Dolores Huerta, former union leader and U.S. civil rights activist, died at age 96. The slogan “Yes, we can” was created by the activist and became a kind of war cry between the rural workers’ union, co-founded by itself.
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28/10/2026
by
News to Minutes
Morreu Dolores Huerta, former union leader and American civil rights activist, at the age of 96. Huerta, note, created the famous slogan “Yes, we can” (“Sí, se puede”).
The news was announced by the activist's family, quoted by the various American media.
Dolores Huerta, remember, was co-founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW), the first rural workers' union recognized worldwide. For decades, the activist has fought against labor injustices and political, racial and gender inequality.
Huerta, of Latin origin, was a prominent figure in the United States, politically active and led demonstrations. And despite being better known for working in the rural workers' union, Dolores Huerta also dedicated his life to social and political activism, supporting causes such as voting rights, environmental justice, equality, among others.
The United States has been arrested more than 25 times for acts of non-violent disobedience. At the age of 89, Dolores Huerta was arrested while participating in a trade union protest where better wages were claimed.
Dolores Huerta was also the first Latin to be inserted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame. As early as 2012, US President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
In March 2026, Dolores Huerta revealed to have been sexually abused by César Chávez, also co-founder of the rural workers' union, from which the birth of his two sons resulted.
The famous slogan “Yes, we can” was coined by the activist, but quickly became a kind of war cry of the rural workers’ movement. This phrase is often associated with Obama who, in 2012, claimed to have ‘stealed’ the slogan to Huerta.