Dolores Huerta to be inducted into California Hall of Fame

By Duane Campbell
California Progress Report
March 20, 2013

On March 20, 2013, Dolores Huerta will be inducted into the California Hall of Fame for her lifelong contributions to labor and community leadership. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012.

Huerta has contributed to movements for union rights and social justice since the founding – along with Cesar Chavez, Philip Vera Cruz and others – of the United Farm Workers (UFW) union and continues through her current work in supporting union democracy, civic engagement and empowerment of women and youth in disadvantaged communities. The creation of the UFW changed the nature of labor organizing in the Southwest and contributed significantly to the growth of Latino politics in the U.S.

In her frequent public engagements at college, universities and high schools she presents a Latina feminist perspective to civil rights and immigration issues. Dolores has joined activist struggles throughout the state as a supporter on union picket lines and union struggles.

A staunch advocate for women’s rights and reproductive freedom, Huerta is a founding board member of the Feminist Majority Foundation and serves on the board of Ms. Magazine and she is an Honorary Chair of Democratic Socialists of America. She frequently speaks at universities and organizational forums on issues of unions, social justice and public policy. Dolores continues working to develop community leaders and advocating for the working poor, immigrants, women and youth as President of the Dolores Huerta Foundation.

Some of her prior awards include:

•     Presidential Medal of Freedom
•     US Department of Labor Hall of Honor
•     Smithsonian Institution – James Smithson Award
•     National Women’s Hall of Fame
•     American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Roger Baldwin Medal of Liberty Award
•     The Eugene V. Debs Foundation Outstanding American Award
•     The Ellis Island Medal of Freedom Award

•     Icons of the American Civil Rights Movement Award

The 7th Annual California Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on March 20, 2013, at The California Museum, located at 1020 O Street in Sacramento. The 7th Annual California Hall of Fame exhibition will open on March 21, 2013 at The California Museum, located at 1020 O Street in Sacramento. For more on Dolores Huerta’s activism, visit the Mexican American Digital History website.