Dolores Huerta (Photo – Office of Hilda Solis)
Los Angeles County Chair Pro Tem and Supervisor Hilda L. Solis has proclaimed April 10 as Dolores Huerta Day, a day to honor the civil rights icon’s 95th birthday and recognize her lifelong dedication to social justice, labor rights, and the empowerment of underserved communities.
By News Desk
Dolores Clara Fernández Huerta, a renowned labor leader and civil rights activist, is best known for co-founding the United Farm Workers (UFW) alongside César Chávez. Together, they fought tirelessly for the rights of farmworkers, advocating for better working conditions, safer environments, and healthcare benefits. Huerta’s leadership during the 1965 Delano grape strike, which saw 5,000 workers demand better conditions, played a pivotal role in securing the historic contracts that followed. Her advocacy also led to the landmark California Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975, which enabled farmworkers to unionize and negotiate for improved wages and working conditions.
Throughout her career, Huerta has been an unstoppable force for change, tirelessly campaigning for issues such as the elimination of harmful pesticides in agricultural fields and the protection of immigrant workers. Her famous slogan, “Sí, Se Puede,” continues to resonate with activists around the world, symbolizing hope and perseverance.
Chair Pro Tem Solis praised Huerta’s immeasurable contributions to Los Angeles County, stating, “Dolores Huerta’s contributions to Los Angeles County and to Latinos across the country have inspired generations of leaders fighting for justice for all. Now more than ever, we honor Dolores Huerta for her work as one of the most influential labor activists of our time and celebrate her 95th birthday. On this Dolores Huerta Day, may her legacy continue to light a fire in us all.”
Huerta herself expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “I’m honored to receive this recognition from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, who work tirelessly to make Los Angeles County a vibrant home for all. I accept this on behalf of Los Angeles’ working people, especially our immigrant community, whose labor supports families and children. The Supervisors have gone above and beyond to assist immigrants, and as we face challenges ahead, it’s vital to continue supporting their bold, compassionate leadership for our most underserved communities.”
Dolores Huerta has received numerous prestigious honors throughout her career, including the United States Presidential Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Human Rights, the Eugene V. Debs Foundation Outstanding American Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In addition, she was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame as the first Latina to receive such an honor and was awarded Mexico’s highest honor, the Orden del Águila Azteca.
In her role as president of the Dolores Huerta Foundation, she continues her advocacy, empowering communities to drive social change and justice. Through the foundation, Huerta advocates for workers’ rights, immigrant rights, and women’s equality, ensuring her legacy endures for future generations.
Chair Pro Tem Solis’ proclamation of Dolores Huerta Day aims to inspire the public to reflect on Huerta’s incredible impact and to encourage community participation in volunteer efforts across Los Angeles County. By elevating Huerta’s contributions to social justice, Solis hopes to further ignite a passion for positive change in the county and beyond.
Dolores Huerta Day 2025 (Photo – Office of Hilda Solis)
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