Hollywood actress Salma Hayek paid tribute to civil rights icon Dolores Huerta following her death at 96 on October 28, 2026. Hayek remembered Huerta’s lifelong fight for farmworkers, immigrant rights, equality and social justice through an emotional Instagram post.
Hollywood actress Salma Hayek has paid an emotional tribute to American labour leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta, remembering her lifelong contribution to farmworkers’ rights, equality and social justice. Huerta passed away on October 28, 2026, at the age of 96.
On Thursday, Hayek took to Instagram to share two videos and a photograph with the legendary activist. Alongside the posts, the actress wrote a heartfelt message recalling their meeting and highlighting Huerta’s lasting influence on generations of people fighting for dignity and equal rights.
In her emotional note, Hayek reflected on the years Huerta spent advocating for disadvantaged communities and expressed gratitude for her extraordinary contribution to society.
“Dolores Huerta. Six years ago I asked God to let us keep the gift of you for another century. We got 96 years of you fighting for us, for justice, for equality, for dignity,” Hayek wrote.
The actress described Huerta as a legendary civil rights leader and an important voice for undocumented immigrants and Latin American workers in the United States. She also recalled the significance of meeting the activist and pledged to continue supporting causes that represent underrepresented communities.
Hayek wrote that one of the best ways to honour Huerta’s legacy was to continue the work she had inspired, including fighting for marginalised people and using her public influence to support positive change. She thanked Huerta for the impact she had made on the world.
Dolores Huerta was widely recognised for her decades-long struggle to improve the lives of agricultural workers and strengthen the labour movement in the United States. Born in Dawson, New Mexico, she grew up in Stockton, California, where she witnessed the economic challenges faced by working-class families.
After briefly working as a schoolteacher, Huerta turned towards community organising. She believed that collective action could help workers challenge unfair treatment and secure better wages, safer working conditions and greater respect.
In 1962, Huerta co-founded the National Farm Workers Association alongside labour organiser and political activist Cesar Chavez. The organisation later became part of the United Farm Workers (UFW), which emerged as a major force in the fight for agricultural workers’ rights.
Huerta played a significant role in the 1965 Delano grape strike, a landmark labour protest involving farmworkers in California. The movement expanded into nationwide grape boycotts, drawing public attention to poor working conditions and inadequate wages in the agricultural sector.
Through her organising efforts, Huerta helped strengthen public support for farmworkers and encouraged consumers to participate in campaigns demanding fair treatment. Her activism demonstrated how grassroots movements could bring labour issues into the national spotlight.
She also became a prominent advocate for women’s rights, immigrant rights and broader social justice causes. Her message of collective empowerment was reflected in the rallying cry “Sí, se puede,” meaning “Yes, we can,” which became closely associated with her activism.
In recognition of her contributions, Huerta received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012, one of the United States’ highest civilian honours.
Her passing at 96 marks the loss of a prominent figure in the American labour and civil rights movements. However, her work continues to influence activists, labour organisers and advocates campaigning for equality and dignity.
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Hayek’s tribute has brought renewed attention to Huerta’s legacy, highlighting the importance of continuing the struggle for workers’ rights and social justice. Through her message, the actress emphasised that Huerta’s impact extended beyond her lifetime, inspiring people to stand up for communities whose voices are often overlooked.
Huerta’s decades of advocacy remain a significant chapter in the history of labour rights in the United States, while her commitment to equality continues to resonate with supporters around the world.
