Labor Rights Icon Dolores Huerta Dies at 96
The co-founder of the United Farm Workers union leaves behind a complex legacy.
1Passing of a Legend
Dolores Huerta, the influential labor leader and civil rights activist, passed away at age 96 in Bakersfield, California. Her foundation confirmed she died on Wednesday while surrounded by her close family. Huerta gained national recognition for her decades of advocacy, particularly for migrant laborers throughout the 1960s and 1970s across the United States.
2Founding the Union Movement
In 1962, Huerta co-founded the United Farm Workers union alongside Cesar Chavez. She served as the organization's vice president for nearly forty years, playing a critical role in securing better pay and protections for laborers. Her legislative achievements included securing disability insurance for agricultural workers and expanding aid for farmworker families in California.
3The Sí Se Puede Legacy
Huerta is widely credited with coining the iconic rallying cry, 'Sí, se puede,' which translates to 'Yes, we can.' This phrase became a cornerstone of social justice movements and was famously adopted by former President Barack Obama. In 2012, Obama presented Huerta with the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her enduring impact on civil rights.
4Legislative and Social Impact
As one of the few female lobbyists during her era, Huerta successfully pushed for significant legislative changes. She secured a California measure allowing driver’s license examinations in Spanish and fought for the inclusion of farmworkers in social safety nets. Her work provided a voice for millions of laborers who previously lacked any formal representation.
5Confronting a Difficult Truth
Earlier this year, Huerta publicly accused Cesar Chavez of sexually abusing her during the 1960s. She stated that she kept this secret for decades to protect the progress of the labor movement. Huerta decided to speak out following a New York Times investigation that detailed allegations of abuse against Chavez by multiple women and girls.
6Balancing Work and Integrity
Huerta explained that her silence was a strategic choice to ensure the union's survival. She prioritized the formation of the union as the primary vehicle for securing workers' rights, fearing that exposing Chavez would derail her life’s work. Her eventual disclosure marked a significant shift in how the labor movement addresses its own internal history.
7Recognition and Peer Support
TIME magazine named Huerta to its list of the 100 Most Influential People of 2026. Her long-time friend, the late activist Gloria Steinem, wrote a tribute praising Huerta’s courage in coming forward. Steinem emphasized that the truth about leaders must be examined honestly to support those who may be hurt by the misuse of power.
8Enduring Historical Significance
The life of Dolores Huerta serves as a complex case study in leadership, sacrifice, and accountability. While her legislative victories transformed the lives of millions of agricultural workers, her final years highlight the necessity of confronting systemic abuse. Her legacy remains a guiding force for future activists navigating the intersection of power and justice.
Original article: TIME — Labor Rights Icon Dolores Huerta Dies at 96