Dolores Huerta, Civil Rights Leader and Co-Founder of United Farm Workers, Dies at 96

Dolores Huerta, a towering figure in the American civil rights movement and a co-founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW), has died at the age of 96, her family announced on Wednesday. Huerta was a tireless advocate for farmworkers' rights, social justice, immigration reform, and voting rights throughout her long career.

Born in Dawson, New Mexico, in 1930, Huerta moved to California as a child. She became involved in activism in the 1950s, co-founding the Community Service Organization, which focused on voter registration and fighting legal discrimination. In 1962, alongside Cesar Chavez, she co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later merged to become the United Farm Workers Union (UFW). Huerta was instrumental in organizing strikes and boycotts that led to landmark labor protections for agricultural workers, including the Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Huerta campaigned with Chavez, advocating for better wages, working conditions, and dignity for farmworkers. Her organizing skills and powerful oratory were crucial to the success of the UFW's campaigns, most notably the Delano grape strike and boycott.

Even after stepping back from the day-to-day operations of the UFW, Huerta remained an active force in social and political movements. Through the Dolores Huerta Foundation, she continued to champion causes such as immigration reform, women's rights, and access to healthcare. She was also a vocal advocate for voting rights, encouraging civic participation and empowering marginalized communities.

In recent years, Huerta also spoke out about her experiences with Cesar Chavez, detailing allegations of sexual coercion and abuse. These accounts came to light earlier this year following an investigation by The New York Times, which detailed similar allegations from two other women. Chavez's family had expressed devastation and praised the women's courage in coming forward.

Huerta's family released a statement expressing their grief, with spokesman Erik Olvera saying, "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."

Dolores Huerta's legacy is one of persistent advocacy and a deep commitment to empowering the voiceless. Her work fundamentally changed labor rights in the United States and inspired generations of activists.