Renowned labor leader, civil rights icon and feminist activist Dolores Huerta has died at 96, her family announced Wednesday.
Her passing prompted leaders from across the country to pen touching tributes. Read their statements below.
“We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved mother, Dolores Huerta, has passed away today at the age of 96. As you can imagine, this is an incredibly difficult time for us, and we ask for privacy as we grieve this incredible loss to our family. We know that many of you around the world share in our mourning, and we will be following up on plans to recognize and celebrate her incredible life and legacy.”
“Today, we sadly mourn the loss of Dolores Huerta, a leader in the American labor movement and a champion for civil rights who lead with courage and determination.
Dolores was a dear friend, and we all responded to her rallying cry, ‘Sí se puede,’ which inspired generations of Americans to believe in the power of collective action. I was honored to host Dolores’ birthday celebration at the United States Capitol when she turned 90, a compliment she returned to me at the California Democratic Party Convention in San Francisco earlier this year.
May it be a comfort to her family and loved ones that so many mourn their loss and are praying for them at this sad time.”
“Dolores represented the best of us. California — and the United States — would not be what we are today without her resolute spirit, her passion for justice and fairness, and her commitment to those overlooked and forgotten.
Dolores started off as a teacher, working with the children of farmworkers, and although she moved away from the classroom, she never stopped teaching. As a leader in the National Farm Workers Association, and later the United Farm Workers, she fought for gender equity, workers’ rights, and civil rights, paving the way for generations to come, and teaching people what was possible with determination and heart.
She never faltered in fighting for a fairer world, continually reminding us of our shared responsibility to build a world where everyone has the respect and dignity they deserve. Because of her — and her iconic declaration, ‘Sí, se puede ’ — nothing was impossible.
Dolores changed the course of history against all odds. Through protests and marches, including the Delano grape boycott, she fundamentally reshaped California as we know it. She was more than an inspiration — though she never stopped inspiring us — she was a dear friend.
Her legacy lies not just in the accomplishments she achieved, but in the people who follow in her footsteps, who take up the mantle and keep creating a better world.”
“Angela and I mourn the passing of Dolores Huerta, a giant in the ongoing fight for workers’ rights, women’s rights, and the protection of civil liberties. She leaves behind an enduring legacy as a civil rights and labor icon who fought tirelessly for better working conditions for migrant laborers and championed the rights of immigrants and women.
From the Delano Grape Strike to her work for equal pay and reproductive freedom, Dolores fought until the end for a more just and equitable future. She showed us the power of organizing, the strength of solidarity, and what we can accomplish when we stand together.
Now, it’s on all of us to carry on that torch: to keep organizing and to keep fighting.”
“Dolores Huerta was a friend, a mentor, a source of inspiration and guidance, and a lifelong hero of mine.
Her activism and inspiration touched countless lives, and her ongoing legacy will surely touch countless more in the years ahead. I’m grateful she had such an influence on my own life. From my early days growing up in the headquarters of the United Farmworkers of America, to my time in public office, she was a constant, firm, irresistible force for justice and needed change.
Her rallying cry “Sí Se Puede” perfectly encapsulated who she was — a woman full of fight and right who knew that if we worked together, there was nothing we couldn’t achieve.
There are not enough superlatives to describe her life, legacy, and the impact she had on our nation’s ongoing pursuit of justice and fairness.
She helped shape the history of the farmworkers’ movement and changed the face of the labor movement forever. She defined what it meant to own our power, use our voice, and ensure the people always remain the most potent force in our American democracy.
My deepest condolences to her family. This is a devastating loss for so many in the labor movement and across the nation.”
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers and a pioneer in the fight for labor and civil rights, women’s rights, and equality.
Her lifetime of advocacy and action helped generations of farmworkers secure better wages, safer working conditions, and a voice on the job. Dolores inspired the fight for many farmworkers to achieve the American Dream and give their children a better life. Her legacy is felt well beyond our local agricultural communities on the central coast of California and throughout our country.
My heart is with her family, friends, and all those who carry forward her pursuit of giving farmworkers fairness and our children a brighter future.”
“I’m deeply sad to hear about the passing of Dolores Huerta, a friend and legend in the farmworkers’ movement. Her work and her vision transformed our country, especially here in her home state of California. She embodied the spirit of the movement with her phrase that will live on for generations: Sí Se Puede. May she rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing to all who loved her.”
“Today we mourn the passing of a legend who truly changed our state and our country. Throughout her 96 years, Dolores Huerta never stopped fighting to make the world a better place. Her courage and passion helped build the farmworkers movement, and she never stopped fighting for justice — whether for workers, women, LGBTQ people, immigrants, or victims of climate disasters. She energized movements, spoke truth to power, and kept fighting until the end.
I had the honor of working with Dolores on various issues, including holding Big Oil accountable for climate disasters and creating an estate tax in California. Her strength, courage, and determination continually inspired me. Rest in power, my friend.”
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my longtime friend and ally Dolores Huerta. She was a true American legend and fierce champion of farmworkers’ rights, women’s rights, voting rights, and social and economic justice. She will be especially missed in Stockton where she grew up and attended what is now San Joaquin Delta College. To me, she was also a trusted confidante and a steadfast partner in the fight for working families.
Throughout her amazing life, she changed our world for the better, not only co-founding the farmworkers’ rights movement, but also leading the labor movement, while championing women’s rights, equality for all, economic justice and so much more. Her impact was boundless. Even after receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, her relentless energy continued to inspire generations to organize and stand up for justice.
I was deeply proud and honored to know her and to be her friend. Her legacy and life’s work will never be forgotten, and the righteous causes she fought for will live on. Sí, se puede.”
