Dolores Huerta said “no” to unfair treatment. Then, she said “yes, we can” to change! Let’s meet this activist.
Huerta was born in 1930 in New Mexico. She moved to Stockton, California. Huerta learned to be kind from her mom. Her mother helped people of all backgrounds.
Huerta became a teacher. She taught the children of farm workers. Seeing their struggles inspired Huerta to make a change. “I couldn’t seeing kids coming to class hungry and needing shoes,” she said. So she decided to help farm workers.
In the 1950s, Huerta left teaching. She joined the Community Service Organization (CSO). She met another labor activist — César Chávez. In 1962, they created the group that would become the United Farm Workers of America (UFW). UFW is still in action today!
Huerta fought to get better conditions for farm workers. She made deals for higher pay and health care. She pushed for safer practices on farms. In 1965, Huerta led 5,000 grape workers in a . She helped them get better deals.
Huerta took the fight to the government as well. In the 1970s, her efforts led to a new California law. Huerta also pushed to get more Latinos and women in government.
Huerta has gotten many awards. In 1993, she became the first Latina in the National Women’s Hall of Fame. And in 1998, she got the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award. Artists have painted murals of Huerta. And musicians have written songs about her!
Huerta came up with the UFW’s slogan: “Sí, se puede.” That’s Spanish for “yes, we can.” Barack Obama ran for president in 2008. And he used that slogan. In 2012, Obama gave Huerta a Medal of Freedom.
“Dolores was when I told her I had stolen her slogan,” Obama joked. “I’m pleased that she let me off easy. Because Dolores does not play.”
Updated March 10, 2023, 5:01 P.M. (ET)
By Ashley Morgan
