Press Contact: media@hispanicfederation.org
New York, NY – Hispanic Federation joins the nation in mourning the passing of Dolores Huerta, the legendary labor organizer, feminist, and civil rights icon who died today at the age of 96. A recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, she dedicated more than seven decades to organizing for workers, women, immigrants, and communities of color, and always advocated on behalf of our community. Below is a statement from Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of Hispanic Federation.
“Today our community lost one of its greatest warriors. Dolores Huerta spent more than seven decades proving that ordinary people, organized and unafraid, can change the course of history in extraordinary ways. From standing in the fields with farmworkers to bravely defend and uphold their dignity, to advocating for Latinos and other vulnerable communities in the halls of congress, Dolores Huerta was a constant voice for the voiceless.
When she gave us ‘¡Sí, se puede!’, she gave us the courage to take hold of our own power. Those three words have echoed through picket lines, classrooms, voter drives, and endless campaigns. Latinos, immigrants, women, LGBTQ+ people shared ownership of the slogan to display their collective power and advocate for their rights.
Ms. Huerta never stopped fighting. Into her nineties she was marching, organizing, and telling hard truths with extraordinary courage. Her courage is her final lesson for all of us.
At Hispanic Federation, we carry her example in everything we do. To her children, her grandchildren, the Dolores Huerta Foundation, and everyone whose life she touched: we grieve with you, and we promise to keep organizing and fighting.
Descansa en poder, Dolores. “¡Sí, se puede!”
###
About Hispanic Federation
Hispanic Federation (HF) is a nonprofit membership and advocacy organization, founded in 1990, committed to empowering and advancing the Hispanic community, with a focus on low-income, marginalized, and immigrant Latine. With programs in 43 states and territories, HF’s focus areas include immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement, disaster relief, philanthropy, education, health, and the environment. HF also maintains ongoing public education campaigns and meets the organizational development needs of its member agencies through grant-making and capacity-building assistance.
