Dolores Huerta, co-founder of United Farm Workers Union, dies at 96

Dolores Huerta, the legendary civil rights leader and co-founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW) Union, has passed away at the age of 96. A towering figure in the American labor movement, Huerta’s death marks the end of an era for grassroots activism and social justice advocacy. Her family confirmed her passing and has requested privacy as they mourn the loss of a woman described by colleagues and world leaders as a "civil rights giant."

Born in New Mexico and raised in California, Huerta became a central figure in the struggle for labor rights in the 1960s. Alongside Cesar Chavez, she organized farm workers to demand better wages and safer working conditions, challenging the powerful agricultural industry. It was during this period that she famously coined the phrase "Si Se Puede!" (Yes, we can), a rallying cry that has since transcended the labor movement to become a global symbol of hope and empowerment for various social causes.

Huerta’s activism extended far beyond the fields of California. Throughout her long life, she remained a steadfast advocate for immigration reform, women’s rights, and voting access. Even in her later years, she continued her mission through the Dolores Huerta Foundation, focusing on civic engagement and community organizing. Her work was instrumental in securing historic legislative victories for farm workers and fostering a new generation of Latino leaders who carry on her commitment to justice.

The United Farm Workers and various political figures have paid tribute to Huerta’s profound impact on the United States. They noted that her legacy is defined not just by the laws she helped change, but by the millions of people she inspired to participate in the democratic process. As the labor community grieves, her life stands as a testament to the power of organized collective action and the enduring influence of the "Si Se Puede" spirit in the ongoing fight for human rights.