Every year, during Hispanic Heritage Month, we pause to celebrate the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors hailed from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. This year, we pay a special tribute to an inspiring figure who has left an indelible mark on American history – Dolores Huerta.
Born on April 10, 1930, in the small mining town of Dawson, New Mexico, Dolores Clara Fernandez Huerta was destined for greatness. The seeds of social justice were planted in her early life, inspired by her mother’s sense of community and activism and her father’s political endeavors. As a young child, Dolores migrated to Stockton, California, where she was exposed to the cultural diversity of working families of Mexican, Filipino, African-American, Japanese, and Chinese heritage. This rich tapestry of multicultural influences significantly shaped her worldview.
Driven by the sight of her students coming to school barefoot and hungry, Dolores left her teaching career and embarked on a lifelong mission to fight economic injustice. She co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW) union alongside César Chávez, becoming a prominent part of an instrumental movement that sought to improve the working conditions of farm laborers in the United States. Her motto, “Sí, se puede” (Yes, we can) echoes timelessly as a rallying cry for social justice.
Dolores’ political activism left a profound impact, leading to the enactment of the Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975. This pioneering law granted farm workers in California the right to collectively organize and bargain for better wages and working conditions. Her efforts also reached beyond the UFW, branching into women’s rights and the broader feminist movement, challenging gender discrimination within the farm workers’ movement and beyond.
Despite numerous threats and a brutal physical assault, Dolores persevered, embodying the strength and resilience of the communities she represented. Recognized globally for her tireless advocacy, Dolores received numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012, the highest civilian award in the United States.
Now, at age 93, Dolores continues her legacy, inspiring new generations of activists through her foundation. Her work serves as a shining example of grass-roots democracy, promoting social justice and public policy changes that uplift the working poor, women, and children.
The story of Dolores Huerta is beautifully captured in the 2017 documentary, “Dolores”. The film presents an exhilarating portrait of a woman whose impact on American life, though often overlooked, was nothing short of transformative. It serves as a powerful call to action, reminding us all of the power of collective action in service of social justice.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate Dolores Huerta’s enduring legacy, which is a testament to the transformative power of collective action and a beacon of inspiration for future generations of activists.