Dolores Huerta, an international activist and one of the co-founders of the United Farm Workers of America (UFW) alongside Cesar Chavez, passed away on Wednesday at her home in Bakersfield, California. She was 96 years old.
The news of Huerta's passing was shared by her family members through her Instagram account, but the cause of death was not specified. Reports suggest that the cause of death was cancer. The post stated, "We know that many of you around the world share in our grief, and we will soon announce plans to honor and celebrate her amazing life and legacy."
Huerta's Activism
Huerta dedicated her entire life to fighting for the rights of workers, women's rights, and immigrant rights. She is also known for the famous phrase "Yes, we can" (Sí se puede), which was later used by Barack Obama.
In March 2026, Huerta publicly accused Cesar Chavez of sexual abuse, which came after an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse against Chavez. She stated that she had remained silent to defend the farmworkers' movement.
Life and Education
Huerta was born on April 10, 1930, in Dawson, New Mexico, and grew up in a family with a vision for justice. After graduating from high school, she received her temporary teaching certificate from the University of the Pacific and taught at an elementary school. She had two children with her husband, Ralph Head, and she stated that her inspiration for activism came from the children of farmworkers.
Huerta became involved in social activism after meeting Fred Ross, the founder of the Community Service Organization, in 1955. She later went on to establish the Agricultural Workers Association and then the United Farm Workers of America (UFW). This union was founded to improve the conditions of farmworkers in California.
Huerta and Chavez founded the union with the goal of ending the abuses stemming from the Bracero Program, which brought Mexican workers to work in American farms. They actively fought for better working conditions for farmworkers and to reduce wages and lack of access to healthcare and sanitation.
