AFT Leaders Mourn Dolores Huerta, Celebrating Her Legacy and Impact

Labor Movement Mourns the Loss of Dolores Huerta

WASHINGTON— Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), and Evelyn DeJesus, AFT Executive Vice President and President of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, released a joint statement on the death of Dolores Huerta, a prominent figure in the labor and civil rights movements.

“Today, we mourn the passing of an American shero, a giant of the labor and civil rights movements and a remarkable woman whose extraordinary life was dedicated to lifting up working people, fighting injustice and giving a voice to those too often left unheard,” the statement said.

Huerta, renowned for her activism and community organizing, demonstrated immense courage by standing with farmworkers and advocating for their rights. Her belief in the power of collective action inspired many, epitomized by the rallying cry: ‘¡Sí, se puede!’

Weingarten and DeJesus fondly recalled their recent interaction with Huerta during the AFT convention this summer, emphasizing the significant impact of her presence. They noted, “Being in her presence was a powerful reminder that the movements we build are carried forward by the courage, conviction and sacrifices of those who came before us.”

The statement also highlighted Huerta's enduring legacy, which deeply influences the labor movement and the ongoing national pursuit of justice. “Her legacy is woven into the fabric of our labor movement and our nation’s ongoing struggle for justice. She leaves us with not only a remarkable history of accomplishments, but also the story of the personal struggle and sacrifice she disclosed in the twilight of her life,” they expressed.

Her teachings emphasized the importance of advocating for working families, safeguarding the vulnerable, educating children, and creating a better future. The message concluded with an emotional tribute: “Rest in power, Dolores. Your voice, your courage and your spirit will live on in all of us who continue this work. “¡Sí, se puede! Siempre.”

The AFT's Role and Representation

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) represents a diverse group of 1.875 million members, including pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, paraprofessionals, and other school-related personnel. The union also encompasses higher education faculty and professional staff, government employees at federal, state, and local levels, nurses, healthcare workers, and early childhood educators.

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