Dolores Huerta, a civil rights activist, feminist and labor leader who defended farm workers, has died. She was 96 years old.
“We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved mother, Dolores Huerta, passed away today at the age of 96,” read a message from her family and the Bakersfield-based Dolores Huerta Foundation. “As you can imagine, this is an incredibly difficult time for us, and we ask for privacy as we grieve this incredible loss for our family. We know that many of you around the world share our grief, and we will follow plans to recognize and celebrate his incredible life and legacy.”
She began her career as a schoolteacher, but noticed that the children of farm workers were arriving at school hungry and without shoes. She decided to become a community organizer.
Huerta co-founded the National Farmworkers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers alongside the late Cesar Chavez, who faced multiple sexual abuse allegations earlier this year.
Shortly after the allegations surfaced, Huerta revealed she had secret children after saying Chavez raped and sexually abused her.
Huerta founded the Stockton Community Service organization at the age of 25 after spending much of his childhood in the city. He is credited with inventing the farmworker rallying cry “Sí, se puede,” meaning yes, we can.
Huerta was born in New Mexico but grew up in Stockton. She was inducted into the California Hall of Fame in 2013.
Reactions to Huerta’s death
California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas released the following statement regarding Huerta’s passing.
“California mourns a giant. Dolores Huerta gave voice to the voiceless, dignity to the fields and hope to generations. One of the greatest civil rights leaders in history, she showed us that even in the face of injustice, together we can do it. Sí, se puede.”
U.S. Rep. Josh Harder, who represents parts of the Central Valley, also commented on her death.
“The Valley lost a giant today. Dolores Huerta dedicated her life to fighting for labor and civil rights, changing the lives of working families in the Valley and across the country. Sí, se peude.”
U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson posted on his social media, describing Huerta as “one of our state and nation’s most iconic leaders.”
“She fought her entire life to improve the lives of farmworkers and for a fairer, more dignified world for all of us,” Thompson said. “Dolores showed us what people can accomplish when they come together to stand up for what is right. Dolores was an inspiration to millions, including me. She will be greatly missed by our community and our entire country. Jan and I have Dolores’ family in our prayers during this difficult time.”
According to the Stockton Unified School District, Huerta attended Stockton High School and spoke about his lasting impact on communities.
“We are especially proud to honor her legacy through Dolores Huerta Elementary School, which proudly bears her name. On behalf of the Stockton Unified School District, we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends and all those whose lives she touched,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michelle Rodriguez said in a statement.
Gov. Gavin Newsom described Huerta as representing “the best of us.”
“California – and the United States – would not be where we are today without his resolute spirit, his passion for justice and equity, and his commitment to those who are overlooked and forgotten.”
A news release from the governor’s office says flags will be flown at half-staff in his honor.
See more tributes from California leaders here.
See more coverage of California’s top stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel | Make KCRA a preferred news source in Google
Gn headline
