Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman ANNETTE QUIJANO
District 20 (Union)
Assemblywoman SHANIQUE SPEIGHT
District 29 (Essex and Hudson)
SYNOPSIS
Recognizes and celebrates April 10 as Dolores Huertas birthday.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Assembly Resolution recognizing and celebrating April 10 as Dolores Huertas birthday.
Whereas, Dolores Clara Fernndez Huerta was born on April 10, 1930, in New Mexico, and emerged as a prominent figure in labor activism and the Chicano civil rights movement; and
Whereas, Huerta was raised by her mother, Alicia Chvez, in California and was influenced by her mother's activism and discrimination witnessed firsthand; and
Whereas, Despite facing obstacles, including biased treatment in school and violence against her family, Huerta pursued an education, earning an associate teaching degree; and
Whereas, Huerta was married twice, both times to activists, and had seven children; and
Whereas, In 1955, Huerta co-founded the Stockton, California chapter of the Community Service Organization (CSO), focusing on voter registration and economic improvements for Hispanics; and
Whereas, Huerta later co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA) with Csar Chvez, which later became the United Farm Workers Union (UFW); and
Whereas, Huerta played a pivotal role in organizing strikes and negotiating contracts for farm workers, advocating for better working conditions and benefits, and led successful nationwide boycotts of table grapes, prompting legislative changes including the California Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975, granting farm workers the right to unionize; and
Whereas, Throughout the 1970s to 2000s, Huerta continued her activism, lobbying for workers' rights and advocating for Latino and women's representation in politics; and
Whereas, Huerta is the originator of the UFW motto S se puede, which translates to Yes, it can be done; and
Whereas, Huertas contributions earned her numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012; and
Whereas, Huerta remains active in various organizations, including the Dolores Huerta Foundation, focusing on feminist and labor issues; and
Whereas, Huerta's legacy at 94 years old continues to inspire activism for social justice and workers' rights; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. This House recognizes and celebrates April 10 as Dolores Huertas birthday.
2. Duly authenticated copies of this resolution, signed by the Speaker of the General Assembly and attested by the Clerk thereof, shall be transmitted to Dolores Huerta and her family.
STATEMENT
This Assembly Resolution recognizes and celebrates April 10 as Dolores Huertas birthday.
Dolores Huerta, born on April 10, 1930, in New Mexico, became a significant figure in labor activism and the Chicano civil rights movement. Raised by her mother in California, Huerta experienced discrimination early in life, yet pursued an education and earned an associate teaching degree.
Married twice to fellow activists and a mother of seven, Huerta co-founded the Community Service Organization (CSO) and later the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA) with Csar Chvez, which evolved into the United Farm Workers' Union (UFW). Huerta was instrumental in organizing strikes, negotiating contracts for farm workers, and advocating for their rights, including leading boycotts that resulted in legislative changes, including the California Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975.
Huerta continued her activism throughout the 1970s to 2000s, focusing on workers' rights and promoting Latino and women's representation in politics.
Huerta, who coined the motto "S se puede," has received numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012. At 94 years old, Huerta remains active in various organizations, including the Dolores Huerta Foundation advocating for feminist and labor issues, and her legacy continues to inspire social justice and workers' rights activism.