Today marks the 93rd Birthday of civil rights activist and labor union organizer Dolores Huerta, a close friend and Board Member of the Feminist Majority Foundation who has advocated for labor rights and women’s liberation for decades.
With an extensive knowledge of the injustices that farm workers faced, Huerta teamed up with César Cháves to launch the National Farm Workers Association in 1962. Through this organization, she was able to secure aid for California farm workers, help to enact the Agricultural Relations Labor Act of 1975, and organize effective grassroots campaigns and boycotts at the ballot boxes to advance farm workers’ rights. Huerta coined the iconic phrase “Sí, se puede,” which has become a rallying cry for activists around the world.
In addition to her work with labor rights, Huerta is also a tremendous advocate for women’s rights and reproductive freedom. She consistently challenged gender discrimination against women farm workers and worked on behalf of FMF, traveling the country as an advocate for the Feminization of Power: 50/50 By the Year 2000 campaign to empower Latina women to run for office. She has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her efforts.
Huerta is also the president and founder of the Dolores Huerta Foundation for Community Organizing, a non-profit organization that empowers marginalized communities through social justice and civic engagement. The organization spreads awareness on abuse towards marginalized communities and uses grassroot organizing strategies to make real changes on both the local and the state level. Most recent campaigns from the foundation include providing voter education resources, their Get Out the Vote campaign for the upcoming election, and their educational equity program working to empower marginalized communities.
Dolores Huerta is a fierce advocate, dedicated mentor, and inspiring leader who has changed history and continues to tirelessly fight for justice. Those who wish to celebrate her today are welcome to donate to the Dolores Huerta Foundation to honor her work!
Happy Birthday from FMF!
