A Life of Impact:
Statement from the Family of Dolores Huerta
“Our family has been uplifted by the many beautiful tributes to our mother, Dolores, and by the countless people who have reached out to share their stories of how she changed their lives. Hearing from so many who loved and marched in solidarity with her throughout the years has brought us great comfort during this difficult time.
We are deeply humbled that the state of California will honor our mother by having her lie in honor at the Capitol on November 16th, a rare privilege reserved for those who have shaped our state’s history. It is a tribute she would have accepted not for herself, but on behalf of the farmworkers, families, and communities whose fight she made her own.
She devoted her entire life to fighting injustice and lifting up communities too often left out and treated unfairly. For more than 70 years, she built a movement to give people hope, opportunity, dignity, and respect. As a lifelong organizer, her activism has been a source of inspiration and empowerment for people around the world.
We will continue to honor her life in Bakersfield with public memorials on November 19th and 20th. These public memorials give our family an opportunity to come together in community and celebrate the values she stood for and the rights she fought so hard for. We hope these gatherings will allow everyone who worked alongside her, loved her, and was inspired by her life to honor her memory and her legacy by committing themselves to continuing the challenging yet necessary work that remains.”
PUBLIC MEMORIAL EVENTS
Lying In Honor
Monday, November 16, 2026
Noon – 6 p.m.
Rotunda of the California State Capitol
Sacramento, CA
Rosary and Vigil
Thursday, November 19, 2026
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
IBEW Local 428 Hall
3921 Sillect Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93308.
A community gathering for prayer, reflection, and quiet remembrance.
Interfaith Memorial Service
Friday, November 20, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Dignity Health Arena
1001 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Doors open at 9 a.m. Blessing by Aztec Dancers outside from 8-10 a.m. Interfaith Memorial Service from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Celebration of Life Program and Live Music
Friday, November 20, 2026
2:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.: Celebration of Life Program and Performances
Dignity Health Arena
1001 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Speakers program featuring dignitaries from labor, public office, cultural icons, community organizing, and ending with a live musical performance by Los Lobos.
PLEASE NOTE:
Admission & Seating: Both days of events are free and open to the general public. Seating is first-come, first-served.
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Completing this form does NOT guarantee entry or reserved seating, so please plan your arrival accordingly.
Supporting Dolores Huerta’s Celebration of Life
Make a contribution to help ensure Dolores receives the beautiful and meaningful send-off she deserves, one that reflects the extraordinary life she lived and the countless lives she touched. For those who wish to contribute, we invite you to support these efforts through the link below.