Dolores Huerta remembered in New Mexico with community ofrenda

The civil rights movement lost one of its most recognizable voices when Dolores Huerta died Wednesday at age 96. Her family released the announcement early in the day, prompting a swift response from political and community leaders in her home state of New Mexico.

Within hours of the news, Speaker of the House Javier Martinez, Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury, and Mayor Tim Keller gathered at Old Town Plaza in Albuquerque. They erected a temporary ofrenda next to the plaza gazebo to honor the labor leader and co-founder of the United Farm Workers. The altar features photographs, candles, flowers, and handwritten messages from the public. Residents are invited to add their own tributes to the display for the next week.

Stansbury described the setup as a way to guide Huerta on her final journey. She noted that the ofrenda includes bread from a local panaderia and seeds, traditional elements meant to aid the soul. The timing coincides with the Day of the Dead, a holiday traditionally marked by lighting candles and placing white flowers for those who died suddenly.

Martinez expressed the profound sense of loss felt by the state. He noted that while her long life made her passing less of a shock, the emotional weight of her departure is heavy. He described the mood as one of being devastated and hurt, acknowledging the gap left by her presence.

Huerta is widely credited with coining the phrase “Sí, se puede,” which translates to “Yes we can.” She first chanted the slogan in 1972, and it has since become a rallying cry for various social justice movements across the country. For New Mexico leaders, the phrase now carries a specific promise to ensure her legacy continues through their own actions.

Mayor Keller emphasized Huerta’s deep connection to the state. He stated that she always returned to New Mexico and took pride in being from there. He characterized her legacy as one of strength, compassion, and power, noting that she consistently spoke truth to power and prioritized those who needed assistance the most.

Those who knew her personally highlighted her approachability despite her fame. Martinez observed that she could have easily surrounded herself with bodyguards and an entourage but instead led with humility and her heart. He said her demeanor defied the expectations often attached to her stature in the civil rights movement.

Huerta’s final public act was a bold step taken in March. She came forward with sexual abuse allegations against César Chávez, her long-time organizing partner and fellow co-founder of the United Farm Workers. She had remained silent for 60 years, telling media at the time that she feared the news might set back the farm worker movement.

Stansbury framed this revelation as an act of honesty and survival. She said Huerta stood with other survivors to tell her own story without casting a stain on the movement. Martinez agreed, calling her courage an incredible example for others, particularly given the long and complex relationship between Huerta and Chávez within the movement.