Dolores Huerta
American Labor Leader and Civil Rights Activist and founder, Dolores Huerta Foundation
Bio
The Feminist Seed is Planted
Dolores Clara Fernández was born on April 10, 1930, in Dawson, a small mining town in northern New Mexico. Her father Juan Fernández, a farm worker and miner, was a union activist who later became a legislator in the New Mexico legislature. After her parents’ divorce, Dolores moved with her mother and brothers to Stockton, California, where she spent most of her childhood and early adult life.
Dolores credits her mother Alicia for instilling in her a sense of independence and feminism. Alicia was known for her generosity and ran a hotel where she offered affordable accommodations to low-wage workers, often waiving fees altogether. Active in community affairs, Alicia fostered cultural diversity in Dolores’ upbringing, surrounded by Mexican, Filipino, African-American, Japanese, and Chinese families in their agricultural community.
Alicia’s influence spurred Dolores’ activism during her time at Stockton High School, where she participated in various clubs, served as a majorette, and was a dedicated member of the Girl Scouts until 18. After graduating, Dolores pursued her education at the University of the Pacific’s Delta College in Stockton, earning a provisional teaching credential. During this time, she married Ralph Head and had two daughters, Celeste and Lori.
An Organizer is Born
Dolores found her calling as an organizer while serving in leadership roles within the Stockton Community Service Organization (CSO). She founded the Agricultural Workers Association, initiated voter registration drives, and advocated for improvements in barrio neighborhoods. In 1955, Dolores met César E. Chávez through CSO founder Fred Ross, Sr., and together they founded the National Farm Workers Association in 1962, later becoming the United Farm Workers (UFW).
Dolores’ lobbying skills were instrumental in securing Aid For Dependent Families and disability insurance for California farm workers in 1963. She played a pivotal role in passing the Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975, granting farm workers the right to organize and negotiate better wages and working conditions.
Throughout her career, Dolores faced gender barriers but persisted, becoming a prominent spokesperson for the UFW. Her efforts extended beyond labor rights, advocating for gender equality within the movement and collaborating with feminist leaders like Gloria Steinem.
Non-Violence Is Our Strength
Dolores advocated for non-violence as a philosophy and practice essential for the safety of all involved in the farm workers’ movement. She faced personal danger multiple times, including a life-threatening assault at age 58 during a protest against presidential candidate George Bush’s policies in San Francisco.
After recovery, Dolores focused on women’s rights, traveling the country for the Feminist Majority’s campaign encouraging Latinas to run for office. She also served as National Chair of the 21st Century Party, emphasizing women’s representation and ethnic diversity among its leadership.
Her Second Wind
At 89, Dolores Huerta continues her activism through the Dolores Huerta Foundation, advocating for equality, civil rights, and leadership development among the working poor, women, and children. She speaks extensively on social justice issues and public policy, inspiring future generations.
Recognitions And Awards
Dolores Huerta’s contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including The Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012 from President Obama. She continues to be a symbol of grassroots organizing and social change in America.
*Additional Information:* There are elementary and high schools named after Dolores Huerta in California, Texas, and Colorado. She has received honors such as The Eleanor Roosevelt Humans Rights Award, Ms. Magazine’s One of the Three Most Important Women of 1997, and The Smithsonian Institution’s James Smithson Award, among others.
