Dolores Huerta American labor leader and human rights activist Date of Birth: 10.04.1930 Country: USA

Biography of Dolores Huerta

Dolores Clara Fernandez Huerta, an American labor leader and civil rights activist, was born on April 10, 1930, in Dawson, New Mexico. Her father, Juan Fernandez, was a miner, agricultural worker, union activist, and a member of the local legislature. Her mother, Alicia Chavez, managed a 70-room restaurant and hotel where she provided accommodation to low-income workers for a small fee or even for free. Dolores was raised by her mother as a single parent after her parents divorced when she was three years old. Alicia was known for her kindness and compassion towards others and actively participated in the activities of community organizations and the church. She instilled in Dolores a recognition of cultural diversity during her upbringing in Stockton.

Dolores began her active involvement in community work during her school days, participating in various school clubs. She became a cheerleader and a devoted Girl Scout, which she remained until the age of 18. She attended Stockton College (now San Joaquin Delta College), where she received pre-professional teacher training. However, she left teaching in elementary school to dedicate herself to her life's mission of correcting economic injustice. Dolores recalls, "I couldn't stand seeing children coming to school hungry and without shoes. I thought I could accomplish more by organizing farmworkers than by trying to teach their hungry children."

In 1960, Dolores played a crucial role in the creation of the Agricultural Workers Association (AWA), which later led to the establishment of the National Farm Workers Association (NFA) in 1962. She also supported or opposed numerous California and federal laws, including the California Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975. As a labor rights advocate, Dolores was arrested 22 times for participating in acts of civil disobedience and strikes.

In September 1988, Dolores was brutally beaten by San Francisco police officers during a peaceful and lawful protest against then-presidential candidate George H.W. Bush. The beating resulted in internal organ damage, multiple broken ribs, and emergency spleen removal. The violence by law enforcement was captured on video, and Dolores won a legal battle against the San Francisco Police Department and the city. She used the settlement funds to support farmworkers.

After her recovery, Dolores shifted her focus to women's rights. In 2002, she became the president of the Dolores Huerta Foundation, dedicated to advancing the rights of the poor, women, and children. Even at the age of 82, Dolores continues tirelessly to advocate for these rights. In 2012, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Dolores was married twice. Her first marriage was to Ralph Head, whom she married in college. They had two daughters, Celeste and Lori. After their divorce, she married Ventura Huerta, who became the father of her five children. However, their second marriage ended, largely due to disagreements related to Dolores' activism. She later had a long-term relationship with Richard Chavez, with whom she had four more children. Richard passed away on July 27, 2011. Dolores has a total of eleven children.