Dolores Huerta, Farmworker Rights Activist Who Coined ‘Sí Se Puede,’ Dies at 96

**Dolores Huerta, Icon of Civil Rights and Farmworker Advocacy, Passes Away at 96**

Dolores Huerta, a revered figure in the civil rights movement and co-founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW), has passed away at the age of 96. She died on Wednesday, 28 October, at her home in Bakersfield, California, surrounded by family. The news was confirmed by her foundation, which shared the details of her passing, citing cancer as the cause.

Her family released a heartfelt statement expressing their sorrow, saying, “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.” They acknowledged the global impact of her legacy, stating, “We know that many of you around the world share in our mourning, and we will be following up on plans to recognise and celebrate her incredible life and legacy.”

Huerta’s journey towards civil rights activism began in the classroom. As an elementary school teacher, she observed the struggles of her students whose families worked long hours in agriculture for minimal pay. This experience drove her to join the Community Service Organisation (CSO), where she lobbied for critical legislation in California, helping to secure Spanish-language driver’s license examinations and disability insurance protections for agricultural workers.

In the 1960s, Huerta, alongside fellow activist Cesar Chavez, founded the National Farm Workers Association, which would later evolve into the United Farm Workers. This union played a pivotal role in advocating for the rights of farmworkers, organising strikes and protests that resulted in improved wages and working conditions. Huerta was instrumental in the passage of the Agricultural Labor Relations Act in 1975, which granted farmworkers the right to organise and collectively bargain.

One of her notable contributions to the movement was the popularisation of the slogan “Sí, se puede” (“Yes, we can”), which she coined during an organising event in Arizona in 1972. This phrase became a rallying point for various social justice movements, symbolising optimism and resilience.

However, Huerta’s dedication to her cause came with personal and physical tolls. Throughout her career, she faced arrests, threats, and even violent incidents. In 1988, during a protest, she suffered severe injuries that exemplified the risks activists encounter in their fight for justice.

In a candid revelation earlier this year, Huerta spoke about the personal challenges she faced, including a long-kept secret of sexual abuse by Chavez. Despite this trauma, she remained steadfast in her commitment to advancing the rights of farmworkers, stating that her life’s work was paramount in her priorities.

Beyond her work with farmworkers, Huerta was a passionate advocate for women’s rights and aimed to empower women of colour to pursue careers in politics and leadership. In 2003, she established the Dolores Huerta Foundation, a social justice organisation focused on education, community engagement, and advocates for women and children’s rights.

Her obituary noted that Huerta expanded feminism’s scope to encompass various social justice issues, stating, “She showed that the fight for women’s equality could not be separated from the fight for fair wages, immigrant rights, racial justice, reproductive freedom and political power.” Even in her later years, she continued to defend the rights of marginalised populations, including LGBTQ+ communities, cementing her status as a versatile and dynamic advocate for rights across the spectrum.

Dolores Huerta is survived by a large family, including 14 children, 24 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great grandchildren. Her contributions to activism and social justice will leave a lasting legacy that resonates with future generations.

As the world reflects on Huerta’s remarkable life and influence, discussions around commemorating her achievements are underway, alongside a period of mourning for a titan of civil rights. Her story serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for social justice and equality, and her spirit will undoubtedly inspire many to continue the work she passionately championed throughout her life.

For anyone affected by sexual abuse, support can be found through various hotlines and resources, including the National Sexual Assault Hotline.