Becky G Honors Dolores Huerta: A True Legend Passes at 96

Dolores Huerta, a towering figure in the American civil rights movement and co-founder of the United Farm Workers Union (UFW), has passed away at the age of 96, reported multiple sources ¹²⁴⁵⁶. Her life was marked by relentless dedication to the cause of farm workers and social justice, making her one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century.

Huerta, alongside Cesar Chavez, established the UFW in the 1960s and 1970s, a period during which they fought tirelessly for the rights of agricultural laborers. She was also known for coining the iconic UFW slogan 'Si Se Puede!', which became a rallying cry for countless movements and campaigns ¹⁵.

Despite facing numerous challenges, including sexual abuse allegations from Chavez, Huerta remained steadfast in her commitment to social change. These allegations were confirmed by reports in early 2026, where Huerta disclosed to The Times that she had been raped by Chavez many years ago ⁴. This revelation did not diminish her impact or the respect she garnered from fellow activists and admirers alike.

In addition to her foundational work with the UFW, Huerta reportedly secured significant protections for farm workers, such as overtime pay after eight-hour days and heat safety standards ¹. She also played a crucial role in ending the Bracero Program and helped negotiate the 1986 Immigration Reform Act, further cementing her status as a pivotal figure in American history.

Huerta's influence extended beyond the realm of politics and labor rights. She was known for her love of jazz music, particularly admiring the legendary saxophonist Charlie Parker ³. This passion for the arts added another layer to her multifaceted identity as both a cultural icon and a champion of social justice.

On Wednesday, Huerta breathed her last at her home in Bakersfield, California, surrounded by the fruits of her lifelong labor ²⁵. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her spirit and legacy live on through the countless lives she touched and the ongoing struggles for equality she inspired.

Among those paying tribute to Huerta was singer and actress Becky G, who honored the 'true legend' on Instagram, describing her as a 'fierce & courageous woman' ⁵. Becky G had previously presented Huerta with the inaugural Luminary Award, recognizing her enduring impact on society and culture ⁵.

Huerta's journey from a teacher in New Mexico to a national hero is a testament to her resilience and determination. She continued to travel and speak about social issues well into her 90s, ensuring that her message of hope and possibility would resonate with future generations ⁵.

In 2012, Huerta received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, underscoring the profound respect and admiration she held among her peers and the nation at large ⁵.

What we know

• Dolores Huerta, a US civil rights leader, died at the age of 96. ¹²⁴⁵⁶
• Huerta co-founded the United Farm Workers Union (UFW) with Cesar Chavez in the 1960s and 1970s. ¹⁵⁶
• Huerta passed away due to cancer. ¹²
• Huerta faced sexual abuse allegations from Chavez. ¹⁴
• Huerta coined the UFW motto 'Si Se Puede!'. ¹⁵
• Huerta secured landmark protections for farm workers, including overtime pay after eight-hour days and heat safety standards. ¹
• Huerta ended the Bracero Program and helped negotiate the 1986 Immigration Reform Act. ¹
• Huerta disclosed to The Times in early 2026 that she had been raped by Cesar Chavez many years ago. ⁴
• Huerta died on a Wednesday. ²⁵
• Huerta was born in New Mexico and grew up in Stockton, California. ¹
• Huerta was a teacher before becoming a labor organizer. ¹
• Huerta raised eleven children. ¹
• Huerta's place of death was her home in Bakersfield, California. ²
• Huerta has a fondness for jazz music. ³
• Huerta experienced admiration for Charlie Parker. ³
• Becky G paid tribute to Dolores Huerta on Instagram. ⁵
• Becky G described Dolores Huerta as a 'true legend' and 'fierce & courageous woman'. ⁵
• Becky G presented Dolores Huerta with the inaugural Luminary Award last year. ⁵
• Huerta continued to travel and speak about social issues well into her 90s. ⁵
• Huerta received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012. ⁵