US civil rights leader Dolores Huerta dies aged 96

US civil rights leader Dolores Huerta has passed away at the age of 96, according to her family's announcement. Huerta had been an advocate for farm workers' rights alongside Cesar Chavez in the 1960s and 1970s, co-founding the United Farm Workers Union (UFW). Following the passing of Chavez in 1993, Huerta continued her activism, focusing on immigration and voting issues through her foundation.

Her family expressed grief over the loss and requested privacy during the grieving process. Raised in Stockton, California, Huerta grew up in a region dominated by agriculture and was raised by her mother, who once worked in a cannery. She initially pursued a career as a teacher before dedicating her efforts to organizing workers.

In addition to her work in civil and women's rights, environmental issues, and raising 11 children, Huerta is reported to have once stated, "I would like to be remembered as a woman who cares for fellow humans. We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things." This year, allegations emerged that Chavez had sexually abused girls in the labor movement in the 1960s, a claim Huerta confirmed involved two pregnancies she kept hidden by arranging for the children to be raised by other families.

Chavez's family expressed devastation upon learning of the allegations and praised the women for their courage. The UFW, along with several other organizations, paid tribute to Huerta, acknowledging her role in coining the union's motto "Si Se Puede!" and her commitment to empowering her community, leaving farm workers and the Latino community stronger than before.

Huerta's work also included ending the Bracero Program and negotiating the 1986 Immigration Reform Act. María Teresa Kumar, president of Voto Latino, described Huerta as a "civil rights giant" who fought for justice throughout her life. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus hailed Huerta as a national and international icon, whose legacy will inspire future generations.