Monday, 2 November 2026, 2:17
Dolores Huerta, a pioneering labor leader and civil rights activist, has died at the age of 96. Her passing was confirmed by family members through the Dolores Huerta Foundation on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Tributes are now pouring in from across California as leaders reflect on her lifelong dedication to social justice.
Huerta co-founded the National Farm Workers Association in 1962, which later merged to become the United Farm Workers. She played a central role in the Delano Grape Strike and successfully negotiated better wages, health benefits, and safer working conditions for agricultural workers. During the movement, she famously coined the phrase Sí, se puede, which translates to Yes, we can. This slogan eventually gained national prominence when President Barack Obama adopted it for his 2008 presidential campaign.
Throughout her career, Huerta received numerous accolades, including nine honorary doctorates and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012. In recent years, she continued to speak out on issues affecting immigrants, women, LGBTQ individuals, and people with disabilities. Her decision to publicly address past allegations involving her former colleague Cesar Chavez in March sparked widespread discussion but did not diminish the respect many held for her courage and commitment to truth.
Governor Gavin Newsom ordered flags at the State Capitol to fly at half staff following the announcement of her death. He praised Huerta as a close personal friend whose resolute spirit helped shape modern California. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Senator Alex Padilla also issued statements highlighting her impact on workers rights and civil liberties. The state recently named its new Labor and Workforce Development Agency Building in her honor ahead of its January 2026 opening.
Cities throughout the state have long recognized Huerta through murals, street renaming projects, and educational institutions. San Francisco plans to rename a major thoroughfare to Las Campesinas in tribute to female farmworkers and the broader movement. Southern California schools and community centers frequently host Dolores Huerta Day events, while the Bay Area continues to celebrate her influence on regional politics and activism. Her foundation remains based in Bakersfield, where she spent her final years surrounded by family.
Born in New Mexico in 1930, Huerta moved to Stockton, California, during the Great Depression. After earning a provisional teaching credential, she transitioned into community organizing and quickly became known for her ability to connect with everyday citizens. Her early experiences witnessing workplace injustices fueled a lifelong mission to amplify the voices of underserved populations.
Dolores Huerta leaves behind a profound impact on American labor history and civil rights advocacy. Her unwavering dedication to equity and collective action continues to inspire activists and organizers across generations. As California and the nation mourn her loss, her teachings and foundational work will endure through the movements she helped build.
