Becky G shared a tribute to Dolores Huerta, one of the nation’s most influential labor leaders, following her death on Wednesday at the age of 96.
“A true legend. A fierce & courageous woman with such a gentle heart,” wrote Becky in an Instagram Stories post alongside a black-and-white photo of Huerta. “Dolores, knowing you is one of my life’s greatest joys and inspirations. Our shared tears, laughs, & dances will live in my heart forever. This one hurts but I know you’ll be watching over us always… Rest in peace & power.”
Last year, the Mexican American star, a vocal advocate for the Latino community and immigrant rights, presented Huerta with the inaugural Luminary Award at the La Cena Celebration of Latino Culture in Hollywood. In a post sharing the news at the time, Becky called Huerta “one of the greatest labor and civil rights leaders of our time —her work has paved the way for so many and continues to inspire many through her work with local grassroots, nation and global leaders.”
Huerta, who co-founded the United Farm Workers and relentlessly championed for immigrant farm workers, Latinos, and women throughout her life, coined the phrase “Sí, se puede!” that has continued to be a rallying cry for movements and marches.
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Well into her 90s, Huerta traveled across the country to speak about race, poverty, and women’s rights on behalf of the Dolores Huerta Foundation based in Bakersfield, California. She received numerous accolades for her tireless work, and in 2012, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, which then-President Barack Obama presented to her.
And in Rolling Stone’s American Icons package earlier this year, Becky praised Huerta in her article about the strength of immigrant workers in America. “With the labor movement leader Dolores Huerta, someone who also is a proud Mexican American, who has dedicated her entire life to this stuff, as my inspiration, it’s been a beautiful journey, but also a painful one knowing that there’s still so much work to do.”
