Josie Valdez & Brandy Farmer

Ran into two of my role models and friends of many years. Like our mothers and tias (aunts),  Josie and Brandy show us the importance of work, and responsibility, and getting things done for the betterment of our communities and pueblos. I am honored by my association with both of them. They are Utah’s version of  a Dolores Hurta.

Who is Dolores Huerta?

Dolores Huerta has worked to improve social and economic conditions for farm workers and to fight discrimination. To further her cause, she created the Agricultural Workers Association (AWA) in 1960 and co-founded what would become the United Farm Workers (UFW). Huerta stepped down from the UFW in 1999, but she continues to her work to improve the lives of workers, immigrants and women.

Activism

To further her cause, Huerta created the Agricultural Workers Association (AWA) in 1960. Through the AWA, she lobbied politicians on many issues, including allowing migrant workers without U.S. citizenship to receive public assistance and pensions and creating Spanish-language voting ballots and driver’s tests. In 1962, she co-founded a workers’ union with Cesar Chavez, which was later known as the United Farm Workers (UFW). The two made a great team. Chavez was the dynamic leader and speaker and Huerta was a skilled organizer and tough negotiator. Huerta was instrumental in the union’s many successes, including the strikes against California grape growers in the 1960s and 1970s.

Huerta may have stepped down from her position at the UFW in 1999, but she continues to her work to improve the lives of workers, immigrants and women. She has received many honors for her activism, including the Ellis Island Medal of Freedom Award (1993) and the Eleanor Roosevelt Award (1998). Huerta, mother of 11 children, was inducted to the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1993.

2011 Medal of Freedom Recipient Dolores Huerta