New Mexico Remembers Civil Rights and Labor Leader Dolores Huerta

NEW MEXICO — State leaders are mourning the death of Dolores Huerta, the pioneering civil rights and labor activist whose lifelong advocacy for farmworkers, working families and educational opportunity began with roots in New Mexico.

Born in Dawson, New Mexico, Huerta became one of the nation’s most influential voices for labor rights and social justice. Her work helped bring national attention to the struggles of agricultural workers and inspired generations of advocates through the rallying cry, “Sí, se puede” — “Yes, we can.”

Photo collage featuring Dolores Huerta. (Courtesy Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham via Facebook)

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham remembered Huerta not only as a national figure but also as a New Mexican who maintained a connection to her home state throughout her life.

“Dolores Huerta fought for working people everywhere, but she was a New Mexican first,” Lujan Grisham said. “Born in Dawson, she never stopped coming home to New Mexico, and she never stopped pushing us to do more for the people who care for our children and keep this state running.”

The governor recalled her personal friendship with Huerta and her visit to the State Capitol, where she was recognized for her extraordinary service. In 2023, Lujan Grisham signed legislation establishing April 10 as Dolores Huerta Day in New Mexico, ensuring that future generations would remember her contributions.

The New Mexico Public Education Department emphasized another important chapter in Huerta’s life: her experience as a classroom teacher.

Witnessing the hardships faced by the children of farmworkers helped shape Huerta’s commitment to improving conditions for working families. What began as concern for her students grew into a lifelong pursuit of justice, dignity and opportunity.

The department said Huerta’s legacy continues through the Dolores Huerta Foundation and its work to advance educational equity and empower students, families and communities.

“Her life reminds us that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, thrive and reach their full potential,” the department said.

Lujan Grisham also remembered Huerta’s willingness to confront injustice well into her nineties, advocating for people who were underserved, exploited or otherwise unheard.

“She showed up for people who were at risk, taken advantage of, underserved and unheard until the day she died,” the governor said.

Both statements reflected a legacy extending beyond organized labor to education, civil rights and the belief that ordinary people can bring about lasting change.

“Rest in power, Dolores,” Lujan Grisham concluded.