California: Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis proclaims Dolores Huerta Day
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~ Sacramento, California - On April 10, 2025, Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis proclaimed the day as Dolores Huerta Day in honor of the social justice activist's birthday. The proclamation was issued to recognize Huerta's lifelong dedication to fighting for the rights of workers and marginalized communities.

Born in 1930 in Dawson, New Mexico, Huerta spent most of her early life in California's Central Valley. It was there that she discovered her passion for advocating for workers' rights and helped pave the way for a transformative farm labor movement that continues to this day.

As a schoolteacher in a Stockton agricultural community, Huerta witnessed firsthand the struggles of her students who often came to class hungry. This experience inspired her to become a leader in the Community Service Organization and later form the Agricultural Workers Association. Through these organizations, she organized voter registration drives and advocated for neighborhood improvements.

In 1962, Huerta joined forces with Cesar Chavez to establish the National Farm Workers Association, which fought for better working conditions for farmworkers. This organization eventually evolved into United Farm Workers, which Huerta co-founded with Larry Itliong, Philip Vera Cruz, and other labor leaders and activists. Her skills as a lobbyist and negotiator played a crucial role in many of the movement's successes, including an international boycott of grapes that led to improved working conditions and the passage of the California Agricultural Labor Relations Act.

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Huerta's tireless pursuit of justice has earned her numerous accolades throughout her career. In 1993, she became the first Latina to be inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame. She also received the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award in 1998 and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012. In 2013, she was honored by California with induction into their Hall of Fame.

Through her organization, the Dolores Huerta Foundation, she continues to advocate for marginalized communities and mentor the next generation of organizers. Her impact on the labor, civil rights, and women's movements serves as an inspiration for all Californians to make a positive impact in their communities.

In her proclamation, Acting Governor Kounalakis urged all Californians to take inspiration from Huerta's example and work towards creating a more just society. The proclamation was signed on April 3, 2025, and can be found below:

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS Dolores Huerta was born on this day in 1930 in Dawson, New Mexico; and

WHEREAS Huerta spent most of her early life in California's Central Valley where she discovered her passion for fighting for the rights of workers and their families; and

WHEREAS Huerta co-founded the National Farm Workers Association with Cesar Chavez in 1962, which later evolved into United Farm Workers; and

WHEREAS Huerta played a central role in many of the movement's successes, including an international boycott of grapes that led to improved working conditions and the passage of the California Agricultural Labor Relations Act; and

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WHEREAS Huerta's lifelong pursuit of justice has earned her numerous accolades, including induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1993 and receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012; and

WHEREAS through her organization, the Dolores Huerta Foundation, she continues to advocate for marginalized communities and mentor future organizers;

NOW THEREFORE I, ELENI KOUNALAKIS, Acting Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim April 10, 2025 as "Dolores Huerta Day."

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 3rd day of April 2025.

ELENI KOUNALAKIS

Acting Governor of California

ATTEST:

SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D.

Secretary of State

In other recent news, California has been making strides in environmental restoration through their "Cutting Green Tape" program, which has fast-tracked over 500 critical restoration projects in recent years. Additionally, the state has also been cracking down on illegal cannabis operations, seizing over $316 million worth of illicit plants since January.

Despite the economic disruptions caused by President Trump's policies, California remains a stable and trusted partner for international trade and investment. As Acting Governor Kounalakis continues to lead the state, she remains committed to upholding California's values and standing strong as a reliable global economic leader.

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