Dolores Huerta Dies at 96
The co-founder of the United Farm Workers passed away in Bakersfield, prompting a wave of tributes from Hollywood figures and California leaders.
By Giulia Donovan ·
Dolores Huerta, the labor rights organizer who helped build one of the country's oldest farmworker unions, died at 96.
Her family announced that she passed away at her home in Bakersfield on Wednesday morning. Huerta co-founded the United Farm Workers alongside Cesar Chavez in 1962. That organization has operated for more than six decades, representing agricultural laborers across the United States.
Before entering the labor movement, Huerta worked as a schoolteacher in California's Central Valley. She left that profession after observing her students, many of whom were children of migrant farmworkers, arriving at school tired, hungry, and barefoot. She subsequently organized marches, protests, and campaigns aimed at securing better wages and working conditions for field laborers.
News of her death triggered immediate reactions from prominent figures in the entertainment and food industries. Actress Eva Longoria described Huerta as a mentor and teacher. Longoria stated that Huerta dedicated her life to fighting for people and lifting up silenced voices. She noted that an enormous void remains, but Huerta's life's work continues in the people she inspired.
Actress America Ferrera, known for her roles in Superstore and The Lost Bus, paid tribute to Huerta's commitment to social justice. Ferrera expressed gratitude for Huerta's 96 years and emphasized that she always showed up to fight with love. Ferrera urged the public to carry Huerta's legacy in their actions and at the polls.
Actor Danny Trejo remembered Huerta as an influential community leader who impacted his own life. He stated that her work will continue. Chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, reflected on Huerta's advocacy for those who grow and harvest food. He pledged to honor her legacy by fighting for a world where food producers can feed their families with dignity. Andrés also invoked Huerta's rallying cry: Si, se puede.
Los Tigres del Norte expressed condolences on Instagram, recognizing Huerta's decades of advocacy for workers' rights and the Latino community. They described her as an exemplary woman whose struggle for justice would inspire new generations. California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered flags flown at half-staff in the labor leader's honor.
