- Olympia WA
On March 18th 2019 the Washington Legislative group were all in favor to pass a bill to make April 10th Dolores Huerta Day in the State of Washington. The measure honoring the Mexican-American social activist passed the Senate unanimously Monday as Huerta watched a few feet from the chamber floor. The House passed it on a 62-34 vote earlier this month, and the bill now heads to Gov. Jay Inslee for his signature.
Huerta, who will turn 89 on April 10, was a labor leader and civil rights activist who formed United Farm Workers with Cesar Chavez. Last year, Washington lawmakers passed a bill designating March 31 as Cesar Chavez Day. Such days of recognition are not considered legal holidays in the state.
In 2012, Obama acknowledged Huerta for her role in the creation of his "Yes, We Can" slogan during his first presidential campaign. Her "Si, Se Puede" rallying cry was part of the farmworkers' movement. Last year, Washington lawmakers passed a bill designating March 31 as Cesar Chavez Day also endorsed by the Latino Civic Alliance.
The co-founder of the National Farm Workers Association spoke at the LCA event and told the crowd to never be ashamed to say they work in the fields, calling it “God’s work” that provides food for everyone’s table.
With Huerta watching from the wings with other activists for Latino communities, the Senate sent to Gov. Jay Inslee on a unanimous vote a bill calling for state recognition for her on her birthday.
While not a paid legal holiday, setting aside a special day is an honor reserved for special groups like Korean War Veterans, Purple Heart Recipients and former prisons of war and individuals that include Mother Joseph, Marcus Whitman and Cesar Chavez. Huerta helped co-found the National Farm Workers Association, organized workers and advocated for safer working conditions and health care benefits for them.
Dolores Huerta was invited to attend and speak at Latino Legislative Day at the Capital in Olympia by the Latino Civic Alliance an activist group based out of Olympia Washington.
Pictures By: Latino Civic Alliance
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