By Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO, Hispanic Heritage Foundation
Dolores Huerta never waited for permission to make history. I’ve always said we need to be more impatient with history, the present and the future, and she embodied that spirit. She raised her voice when others were silenced. She raised her fist when others surrendered. And she stood straight up in her values when doing so came at a personal cost, all the way up until her passing.
Pretty much, life gave out before Dolores’ spirit did. And her spirit will continue through the millions she’s impacted and inspired. (It is very telling of her prioritizing connection above “connections” with everyone she met as evidenced by the proliferation of pictures on social media of Dolores and, well, everyone who wanted to capture a moment with an icon who was always willing to share a moment if it meant inspiring and fomenting action.)
With the passing of our querida Dolores, we have lost one of the most consequential leaders in the history of the US and the Latino community, but what we have not lost is the legacy that lives on within all of us. Her legacy radiates within anyone who speaks out against injustice and lack of opportunity and belonging. Everyone who believes in the power of standing together, and the belief, not just hope, that we can make the world better.
At the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, we were honored to recognize Dolores with our Hispanic Heritage Award for Leadership almost 25 years ago as I first joined the organization. With shouts of “Sí se puede” echoing throughout the now defamed Kennedy Center, we celebrated her legendary status but Dolores had much more to do and made sure we all knew it as she continued to travel across the country and the world, as she continued to meet with young people as peers, as she continued la lucha and as she continued to show up where she was called upon … and as she will continue to do.
I remember conversations with her and how she would stare through me with her dark eyes — a stare of compassion, a stare of acceptance, but also a challenging stare that peered into your soul to see if you’re ready to take on the challenges alongside of her. So many became ready. Because who could say no to Dolores.
One of my great memories of Dolores was when she was to present the Hispanic Heritage Award for Leadership, that she received years earlier, to young Dreamers. I was moved that she asked that I present it along with her. It was the first and only time that I presented an award onstage. But who could say no to Dolores.
Later that evening at the After Party, it was around 2 am and I was ready to go to bed and as I was leaving, I felt a tug on my arm and it was Dolores. She said “hijo, one more dance with me.” And I danced. Because who could say no to Dolores.
Who could say no to someone who always seemed to say yes when we needed guidance, when we needed a chispa or un fuego, or simply needed her presence at a rally, a march, or a small group sharing a meal. Her palpable presence was and will continue to be omnipresent and we continue.
You see, Dolores indefatigably demonstrated throughout her life, including toward the end of her life, that leadership isn’t something you hold near. Leadership is to be radiated and used as a powerful key to unlock and open doors for others.
Dolores understood that the work does not end when many think it ended. She was not here for simple campaigns that had a start, middle and end. There is always more to do and if not during our generation, for future generations. I believe strongly that every generation, including my three children, must find their voice, purpose and methods. Every generation must decide what it stands for. But please know, that whatever future generations do, it was a continuum of what Dolores and others built.
Gracias querida Dolores. Gracias. Descansa en paz while we continue la lucha.
