Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO Mourns Passing of Dolores Huerta

Los Angeles County Federation of Labor President Yvonne Wheeler released the following statement:

LOS ANGELES — The passing of Dolores Huerta marks the loss of a true American hero, a courageous labor leader, and a trailblazer whose life embodied the power of ordinary people to create extraordinary change.

As someone who knew Dolores personally, I can say that her impact on my life was tremendous. She was more than an icon of the labor movement; she was a woman whose courage, conviction, and unwavering commitment to justice inspired me in my own journey as a labor leader. Her example reminded me of the responsibility we carry to stand up for working people, to speak truth to power, and to never back down in the face of injustice. Her influence on my life is something I will always cherish.

Dolores dedicated her life to fighting for the dignity of working people, standing up for farmworkers, advocating for women, and challenging injustice wherever she found it. Her determination and fearless leadership helped transform the labor movement and opened doors for generations of women and people of color to lead, organize, and fight for a better future.

As President of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, I understand that the progress we make today is built on the sacrifices of those who came before us. Dolores Huerta helped lay that foundation. She showed us that one voice can spark a movement, that unity creates power, and that the fight for justice must continue even when the road ahead is difficult.

Her legacy is deeply personal to me. I am grateful to have known her, to have witnessed her commitment to the struggle, and to have been inspired by the example she set. We honor her not only through our words, but through our actions and our continued dedication to the workers, families, and communities she fought so tirelessly to uplift.

¡Sí, se puede! Yes, we can!

May we carry Dolores’s spirit, courage, and determination forward for generations to come. Her legacy will live on in every worker who stands up for their rights, every woman who dares to lead, and every person who refuses to accept injustice.

Dolores, thank you for your friendship, your example, and the tremendous impact you had on my life. Your contributions to the labor movement and the fight for justice will never be forgotten.

Rest in power, Dolores. Your fight continues through all of us.