Dolores Huerta, who helped form a union with 100,000 members, has died at 97

Dolores Huerta, a central figure in the American labor movement and a co-founder of the United Farm Workers, has died. She was 97 years old.

Huerta passed away on Thursday at her home in the Sacramento area. Her death marks the end of a life spent organizing agricultural workers, fighting for civil rights, and advocating for families across the United States.

She began her public work in the late 1950s, working alongside Cesar Chavez to improve conditions for farmworkers in California. Together, they established the United Farm Workers, an organization that grew to include 100,000 members. The union negotiated contracts that secured higher wages and better working conditions for field laborers who had previously lacked representation.

Huerta’s activism extended beyond the farm. She became a prominent voice for civil rights, focusing on the needs of women and children. She helped establish the Dolores Huerta Foundation, which worked to provide housing and education resources to low-income families. Her efforts emphasized the role of community and personal responsibility in achieving economic stability.

Colleagues and fellow activists remembered Huerta for her unwavering commitment to her causes. She was known for her ability to mobilize large groups of people and for her insistence on dignity in the workplace. Her work helped shift the national conversation regarding the rights of those who grow the food the country eats.

In a statement, the United Farm Workers union honored Huerta’s legacy. The union noted that her contributions to the labor movement laid the groundwork for future gains in workers' rights. They highlighted her role in bringing national attention to the struggles of immigrant workers and their families.

Huerta’s life spanned several decades of social and economic change in the United States. She witnessed the growth of the farm labor movement from a small group of organizers into a major force in American politics. Her career reflected a belief in the power of organized action to drive change.

A memorial service is scheduled for next month in Sacramento. Family members and long-time associates will attend the ceremony. The event will provide an opportunity for the community to pay tribute to her decades of service.

Huerta leaves behind a legacy that includes several awards and honors. She was recognized by numerous organizations for her contributions to labor and civil rights. Her work continues to influence labor leaders and activists who seek to improve conditions for workers in various industries.