Dolores Huerta is a historic civil rights leader.
Huerta is best known for co-founding the National Farm Workers Association. Dolores fought for workers rights and for fair wages, and her fight didn’t stop at farm workers. Huerta became a strong feminist figure as she fought for women’s rights alongside the fight for worker’s rights. She had an unwavering hope and strength that it would get better as the fight continued.
Dolores Huerta has bravely told her story of abuse and exploitation she endured while simultaneously fighting for farm workers. Consequently many places around the country have been removing namesakes & commemorations of her abuser. Naturally these removals led to Dolores’ image being displayed instead. This is not only happening around the country but right here in central Florida. On march 31st, the Hope community center in their north Apopka location had a mural unveiling. The unveiling was to reveal an alteration of their mural that has stood for 17 years, to be updated to include Dolores Huerta. Evidently she would be covering up her abuser, showcasing strong female leadership instead.
This is incredibly important to the Hope community center. The Hope Community Center was founded by Roman Catholic nuns, Sisters Cathy Gorman, Gail Grimes and Ann Kendrick. The sisters wanted to provide the community with resources to thrive, not just survive. The Hope community center became a vital resource not just to farm workers but to the immigrant and Latino community as it grew stronger and received funding. Their own mission statement states, “Through service and advocacy, we stand together with immigrants and others who are tenacious and courageous in the face of all systems of oppression.”. (OUR STORY | HCC OFFM, n.d.)
At the unveiling there was a great number of community leaders in attendance, as well as the original artist himself. Alberto Gomez who was accompanied by his wife Luz Stella and their daughter Shaía. I was able to get a moment alone with their daughter, who shared their family’s story.
Evidently Shaía was too young to remember core memories of the creation of the mural. Nevertheless she does remember one thing. The community coming together, people surrounding the room itself to work on the mural as it involved 15 students at center alongside Alberto. Alberto has been an artist for over 50 years now and his greatest joy comes from volunteer murals. The mural at the Hope Community Center is no different. While he is an artist he wants to help out people wherever and whenever he can. He chooses to amplify others.
At the unveiling there were multiple community leaders present to share their story and why the change of the mural to include Dolores is so important.
Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet is a current candidate for State House District 42 in the state of Florida. Felipe has deep roots within the Hope community center as the current executive director. While he never made a speech during the unveiling as the executive director still an important face to see for the unveiling to show his unwavering support for the community center and the work they accomplish.
Shortly after winning the Apopka city commissioner 4 seat Yesenia Baron arrived and gave a speech. Yesenia shared her story as a daughter of Cuban immigrants who taught her to be strong and help others. Sharing how Dolores is a strong woman who people can look to for guidance and have as a symbol of hope.
Yesica Ramirez was a speaker at the unveiling as well. She is the current coordinator of the Farm Worker Association based in Florida and is the first woman to hold this role. An incredible leader within the community.
A crucial story would be perhaps from Meilyn Santana, the chief of staff at Hope. She herself is an immigrant coming to the United States from Brazil 23 years ago with no support system. Living in California for 17 years with the legacy of Cesar Chavez in the very air one would breathe. His name and story was everywhere. The news about his actions during the movement is devastating. Meilyn leaned on organizations like Hope for vital resources such as access to healthcare, employment opportunities and more. Now with her role at Hope, she can give hope and these resources to others.
With the reopening of the mural it allowed people to heal. To celebrate Dolores who was a vital part of the movement but without nearly the same recognition as Cesar. A great way to end off women’s history month, as it was unveiled on March 31st.
Dolores Huerta has been and will always be a symbol of hope and showcase how woman leaders lead with their heart and fight a battle for the greater good. After all, without her fearless leadership, we wouldn’t have the United Farm Workers Union which she co-founded in 1966. Dolores bravely telling her story just goes to show that against all odds, she kept fighting.
Si Se Puede
The Hope community center provides incredible resources for our immigrant community here in central Florida. learn more about them and how you can help your fellow neighbors by checking out their website.
