The dissing of America's most significant Latina
By RAY GONZALES / There has certainly been much controversy over Dolores Huerta's commencement speech at Cal State Bakersfield's graduation this month. My reaction is that the concern was not so much based on Huerta's message as it was her selection as the commencement speaker.
I have read much about how terrible it was that the president of the university could have allowed her to be chosen to give the speech. Of course, knowing the history of farm labor struggles in this valley over the years, I believe there was much antipathy towards her message as well.
First, let me say that Huerta is the most significant Latina in this country today. Her historical role as co-founder and longtime vice-president of the United Farm Workers Union is the most significant role played by any Latina in the history of the civil rights movement in this country. She was present with Cesar Chavez during his lifetime struggle to gain just working rights for the farmworkers in the agricultural industry of this valley and the nation. She was the chief negotiator for the union and a fearless advocate for worker rights. Beyond her union role, Huerta was a participant in historical events of major significance to this nation. She was standing next to Robert Kennedy when he spoke to supporters and the nation on the night he won the 1968 Democratic Primary in California. And tragically, she was with him when he was assassinated that night at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. She has been asked to speak at virtually every Democratic Party presidential convention since those days in the 1960s and '70s when she was identified with the civil rights struggles, the Vietnam War protests, women's rights rallies, and so many other events where the plight of the disenfranchised were highlighted.
Today, at the age of 78, when so many others of her generation are comfortable in their recliners or on the golf course, Huerta, through her foundation, raises money for education, civil rights causes, women's causes and so many other worthy struggles. Most of her speaking fees go to the foundation to support these causes. She continues to be a tireless worker for the rights of men and women, and especially children in this country.
That she chose to speak to the graduates about the causes she has spent her life working for should not be a surprise to anyone. For her to deliver the standard "the world is your oyster" speech to the new graduates would not be in keeping with the heartfelt concern that she has always had for those among us who are not privileged, who have to struggle to earn a living doing the hardest work there is in this country.
I know that Huerta meant no disrespect to the students or their parents. Instead, she spoke frankly about those issues in our society that have not gone away over the years -- about poverty, xenophobia, unequal treatment of those among us who may be different.
She pulled no punches. She never has. She is a giant among us in this community -- whether we like it or not.
Former state assemblyman Ray Gonzales is the author of "A Lifetime of Dissidence."
