Dolores Huerta, the civil rights activist, feminist and labor leader who advocated for farmworkers, has died. She was 96.
“We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved mother, Dolores Huerta, has passed away today at the age of 96,” a post from her family and the Bakersfield-based Dolores Huerta Foundation read. “As you can imagine, this is an incredibly difficult time for us, and we ask for privacy as we grieve this incredible loss to our family. We know that many of you around the world share in our mourning, and we will be following up on plans to recognize and celebrate her incredible life and legacy.”
She started her career as a school teacher but noticed that children of farm workers were coming to school hungry with no 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 had multiple allegations of sexual abuse surface earlier this year.
Soon after the allegations surfaced, Huerta revealed that she had secret children after she said Chavez raped her and sexually abused her.
Huerta founded the Stockton Community Service organization at age 25 after spending much of her childhood in the city. She is credited with coming up with the farmworker rallying cry “Sí, se puede,” which means 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 issued the following statement on 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. 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 across the Valley and the country.Sí, se peude.”
U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson posted on his social media, describing Huerta as “one of our state’s and our nation’s most iconic leaders.”
“She fought her entire life to improve the lives of farmworkers and for a more just and dignified world for us all,” Thompson said. “Dolores showed us what people can achieve when they come together to stand up for what is right. Dolores was an inspiration to millions of people, myself included. She will be deeply missed in our community and across our 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 of her 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 Stockton Unified School District, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, in a statement.
Gov. Gavin Newsom described Huerta as representing “the best of us.”
“California — and the United States — would not be what we are today without her resolute spirit, her passion for justice and fairness, and her commitment to those overlooked and forgotten.”
A news release from the governor’s office said flags will be flown at half-staff in her honor.
See more tributes from California leaders here.
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