Activist Dolores Huerta to Visit and Speak at Cal State East Bay on May 31
Dolores Huerta
- May 16, 2016
Dolores Huerta, acclaimed American labor leader and civil rights activist, will speak about her life and work in the labor movement at Cal State East Bay's University Theatre on the Hayward campus at noon on May 31. The event, co-sponsored by the Office of University Diversity and the Chicano Latino Staff and Faculty Association, is open to the public.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to have an icon of the stature of Dolores Huerta visit Cal State East Bay to share this reflection on her life and work in the labor movement and beyond,” Dr. Dianne Rush Woods, CSUEB’s university diversity officer, said.
Huerta was born Dolores Clara Fernandez, in a small mining town in New Mexico. She moved to Stockton, Calif., after her parents divorced and spent most of her formative years in the Central Valley, eventually attending San Joaquin Delta College and University of the Pacific. As an adult, she became involved in several civil and labor rights organizations, ultimately co-founding the National Farmworkers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers, alongside Cesar Chavez.
These days, Huerta, 83, works to provide leadership opportunities for the working poor, women and children. She serves as the founder and president of the Dolores Huerta Foundation, and travels the country campaigning and supporting equality and civil rights. She regularly visits universities like CSUEB to talk about social justice and public policy.
Dr. Lettie Ramirez, a CSUEB professor in the teacher education department, said she hopes students take the time to meet Huerta and listen to her message.
“Dolores Huerta worked hand-in-hand with Cesar Chavez to protect farm workers and bring about change in the lives of millions across the nation,” Ramirez said. “She is a heroine and we are fortunate to have her on this campus. I hope students get to see this living legend.”
A lunch will be provided from 11-11:30 a.m. and is required. For mroe information, contact the Office of University Diversity at 510-885-2809.