Biography
Dolores Huerta is a famous American civil rights activist and labor leader. She was born on April 10, 1930, in Dawson, New Mexico, U.S. She is well known as the Co-Founder of the National Farmworkers Association alongside Cesar Chavez and Delano grape strike (1965). She received numerous awards in her life and activism career including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012. Huerta’s efforts for social justice & her tireless work for marginalized communities have left an indelible mark on American society.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dolores Clara Fernández Huerta |
| Date of Birth | April 10, 1930 |
| Place of Birth | Dawson, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Profession | Labor leader and civil rights activist |
| Education | Attended San Joaquin Delta College |
| Known For | Co-founder of the United Farmworkers Association with Cesar Chavez |
| Spouse(s) | Ralph Head (divorced), Ventura Huerta (divorced), Richard Chavez (deceased) |
| Children | 11 (from various relationships and marriages) |
| Notable Achievements and Awards | Received the Eugene V. Debs Foundation Outstanding American Award, the United States Presidential Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Human Rights, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1993. |
| Famous Phrase | Originator of the phrase “Sí, se puede” (Yes, we can) |
| Recognition | First Latina inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame, 1993 |
I couldn’t tolerate seeing kids come to class hungry and needing shoes. I thought I could do more by organizing farm workers than by trying to teach their hungry children.
— Dolores Huerta, year unknown
Dolores Huerta Awards
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Order of the Aztec Eagle | 2015 |
| Presidential Medal of Freedom | 2012 |
| Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Human Rights | 1998 |
| Ladies’ Home Journal’s ‘100 Most Important Women of the 20th Century’ | 1998 |
| Puffin/Nation Prize for Creative Citizenship | 2002 |
| UCLA Medal | 2009 |
| California State University, Los Angeles Presidential Medallion | 2017 |
| Ripple of Hope Award | 2020 |
| David Starr Jordan Middle School renaming to Dolores Huerta Middle School | 2021 |
| Yale University Honorary Doctor of Laws | 2021 |
| Dedication of a new middle school in San Jose in her honor | 2021 |
| Renaming of the Research Center for the Americas at University of California, Santa Cruz to Dolores Huerta Research Center for the Americas | 2022 |
| University of Southern California Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters | 2023 |
FAQs about Dolores Huerta Biography
What is the full name of Dolores Huerta?
The full name of Dolores Huerta is Dolores Clara Fernández Huerta.
What is the profession of Dolores Huerta?
Dolores Huerta is a labor leader and civil rights activist.
What is the age of Dolores Huerta?
Dolores Huerta is 94 years old as of 2024.
Who is Dolores Huerta’s spouse?
Dolores Huerta has been married to Ralph Head (divorced), Ventura Huerta (divorced), and was in a relationship with Richard Chavez (deceased).
Who are Dolores Huerta’s parents?
Dolores Huerta’s parents are Juan Fernández (father) and Alicia Chávez (mother).
What is the education of Dolores Huerta?
Dolores Huerta attended San Joaquin Delta College.
What are the major awards Dolores Huerta received?
Dolores Huerta has received several major awards, including the Eugene V. Debs Foundation Outstanding American Award, the United States Presidential Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Human Rights, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
