In Recognition of Women’s Right, Truth, Justice, and the Ongoing Work of Civil Rights
We, the undersigned residents of Arizona and supporters of civil rights, respectfully call upon the Governor of Arizona, the Arizona State Legislature, and local elected officials to establish an official Dolores Huerta Day in the State of Arizona in recognition of the lifelong work and historic contributions of Dolores Huerta, one of the most influential labor leaders and civil rights advocates in the history of the United States.

For more than six decades, Dolores Huerta has dedicated her life to the fight for fair wages, safe working conditions, equal rights, and dignity for working families. As co-founder of the United Farm Workers, she helped lead one of the most significant labor movements in modern American history and gave voice to communities that for too long were ignored, especially farmworkers, immigrants, women, and Latino families across the Southwest.

Recent public discussions and controversies surrounding the leadership of the farmworker movement have reminded many of us that history is complex, and that justice requires the courage to face truth with honesty. Recognizing the full history of a movement does not weaken it — it strengthens it. It allows us to honor those who stood for dignity, fairness, and accountability, even when doing so was difficult.

At a time when the stories of women, workers, and Latino leaders are often questioned, minimized, or overshadowed, it is more important than ever to recognize those who carried the work forward with integrity. Dolores Huerta’s leadership represents perseverance, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to justice, even in moments of conflict, disagreement, and historical reevaluation.

Arizona shares the same agricultural, cultural, and labor history that shaped her activism. It was in Arizona that one of the most enduring chants of hope in the civil rights movement — “Sí se puede / Yes we can” — was born, a phrase led by Dolores Huerta during the struggle of farmworkers in the Southwest and one that continues to inspire generations across the country. That history connects her legacy directly to the people of this state.

At 95 years old, Dolores Huerta continues to speak for civil rights, workers’ rights, and the dignity of all people. Recognizing her while she is still living is not only an act of respect, but an act of historical responsibility.

In moments when history is questioned, justice requires clarity, courage, and respect for those who have carried the work forward. Establishing Dolores Huerta Day would not ignore the complexity of the past, but would affirm that truth, accountability, and dignity must remain at the center of our communities. It would recognize that movements are built by many voices, and that honoring those who continue to stand for justice — especially women, workers, and leaders from our own Southwest — is part of building a more honest and more hopeful future.

We respectfully request that the State of Arizona designate April 10, Dolores Huerta’s birthday, as Dolores Huerta Day in Arizona, to be observed as a day of recognition, education, and reflection on the ongoing struggle for fairness, truth, and dignity.

Sí se puede.