Dolores Huerta dies at 96

Dolores Huerta, influential labor leader, feminist and civil rights icon, dies at 96.

Cofounded United Farm Workers

Dolores Huerta cofounded the United Farm Workers to improve farmworker conditions.

Popularized 'Sí se puede'

Huerta popularized the phrase 'Sí se puede' that became a rallying cry for labor movements.

“Sí se puede”

Sexual abuse secret

Huerta revealed she was sexually abused by César Chávez in the 1960s, a secret she kept for 60 years.

96 years of activism

Huerta remained active until age 90, marching in protests and speaking nationwide on race, poverty, LGBTQ+ rights, and women's rights.

Presidential Medal of Freedom

Huerta received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.

Barack Obama's 2008 campaign

Obama borrowed Huerta's 'Sí se puede' slogan for his 2008 presidential campaign.

Life in Elgin

Huerta spoke at Elgin Community College's 24th Hispanic Heritage Month breakfast in 2026.

Family background

Huerta was born Dolores Clara Fernández in 1930 in Dawson, New Mexico, to a miner father and mother who moved to California.

Early activism

Huerta taught in San Joaquin Valley when she organized farmworkers after seeing hungry students.

Founded UFW in 1962

Huerta co-founded the National Farm Workers Association in 1962 with César Chávez.

Delano grape strike

Huerta led the five-year Delano grape strike that improved farmworker conditions.

Robert Kennedy campaign

Huerta volunteered for Robert Kennedy's presidential campaign in 1968.

22 arrests

Huerta was arrested 22 times for labor activism.

1988 injury

Huerta was severely injured in 1988 while protesting against George H.W. Bush's boycott of UFW grapes.

Women's rights campaign

Huerta campaigned for women's rights and encouraged Latinas to run for public office.