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Dolores Huerta Dies at 96, Family Cites Cancer

By Drooid · Oct 28, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

Dolores Huerta died at age 96 at her Bakersfield home, family says cancer caused it.
In March 2026, Huerta publicly accused César Chávez of raping her in 1960 and 1966, producing two secret children.
She said she stayed silent for decades fearing it would undermine the farmworkers’ movement.
Huerta co-founded the National Farm Workers Association in 1962, later becoming United Farm Workers.

Summary

Governor Gavin Newsom ordered state flags to fly at half-staff Wednesday in Dolores Huerta’s honor.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called Huerta an icon and announced a candlelight vigil at City Hall.
New Mexico established April 10, 2023 as Dolores Huerta Day for annual recognition.
Congressional Hispanic Caucus called Huerta an icon who showed courage and conviction.

History

The Delano grape strike began on September 8 1965 when the Filipino-led AWOC walked off the fields, and a week later the Mexican NFWA joined, uniting over 10,000 farmworkers. Their five-year boycott secured a 1970 collective-bargaining contract and helped inspire the 1975 California Agricultural Labor Relations Act, a legacy now honored by officials such as Governor Gavin Newsom.

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The Delano grape strike began on September 8 1965 when the Filipino-led AWOC walked off the fields, and a week later the Mexican NFWA joined, uniting over 10,000 farmworkers. Their five-year boycott secured a 1970 collective-bargaining contract and helped inspire the 1975 California Agricultural Labor Relations Act, a legacy now honored by officials such as Governor Gavin Newsom.

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