Dolores Huerta: Southern California honors UFW co-founder after her death

The death of Dolores Huerta, the labor leader and co-founder of the United Farm Workers, sent shockwaves through Southern California on Wednesday, Oct. 28. Huerta, 96, died at home, according to a statement released by her family through her foundation. For more than six decades, she fought for the rights of migrant workers, women, and immigrants, leaving a mark on the region’s civic and political landscape.

The announcement drew immediate reactions from local leaders who cited her influence on their own careers. California Gov. Gavin Newsom posted on X that Huerta’s legacy lives on in those creating a better world. He noted that her fight for gender equity and civil rights taught people what was possible with determination. Sen. Eloise Gomez Reyes of Colton described the loss as the departure of someone who profoundly shaped her life. Reyes stated that Huerta taught ordinary people they could challenge powerful institutions and build something better.

Rep. Norma Torres of Ontario, a Latina and immigrant, said she stands on the shoulders of women like Huerta who refused to be silenced. Rep. Dave Min of Irvine called Huerta a living legend who devoted her life to making the American Dream possible for many. Min added that her work transformed the labor movement and gave a new voice to survivors of sexual assault. He said her example inspired him to fight for an America that delivered on its promise of liberty and justice for all.

Labor organizations also issued tributes. Lorena Gonzalez, president of the California Federation of Labor Unions, AFL-CIO, called Huerta a trailblazing organizer who mentored new organizers her entire life. Gonzalez said Huerta’s leadership in fighting for a union for California’s farmworkers was only part of her story. She noted that Huerta stayed in the fight for working people for decades and was everywhere. Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, a former labor organizer, remembered seeing Huerta at a rally in June 2025. He said that even in her 90s, she was showing up and standing shoulder to shoulder with working people.

Hilda Solis, chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and former U.S. Secretary of Labor, said she was heartbroken by the news. Solis, a fellow Latina, recalled traveling to Mexico and Sacramento with Huerta to join demonstrations. She cited the iconic photograph of Huerta holding the Huelga sign as a source of strength. Solis said Huerta helped her understand that women had a place in public life and a responsibility to speak up for those often ignored.

Earlier this year, Huerta revealed that she was sexually abused in the 1960s by United Farm Workers co-founder Cesar Chavez. The revelation led to the birth of two children and ended a 60-year secret. Chavez died in 1993 and was long revered as the founder of farmworker movements. Huerta’s disclosure intensified a community-led push to rename Chavez Avenue, which stretches through downtown and east Los Angeles, in her honor.

Local residents and artists are already reflecting on her legacy. Andrea Lopez, a Mexican multimedia artist from Riverside, modified a mural at the Moreno Valley Public Library earlier this year. The mural originally featured world leaders, including Chavez. Lopez replaced Chavez’s portrait with Huerta. She said she feels both heartbreak and empowerment after hearing of Huerta’s death. Lopez stated that Huerta has always been a grand inspiration for fighting for what she believes in.

Cindy Shea, who leads the Grammy-award-winning group the Mariachi Divas, thanked Huerta for showing the power of standing together. Schools, community centers, and local streets across Southern California have long been named after the labor leader. Murals depicting her likeness have been painted to recognize her role in fighting for workers’ rights. She visited the region throughout her life, including stops in Riverside before the opening of Cheech Marin’s Chicano art museum and before a statue of Chavez was erected.

Huerta also rode on a Rose Parade float earlier this year. Her family announced her death on Wednesday. She died at home. Her foundation released the statement. Local officials and union organizers continue to honor the woman they describe as a trailblazer.