"If you haven't forgiven yourself something, how can you forgive others?"
My hero is Dolores Huerta. This amazing woman was one of the most monumental leaders in the farmworkers labor movement. Huerta was born on April 10, 1930 in Dawson, New Mexico. Her parents were Juan Fernandez and Alicia Chavez. She grew up in the San Joaquin Valley in California. Dolores' mother taught her that being an active member of the community was important. This influence on her life could have been one of the driving forces behind her activism. Huerta has eleven children, 12 grandchildren and is said to be a loving and devoted mother and grandmother as well as a dedicated social activist.
Huerta is an advocate for the rights of farmworkers. In 1955 Huerta helped found the Community Service Organization in Sacramento. In 1960 she helped found the Agricultural Workers Association. Again in 1962, she helped found the National Farm Workers Association with the famous Cesar Chavez. These groups helped migrant workers around the country receive fair and equitable wages and work. Huerta is also remembered for negotiating contracts during the 1965 Delano Grape Strike. Her efforts resulted in the state of California and United Farm Workers signing a three year collective bargaining agreement. Huerta was also a lobbyist and supported many California and federal laws that helped farmworkers gain rights and governmental aid.
Huerta remains politically active today. She presently serves on the board of the Feminist Majority Foundation and the People For the American Way. She is also the president of the Dolores Huerta Foundation. Huerta helps inspire future leaders by teaching college classes on community involvement in her home state of California. This amazing woman has been honored with several Honorary Doctorate Degrees and has six schools named in her honor.
ReferencesHuerta is my hero because she has changed the world with her courage and determination. I grew up in an area where farming is the main industry. I have seen how people exploit farmworkers. Dolores stood up for these people and created change when nobody else would. Her efforts have enabled farmworkers in America to receive the equal rights they deserve and for that she will always be remembered. She is an example of of how one individual can make a difference in how our society functions.
(2006) Dolores Huerta Bibliography. Retrieved from www.doloreshuerta.org/dolores_huerta_foundation.htm
(1993) Dolores Huerta. Retrieved September 27, 2007 from www.greatwomen.org
Dolores Huerta. (2007, September 28). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 23:29, October 10, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php? title=Dolores_Huerta&oldid=160970899
Lewis, J.J. (2006). About.com: Women's History, Dolores Huerta. Retrieved October 10, 2007 from www.womenshistory.about.com
