By Ahmed Abdelsalam
US civil rights leader Dolores Huerta has died at the age of 96, her family announced on Wednesday.
Life and activism
Born in New Mexico and raised in Stockton, California, Huerta began her career as a teacher before turning to labor organizing. In the 1960s and 1970s she campaigned alongside Cesar Chavez for farm workers' rights, co-founding the United Farm Workers Union (UFW).
Legacy and later work
Through her foundation, Huerta continued advocacy on immigration, voting rights, women's rights, and environmental issues while raising 11 children. She is credited with coining the UFW motto "Si Se Puede!" ("Yes, we can!"), which became a rallying cry for Hispanic farm workers.
Controversy and revelations
Earlier this year, Huerta alleged that Chavez had sexually abused her in the 1960s, resulting in two pregnancies she kept secret. The allegations were part of a New York Times investigation that also included accounts from two other women. Chavez's family said they were devastated and praised the women's courage.
Tributes
The UFW praised Huerta's lifelong work empowering farm workers and the Latino community. Voto Latino president María Teresa Kumar called her a "civil rights giant," while the Congressional Hispanic Caucus described her as a national and international icon whose fight for justice will inspire generations.
