Dolores Huerta, Pioneering Labor Activist, Passes Away at 96

Dolores Huerta, the renowned labor activist who played a pivotal role in founding the United Farm Workers union and dedicated her life to advocating for better conditions for agricultural workers, has passed away at the age of 96. Her foundation revealed that she died at home in Bakersfield, California, surrounded by family.

Svante Myrick, president of the progressive group People For the American Way, remembered Huerta in a poignant statement, calling her “unstoppable” and highlighting her significant impact on the labor movement. “Dolores Huerta was one of the fiercest and most consequential activists in our nation’s history,” he remarked, noting her incredible work ethic, being the first to start in the morning and the last to leave at night.

Huerta was born in New Mexico and raised by a single mother in California’s San Joaquin Valley. Initially a schoolteacher, she became involved in grassroots activism, working against segregation and police brutality.

Focusing later on labor organizing, she teamed up with César Chavez to establish the National Farm Workers Association in 1962. This association eventually merged with another organization, forming the United Farm Workers union in 1966. Even now, decades later, the United Farm Workers continues to be a vital voice for agricultural laborers across the country.

Huerta is perhaps best known for her rallying cry, “Sí, se puede!” which means “Yes, it can be done.” This slogan embodies her belief that ordinary people can instigate meaningful political change. Her advocacy extended beyond labor rights, as she also made her mark in civil rights and women’s rights, addressing discrimination and fighting for gender equality during a time when the labor movement was largely male-dominated.

She was instrumental in the Delano grape strike from 1965 to 1970, which involved a coalition of Mexican and Filipino farmworkers protesting against exploitative practices by grape growers. This movement led to a huge consumer boycott, culminating in collective bargaining agreements that benefited thousands of workers.

Throughout her life, Huerta received numerous accolades for her contributions, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012, awarded by then-President Barack Obama. He acknowledged her legacy of activism and humorously noted that he borrowed her famous slogan for his own campaign.

However, her life and career were not without controversy. Earlier this year, Huerta made public allegations against César Chavez, accusing him of sexual assault. She stated that she had kept these incidents secret for many years out of fear that they would not be believed or would harm the movement. Despite these challenges, she encouraged ongoing activism and maintained that the labor movement transcended individual leaders.

Huerta was in a long-term relationship with Richard Chavez, César’s brother, with whom she had four children, in addition to her seven children from previous marriages. Even in her 90s, she remained actively engaged in political life, speaking at rallies and addressing critical social issues.