, Fred Ross and others to activism founded on social justice" -- Honorable Blanca Alvarado (September 25, 2016)
"This is an absolutely must-read book for organizers, those interested in organizing, and those interested in how to achieve progressive social change. It is also perfect for book groups, inspiring discussions sure to go far into the night."--Randy Shaw "Social Policy" (04/01/2016)
“Fred Ross was a quiet leader who inspired greatness in those he met and worked with. He had real insight and knew how to move people to action. Cesar Chavez himself got his first organizing instructions from Fred Ross.”—Jerry Brown, thirty-ninth governor of California
“This compelling biography chronicles how previously powerless farm workers were brilliantly organized by the charismatic Fred Ross. With painful honesty, it also documents Ross’s sacrifice, personal pain, and loss to himself and to his loved ones involved in this campaign across a lifetime of heroic effort.”—Kevin Starr, author of the Americans and the California Dream series
“Fred Ross Sr. was one of America’s leading labor organizers and educators, dedicating his life to lifting the voices and earnings of the oppressed. Here’s a superb biography and introduction to Ross’s life, thoughts, teachings, and techniques - as applicable for America today as they were when he was alive and kicking.” - Robert B. Reich, Chancellor’s Professor of Public Policy, University of California, Berkeley, and former U.S. Secretary of Labor
See information about this book at: https://www.facebook.com/AmericasSocialArsonist/America's Social Arsonist: Fred Ross and Grassroots Organizing in the Twentieth Century Hardcover – March 29, 2016 by Gabriel Thompson
Book Review
"Those who know the name Fred Ross probably identify him as 'the man who taught Cesar Chavez how to organize, ' as he was once dubbed by The Chronicle. Most Californians probably have never heard of him. Gabriel Thompson s superb new biography of Ross, 'America s Social Arsonist: Fred Ross and Grassroots Organizing in the Twentieth Century, ' will be fascinating for both groups. The author sheds new light on the life of a man whose presence was behind the scenes but whose work ended up in the headlines. . . . Thompson has plumbed Ross extensive notes and files to relay vivid accounts of his experiences and insight into his ideas. During his half century as an organizer, Ross pioneered tactics that are widely used today. 'But, ' asserts Thompson, 'his greatest legacy is in the people he inspired and mentored who went on to shape California and U.S. history.'"--Elaine Elinson"San Francisco Chronicle" (03/24/2016)"
"Gabriel Thompson has produced a masterful and engaging book about a premier American organizer, Fred Ross Sr. . . .This fine book is many things useful, moving, and sad. It highlights the creative innovations and the painful lessons of an organizer who spent his career behind the scenes, but who is getting, at long last, the attention he richly deserves."--Michael Gecan "Labor's Edge" (04/05/2016)"
“This compelling biography chronicles how previously powerless farmworkers were brilliantly organized by the charismatic Fred Ross. With painful honesty, it also documents Ross’s sacrifice, personal pain, and loss to himself and to his loved ones involved in this campaign across a lifetime of heroic effort.”—Kevin Starr, author of the Americans and the California Dream series
Videographer: Ramon J. Martinez, Ph.D.
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