Bay Area community honors Dolores Huerta's legacy for farmworkers, educators and activists
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- Community members and advocates in San Jose reflected Wednesday on the legacy of labor leader Dolores Huerta, remembering her lifelong work for farmworkers and labor rights following news of her passing.
A bouquet of flowers was placed at the base of a mural honoring Huerta in the center of San José State University's campus. Huerta made numerous appearances at the university over the years, including a 2017 visit during which she led the chant that became known around the world. "Si Se Puede!" Huerta declared.
Translated as "Yes it can be done," the slogan became a rallying cry after Huerta co-founded the United Farm Workers of America and devoted her life to advocating for laborers' rights.
"It's a tremendously sad day for California and for everyone who cares about worker's rights," said Dr. Cheyla Samuelson of San José State University's Department of World Languages and Literatures.
Advocates said Huerta's impact continues to be felt throughout communities connected to agricultural work.
"Dolores was always fighting for the little people. She was always fighting for the workers that were on the ground, that were doing the picking, that were the ones that were forgotten in this whole big business. And she always fought for their rights," said Darlene Tenes, executive director of Farmworker Caravan in San Jose.
Tenes said Huerta's death is deeply personal for the community she represents, but also serves as motivation to continue advocating for fair treatment of farmworkers and laborers.
"There's not a single person in America that doesn't benefit from a farmworker, particularly as we have Thanksgiving coming up," Tenes said.
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Samuelson said Huerta's message remains especially meaningful at San José State University.
"Because this is a hispanic serving institution, we have a lot of students whose families are working in agriculture still, some of them work in agriculture themselves. So, her work is very meaningful to us and we just celebrate her and honor her," Samuelson said.
The effort to advance the causes Huerta championed continues, supporters said. State Sen. Dave Cortese, in a statement Wednesday, said Huerta's voice may be gone, but her work is not finished and it is the responsibility of others to carry it forward.
'She made space': Bay Area remembers Dolores Huerta
Community leaders, educators and friends across the Bay Area are remembering civil rights icon Dolores Huerta and reflecting on the impact she made on generations of activists, farmworkers and community members.
Huerta, who grew up in Stockton, spent decades advocating for farmworkers and voting rights, leaving a legacy that continues to shape communities throughout California and beyond.
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San Mateo County Supervisor Lisa Gauthier recalled a personal connection to Huerta, including a signed message she has treasures: "To Lisa thank you for a great evening. Si se puede. Dolores Huerta."
Gauthier said she and Huerta celebrated their birthdays together last year when the community marked Huerta's 95th birthday in East Palo Alto, one of her last public appearances in the Bay Area.
"She is one of the big inspirations for so many colors, generations, across ethnicities. She cared about the little people and made space. She made sure that there was space to tell our story to be visible and to participate. That was Dolores," Gauthier said.
RELATED: Dolores Huerta: Bay Area leaders pay tribute to late labor activist, civil rights icon
In Half Moon Bay, Huerta joined community leaders last November in support of senior farmworker housing.
"When she came, she brought her smile. She brought her chanting. She brought her energy of you don't stop. You keep going. Si se puede and we are counting on you. She is counting on us to be doing the work that she has been invested her whole life," said Belinda Hernandez Arriaga, founder and CEO of ALAS.
Arriaga also reflected on Huerta's role in the lives of farmworkers through her work co-founding the United Farm Workers labor union and negotiating landmark contracts.
"Some senior farmworkers and they were talking about the legacy she had for them to be able to give them a break working in the lettuce fields," Arriaga said.
At Dolores Huerta Elementary School in San Francisco, staff and students created an altar to honor the civil rights leader's memory.
Asked about lessons for students following Huerta's passing, community school coordinator Alejandro Cuevas said, "Continue giving them love. Continue to support them in all of their needs just like Dolores did when she was an educator."
Those who knew Huerta personally remembered not only her activism, but also her energy and presence.
"No matter what event it was she would close it down on the dance floor she had more energy than anybody could possibly imagine," said friend Brooke Oliver.
Oliver also remembered Huerta's bravery coming forward earlier this year, revealing she was sexually abused by fellow labor leader Cesar Chavez.
"She was very brave to do that and of course it was intensely painful for people, for everyone, for the families. The personal toll that that knowledge took on her family on Cesar's family has been deep. I think that she was finally able to tell her truth and that was very important to her," said Oliver.
As communities across the Bay Area remember Huerta, supporters said her message of perseverance and service continues to inspire the work she championed throughout her life.
