ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO — Dolores Huerta, the legendary labor organizer and civil rights activist who helped transform the lives of migrant farmworkers across the United States, has died at the age of 96, according to a statement released by her family.
Huerta was one of the most influential figures in the American labor movement and spent more than six decades advocating for farmworkers, immigrants, women, and other marginalized communities.
Photo Credit Dolores Huerta Foundation
Born in Dawson, New Mexico, in 1930, Huerta was raised in California and began organizing farmworkers in the 1950s. In 1962, she co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers, alongside fellow labor leader Cesar Chavez.
Huerta played a key role in organizing strikes, boycotts, and labor actions that brought national attention to the working conditions faced by agricultural workers. Her efforts helped secure higher wages, collective bargaining rights, and improved labor protections for farmworkers.
She was also widely recognized for creating the slogan “Sí, se puede” in 1972, a phrase that became synonymous with grassroots activism and political movements across the country.
Beyond labor organizing, Huerta remained active in advocacy efforts involving voting rights, immigration, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and social justice issues throughout her life.
In 2012, Huerta received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, recognizing her decades of activism and public service.
Her family said plans to honor and celebrate her life will be announced at a later date.
