Civil Rights Icon Dolores Huerta Dies at 96, Leaving Behind Historic Labour Legacy
Dolores Huerta, one of America’s most influential civil rights and labour activists, has died at the age of 96, marking the end of a remarkable lifetime dedicated to fighting inequality and defending working-class communities.
Her family confirmed that she passed away on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, at her home in Bakersfield, California, surrounded by loved ones. A family spokesperson said she died following cancer.
Born on 10 April 1930 in Dawson, New Mexico, Huerta became a defining figure in the American labour movement.
Alongside César Chávez, she co-founded the National Farm Workers Association in 1962, which later became part of the United Farm Workers (UFW).
Through strikes, boycotts, negotiations and community organising, Huerta helped secure improved wages, safer working conditions and greater legal protections for agricultural workers, many of whom were immigrants facing exploitation.
She also played an important role in the movement that led to California’s Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975, which established collective bargaining rights for farmworkers.
Beyond the labour movement, Huerta championed women’s rights, racial equality, immigration reform and greater political participation among marginalised communities.
She is widely credited with creating the powerful rallying cry “Sí, se puede”, meaning “Yes, we can”, which became internationally recognised as a message of determination and collective action.
In 2012, President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honour.
Huerta continued advocating for social justice well into her nineties, inspiring generations of activists and community organisers.
Her death has prompted tributes from political leaders, labour organisations and civil rights advocates across the United States.
Although Dolores Huerta is gone, her contributions to workers’ rights and equality remain firmly embedded in American history.