Dolores Huerta, UFW co-founder, dies at 96

Dolores Huerta died on Wednesday at her home in Bakersfield, California. Her family confirmed the news of the death of the 96-year-old labor leader. Huerta co-founded the United Farm Workers in 1962 alongside Cesar Chavez. The organization became one of the oldest farmworker unions in the nation.

Huerta began her career as a schoolteacher in California's Central Valley. She left the profession after observing the conditions of her students. Many were children of migrant farmworkers who arrived at school tired, hungry, and barefoot. Her experience in the classroom drove her to organize marches and protests. She campaigned for better wages, working conditions, and dignity for field laborers.

News of her passing spread quickly on Wednesday morning. Public figures who knew Huerta or admired her work shared messages on social media. Actress Eva Longoria, who described Huerta as a mentor, wrote that Huerta dedicated her life to fighting for people and lifting up silenced voices. Longoria stated there would be an enormous void without her, but Huerta's work lives on in every person she inspired.

Actress America Ferrera honored Huerta's commitment to social justice. Ferrera expressed gratitude for Huerta's 96 years and noted that she always showed up to fight with love and dance with joy. Ferrera urged people to carry Huerta's legacy in their actions and to the polls. Actor Danny Trejo remembered Huerta as an influential community leader. He stated that Huerta impacted his life and many others and that they will never forget what she did.

Chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, reflected on Huerta's advocacy for those who grow and harvest the nation's food. Andrés said he will honor her legacy by continuing to fight for a world where the people who feed America can feed their families with dignity. He invoked Huerta's famous rallying cry, stating that she taught the world that together, yes, they can. The Mexican band Los Tigres del Norte also posted condolences on Instagram. They described Huerta as an exemplary woman and a tireless advocate for workers' rights and the Latino community.

California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in the state. The order honored the labor leader whose decades of activism helped transform the farmworker movement. Huerta's death marks the end of an era for the civil rights and labor movements she helped build.