Dolores Huerta's death sparks an outpouring from allies and admirers

Dolores Huerta's death on Wednesday provoked an outpouring of emotions from her allies on social causes and many others who were inspired by her legacy. They shared stories about becoming public servants, volunteering and organizing within their own communities because of Huerta.

Deanna Muñoz, founder and president of the Chicano Center for the Arts in Missouri, never met the civil rights icon, but she told The Associated Press that Huerta's courage, love and sense of purpose live on in people who refuse to be silent.

“She taught generations of Chicanas like me that we don’t have to ask permission to take up space, that our voices matter, and that standing up for our people is never something we should apologize for,” Muñoz posted on social media.

Here's more reaction to Huerta and her legacy:

Martin Luther King III

“Dolores shared a cherished friendship with my beloved mother, Coretta Scott King, forged through their shared commitment to justice and their work advancing the Civil Rights Movement. Their friendship reflected the deep bonds between the struggles for Black and Latino equality and the belief that our collective strength will always be greater than the forces seeking to divide us.”

Former President Joe Biden

“Dolores fought for working people. She organized in the fields, she walked the picket lines, and she sat across the table from people who never expected to have to negotiate with her. I say often the middle class built this country, and unions built the middle class. Dolores understood that in her bones. Well into her nineties she was still traveling, marching and organizing for working families, for women, for immigrants, for LGBTQ Americans. Even this year, she showed a different kind of courage, telling a painful truth she had carried for sixty years so others would not have to carry theirs alone. America is fairer and more decent because of Dolores Huerta.”

Former Vice President Kamala Harris

“The work of Dolores Huerta and the United Farm Workers was a driving force for change across California and our country... Thanks to her, immigrants and workers won better wages, working conditions, environmental protections, and voting rights. I was blessed to know Dolores for many years and proud to organize alongside my dear friend to champion working families and immigrant rights.”

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass

“Dolores inspired so many of us to activism. I admired her from a very young age, and it was an incredible honor and privilege not only to meet and know her, but to call her a friend. ... Her legacy is one of dignity and equality for all, and proof of what ordinary people can accomplish when they organize. Dolores reminded us that no matter the odds, no matter the obstacle, we can build a greater life for ourselves, our community, our city, and our country.”

US Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, New Mexico Democrat

“At every rally, Dolores Huerta would ask, “Who has the power?” And together, we would roar back, “The people have the power!” She spent her life reminding us that power doesn’t belong to the wealthy or the powerful. It belongs to the people who march, who organize, who vote, who stand up for one another. Dolores may not be here to lead the chant, but her voice will echo through generations. And every time we raise our voices for justice, we will answer her call.”

NAACP President Derrick Johnson

“When Dolores turned 21, she celebrated her birthday by registering to vote. As we honor her today and every day, let’s do our part to fight for labor rights, to fight for civil rights, and to make our voices heard at the ballot box. May she rest in peace and power.”

Latino Victory Project president and CEO Katharine Pichardo

“Without Dolores, Latino Victory would not exist — we are eternally grateful to her for breaking barriers and paving the way for Latino civil rights, political power, and Latina activism. She inspired millions, and the best way to honor her memory is to keep advocating for working families and civil rights, and to strengthen Latino political power.”

Former US Interior Secretary Ken Salazar

“Dolores Huerta’s living legacy is her lifelong struggle for justice for the farmworkers who feed our nation. My family and I were honored to work alongside her for more than 50 years, inspired by her leadership and powerful voice across the United States and Mexico. She understood that our diversity is our greatest strength and that together, we can build a more just and inclusive America. In her words, we can change the world for the better: ¡Sí se puede!”

National Women’s Law Center president and CEO Fatima Goss Graves

“Huerta showed extreme bravery and fortitude, even toward the end of her life when she powerfully reminded everyone that every survivor should be heard, believed and supported. We hope to honor Dolores Huerta by continuing the work of achieving justice for all and supporting workers across every community.”

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham

“Well into her nineties, Dolores spoke hard truths regardless of personal cost. She showed up for people who were at risk, taken advantage of, underserved and unheard until the day she died. My heart is with her family and the Dolores Huerta Foundation. Rest in power, Dolores.”

California state Sen. Anna Caballero

“Dolores Huerta was a force to be reckoned with, and she made no apologies for it. She confronted those in power, refused to be silenced and dedicated her life to workers who deserved dignity, fair wages and a better future. ... She never backed down, and neither should we. Her legacy asks something of each of us: to stand firm even when it’s hard and even when the odds are against us.”