Labor icon Dolores Huerta has returned to the public eye, attending a mural unveiling shortly after a scandal involving Cesar Chavez, her fellow co-founder of the United Farm Workers, sent ripples of controversy through the labor movement.
At 96, Huerta made an appearance on Saturday for the unveiling of “Walking into History,” a striking mural that celebrates her many years of activism. This grand piece, crafted by muralist Robert Vargas, now adorns the exterior of the historic Barclay Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles.
Her public appearance follows about two months after a New York Times investigation brought to light serious allegations of sexual abuse linked to Chavez and women involved in the farmworker movement. This exposé has stirred significant reactions within the community.
Back in March, Huerta released a personal statement through The New York Times, revealing that Chavez had sexually assaulted her during the 1960s, incidents which led to two pregnancies. She expressed, “I can no longer stay silent and must share my own experiences,” recounting the nearly six decades she remained quiet out of concern for the movement’s reputation she was instrumental in creating.
The investigation by The Times also uncovered stories from other women who claimed they suffered sexual abuse as young girls during the 1970s while associated with the United Farm Workers organization.
The Times reporting also included allegations from other women who said they were sexually abused as girls in the 1970s while connected to the United Farm Workers organization.
Saturday’s event took place at 10 a.m. behind the Barclay Hotel at 103 W. 4th St. in Downtown LA, drawing a high-profile crowd of labor and political figures.
The mural’s artist, Vargas, is widely known for massive Southern California works, including tributes to Dodgers great Fernando Valenzuela in Boyle Heights and Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani in Little Tokyo.
Organizers said the project was backed by labor unions, advocacy groups, and donors connected to the Dolores Huerta Foundation.
Huerta is also credited with coining the rallying cry “Si, se puede,” later popularized globally as “Yes, we can” by Chavez and former President Barack Obama.
Before becoming one of the most influential labor activists in American history, Huerta earned her teaching credentials and worked as an elementary school teacher in California.
