Senator Dave Cortese Mourns the Passing of Dolores Huerta, Friend and Icon of the Farmworker Movement
SAN JOSE, CA — California State Senator Dave Cortese (D–San José) issued the following statement today mourning the passing of Dolores Huerta, the legendary labor leader and civil rights activist who dedicated her life to advancing the rights, health, and dignity of farmworkers.
“Today, I mourn the loss of a dear friend, a mentor in nonviolence and one of the most consequential leaders in the history of the farmworker movement. Dolores Huerta didn’t just teach us how to fight for justice. She showed us how to do it with courage, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to nonviolence.”
“Dolores and I shared a deep commitment to the practice of nonviolence, including through our work with Rev. Deacon Sal Alvarez, local San Jose community organizer and activist. Over the years, I was fortunate to know her personally, learn from her example, and work alongside her on issues that mattered deeply to both of us. My last conversation with her was a few weeks after a difficult discussion. I spotted her on the Senate floor, so I walked over and said, ‘Dolores, I still love you.’ And she said, ‘I love you too.’”
“Our work together included fighting to protect farmworkers from dangerous exposure to pesticides and herbicides. Dolores understood what too many people overlook: the people who put food on our tables should never have to sacrifice their health or their lives to do their jobs. She never stopped demanding that farmworkers receive the dignity, protections, and respect they deserve.”
“Dolores leaves us with a challenge, not just a legacy: to turn our compassion into action, our convictions into laws, and our commitment to nonviolence into the courage to confront injustice. Her voice may be gone, but her work is not finished. It is now our responsibility to carry it forward.”
“On behalf of my family and the communities I represent, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Dolores’ family, loved ones and the generations of farmworkers, organizers, and advocates whose lives she changed. We honor her best not simply by remembering her words, but by continuing the fight for justice she spent her life leading.”
Senator Dave Cortese represents Senate District 15, which encompasses San José and much of Santa Clara County in the heart of Silicon Valley. Visit Senator Cortese’s website at https://sd15.senate.ca.gov. View all Press Releases at https://sd15.senate.ca.gov/news/press-releases.
Select the Google Translation Feature on the website for translations in Spanish, Vietnamese, and 12 other languages. Seleccione la función de traducción de Google en el sitio web para obtener traducciones al español, vietnamita y otros 12 idiomas. Hãy chọn tính năng Dịch của Google trên trang web để dịch sang tiếng Tây Ban Nha, tiếng Việt và 12 ngôn ngữ khác.
Contact:
Mario B. Lopez | Communications Director
Office of Senator Dave Cortese | District 15
Phone: 408-545-8205 | Email: [email protected]
For Scheduling Media Requests:
Natasha Waxman | Executive Assistant
Office of Senator Dave Cortese | District 15
Email: [email protected]
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