America has lost one of the great leaders of the second part of the 20th century and first part of the 21st century with Dolores Huerta's death on Oct. 28 at the age of 96. Born in New Mexico on April 10, 1930, Huerta was the coleader of the farm workers’ struggles alongside César Chávez.

Her work as a civil rights advocate, her leadership in the feminist movement, her championing of peace and environmental issues, and her role as a model for several generations of Chicana and Latina women are all tributes to her significant place in history.

For decades, "La Pasionaria" (the passionate one) personified leadership, courage, commitment to the cause of the downtrodden and powerless, and passion for social justice. Still active into her 90s, Huerta rightfully gained a major place in Chicano and American history.

Dolores Huerta took on Big Agriculture – and won

During the 1960s, while Chávez represented the public face of the farm workers’ struggle, Huerta represented the nuts and bolts of the movement. She proved indispensable on the picket line, keeping up the morale of the........

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