Honoring Dolores Huerta, Civil Rights Leader and Steadfast Partner in Fighting Child Poverty
End Child Poverty California pays tribute to civil rights leader Dolores Huerta.
Huerta died October 28, 2026. She was a giant in the anti-poverty movement who worked tirelessly to uplift children and families.
Dolores Huerta was committed to the joy and safety of children and families. She believed to her core that all individuals deserved a safe and dignified life.
Huerta and the Dolores Huerta Foundation are partners of the End Child Poverty California Coalition (ECPCA). Huerta helped champion the End Child Poverty Plan that came out of California’s 2017 Lifting Children and Families Out of Poverty Task Force.
All 43 of its recommendations are now fully or partially implemented.
Ongoing Fight for Dignity for All People
Even in her last months, at age 96, Huerta stood with ECPCA and its partners. In August, she joined us in Sacramento to fight against cruel federal cuts to safety net programs.
On the steps of the Capitol, she called on legislative leaders and Governor Newsom to face the humanitarian crisis head-on. Huerta urged leaders to provide California Food Assistance Program benefits to humanitarian refugees who had lost access to food.
Tributes from End Child Poverty CA Leaders
Yesenia Robancho, Associate Director of Policy & Strategy
“Dolores breathed life into la causa. She taught us that ‘every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world,’” said Yesenia Robancho, Associate Director of Policy & Strategy at ECPCA. “She mentored generations of leaders to keep fighting for a future where all children can thrive without fear. It is our duty to keep the Si Se Puede fight alive in all of us.”
Shimica Gaskins, President & CEO
Huerta’s adherence to the principle of people-powered movements, partnership, and allyship helped shape ECPCA’s mission. Shimica Gaskins, President & CEO of ECPCA, reflects on that impact:
“Dolores Huerta exemplified bravery in the face of adversity, persistence when outside forces sought to silence her activism, and heroism in giving voice to victims of sexual abuse,” Gaskins said. “And she did it all with grace, a smile, and quiet strength. She simply refused to retreat from her North Star to better the world for others, especially women and children.”
Conway Collis, Founding President & Former CEO
Conway Collis, founding President & former CEO of GRACE, organized with Huerta when she co-chaired the End Child Poverty California Coalition with him. She helped lead rallies and advocacy efforts. She also organized and insisted on attending day-long goal setting and strategy sessions.
“Very few people in American history have had a more profound positive impact on the lives of all people than Dolores Huerta. In fighting for justice, equality, and opportunity for Latinos, women, and all those who face barriers to living the promise of America, she made our country and the world a better place for everyone,” Collis said. “Her work, of course, lives on and will never die. The memory of her warmth, friendship and unceasing, indomitable, energy and wisdom will never leave us, but her loss still leaves a hole in our hearts.”
Lasting Legacy
Huerta inspired countless movements across the nation and world. California has lost an irreplaceable treasure. However, her decades of leadership, organizing, advocacy, activism, and mentorship will leave a lasting imprint for workers, immigrants, and underrepresented voices for generations to come.
“Even in her 90s, her energy was boundless, her wisdom profound, and her spirit infectious,” Gaskins said. “She carried a smile, a little dance, and an unwavering belief that when people stand together in solidarity, we can overcome the forces of power and profit.”
Forever emblazoned as a bright spot in history, Huerta will be missed.
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