SPA230 Intermediate Spanish

In 1966, following the end of the Bracero Program, labor activists Dolores Huerta, César Chávez, and Larry Itilong combined their collective labor organizations to form the United Farm Workers (UFW).  The organizations were instrumental in the execution of the 1965 Delano Grape Strike, which lasted five years and demanded higher wages, improved working conditions, and an official recognition of the UFW and AFL-CIO labor unions.  The UFW is still active in collective bargaining in the U.S. agricultural industry.

Dolores Huerta, labor activist.  Photo credit: National Women's History Museum

Dolores Huerta is a civil rights activist and labor leader best known for co-founding the United Farm Workers (UFW) with César Chávez. Born in 1930 in New Mexico, she grew up in California, where she witnessed the struggles of farmworkers. Huerta became passionate about social justice and dedicated her life to improving conditions for these workers. She played a key role in organizing strikes and boycotts that led to better wages and working conditions. Huerta is also known for her slogan "Sí, se puede!" ("Yes, we can!"), which has become a rallying cry for social justice. Throughout her life, she has fought for workers' rights, women's rights, and immigration reform, making her a powerful voice for equality and justice. 

César Chávez, labor activist.  Photo credit: Library of Congress

César Chávez was a civil rights leader and labor activist who devoted his life to improving conditions for farmworkers in the United States. Born in 1927 in Arizona, he grew up in a migrant farmworker family and understood the hardships they faced. In 1962, Chávez co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW) union with Dolores Huerta. He led nonviolent protests, strikes, and boycotts, such as the Delano grape strike, to fight for better wages and working conditions. Chávez's dedication to nonviolence and his belief in the power of collective action helped bring national attention to the struggles of farmworkers. Through his work, Chávez became a prominent figure in the fight for workers' rights, leaving a lasting legacy as a champion of social justice and dignity for all.