# Death of civil rights activist Dolores Huerta

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/death-of-civil-rights-activist-dolores-huerta
> Updated: 2026-11-03T23:20:33.000Z. Sources: 160. Developments: 4.

Dolores Huerta, a prominent American labor leader and civil rights activist, died on October 28, 2026, at her home in Bakersfield, California, at the age of 96. The cause of death was reported as cancer.

As a co-founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW) alongside Cesar Chavez, Huerta was a central figure in the movement to secure better wages, healthcare, and safer working conditions for agricultural workers. She was a co-founder of the National Farm Workers Association in 1962, which served as the predecessor to the UFW. She is widely credited with popularizing the rallying cry ‘Sí, se puede’ (Yes, we can). Her career included significant work in labor contracts, legislation, and empowering women in political leadership. In 2012, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Following her passing, tributes were offered by the Dolores Huerta Foundation and various public figures, including actresses Salma Hayek and Eva Longoria. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass described Huerta as a “fearless icon” who fought for basic human rights well into her nineties. California State University Chancellor Mildred Garcia also noted Huerta’s influence as a role model for students and her advocacy for the transformative power of higher education.

Throughout her seven decades of activism, Huerta embraced intersectional causes, championing the rights of women, the LGBTQ+ community, reproductive freedom, and minority groups, while also focusing on voter registration and community mobilization.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-03: Labor leader Dolores Huerta dies at 96

Civil rights and labor icon Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers predecessor, has died at age 96.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/labor-leader-dolores-huerta-dies-at-96

### 2026-11-01: Dolores Huerta dies at age 96

Labor rights pioneer and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta has died at age 96, leaving a legacy of intersectional activism and co-founding the United Farmworkers Union.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dolores-huerta-dies-at-age-96-1

### 2026-10-30: Dolores Huerta, civil rights and labor leader, dies at 96

Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta has died at age 96. She co-founded the United Farm Workers and was a prominent advocate for farmworkers, women, and immigrant rights.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dolores-huerta-civil-rights-and-labor-leader-dies-at-96

### 2026-10-28: Dolores Huerta, civil rights and labor icon, dies at 96

Civil rights icon and United Farm Workers co-founder Dolores Huerta has died at age 96 in Bakersfield, California, following a battle with cancer.

144 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dolores-huerta-us-labor-rights-pioneer-and-ufw-co-founder-dies-at-96

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Cite as: Death of civil rights activist Dolores Huerta. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/death-of-civil-rights-activist-dolores-huerta