Co-founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW), Dolores Huerta’s life and legacy will live on in the hearts of those she impacted and led by example. Her family confirmed her passing at the age of 96 on October 28, 2026, in a public statement. Huerta’s earliest power moves included working alongside Cesar Chavez to build UFW and consistently using her voice come hell or high water in an effort to advocate for the rights of those in the labor force. As well as minorities going against racial injustice and gender inequities.
From orchestrating boycotts for agricultural bargaining agreements to being imprisoned over 20 times to campaigning for Democratic presidential nominees, Huerta has shown her allegiance to her vision of people’s rights across a range of movements in more ways than one. Despite oftentimes being overlooked for the impact she was making in the movement, her contributions were later acknowledged through receiving awards such as the Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Human Rights, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a string of honorary doctorate degrees.
Here are the lessons that we can take away from Dolores Huerta’s monumental impact in the civil rights we experience today
Prioritize The People Without Neglecting Self
Decades after Huerta’s time working alongside Cesar Chavez to build the labor movement, it was revealed in an interview with The New York Times that Huerta had unwanted sexual experiences with Chavez in the years 1960 and 1966. Despite the heaviness and trauma that these experiences gave her, she kept her priority on the movement and mobilizing farm workers towards change. In a situation where she could’ve stepped away, she decided to pour deeper into her work of advocating for others. Through organizing, rallying, and demonstrations, the liberties we live in today are because of her courage. This level of solidarity is not only admirable, but is a deeper reminder of the ways that women often sacrifice their own discomfort for what is believed to be the greater good.
Fighting For The Rights Of One Group Looks Like Fighting For The Rights Of All Groups
As many individual movements tied to race, gender, and rights to make certain decisions have emerged over the last few decades, people have chosen one or two to focus on during their time of activism. Dolores Huerta didn’t do this at all. Her passion across a range of issues such as voting rights, reproductive rights for women, and farmworkers’ rights was all equally highlighted throughout her journey. This intentional step towards not just amplifying one movement is what true solidarity looks like. It’s fighting for the injustices that impact you, your community, and the communities surrounding you. In doing so, this garnered Huerta more respect and notoriety in her work.
True Activism Doesn’t End When You Age
In the years prior to Huerta’s passing, she was arrested in 2019. According to AP News, this arrest came after her participation in a union protest in California advocating for better wages for home healthcare workers. At this point in time, Huerta was 89 years old, and while she could’ve chosen to sit out of the movement, she chose to be on the front lines alongside others. Similar to other activists and social justice advocates, the amplification of your voice through action doesn’t have to stop just because you’ve aged. You may not move as fast as you once did, but the strength powering intentions is what makes the true difference. There is no appropriate age to begin or end activism– it starts with passion.