This month we honor, Dolores Clara Fernández Huerta was born on April 10, 1930, in Dawson, New Mexico, and grew up in Stockton, California. Her journey toward activism began after working as an elementary school teacher in the Central Valley. Witnessing the poverty and difficult circumstances faced by the children of farmworkers inspired her to take action. She believed she could make a greater difference by fighting for the families and communities behind the agricultural industry.
In 1962, Huerta co-founded the National Farm Workers Association alongside César Chávez, an organization that eventually became the United Farm Workers (UFW). She became one of the movement's most influential organizers and negotiators, helping lead strikes, nationwide boycotts, and campaigns for fair wages, safer working conditions, healthcare, and dignity for agricultural workers. Her efforts played an important role in the historic Delano Grape Strike, which brought national attention to the struggles of California farmworkers.
Huerta's work extended far beyond labor rights. Throughout her life, she advocated for women's equality, immigrant rights, education, and greater political representation. She encouraged women, particularly Latinas, to become leaders and take an active role in shaping their communities. In 1972, she popularized the phrase "¡Sí, se puede!", meaning "Yes, we can," which became an enduring rallying cry for people fighting for social change.
In recognition of her decades of service, Huerta received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012. She also established the Dolores Huerta Foundation, continuing her commitment to community organizing and empowering future generations.
Dolores Huerta passed away on October 28, 2026, at the age of 96, in Bakersfield, California. Her life was defined by determination, courage, and an unwavering belief that ordinary people have the power to create extraordinary change.
Her legacy lives on in the workers she fought for, the women she inspired, and the generations who continue to believe: ¡Sí, se puede!