Huerta, the oldest 2026 TIME100 honoree at the age of 96, fought for the rights of California and around the U.S., as well as advocating for a number of other causes. She is also well known for coining the slogan “Sí, se puede”—or, in translation, “yes, we can”—which became a widely used battle cry for activists.
The ethos at the heart of that slogan shone through in Huerta’s remarks on Thursday. “A peaceful world is possible,” she said. “A world where we could have sharing the wealth that we have, cooperation, assisting everybody that needs the assistance … We just need the will, the perseverance, and we need the proper political representation, people that are dedicated to peaceful solutions for our world.”
Working people, she emphasized, are integral to achieving this vision.
“Organizing at all levels is critical to make this happen, especially working people,” she said. “Always remember that workers are the foundation of our society and the foundation of our economy.”
Huerta has received many honors for her activism, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, in 2012 from President Barack Obama—who adapted Huerta’s famous rallying cry for his campaign slogan.
She served as the vice president of the UFW, recognized as the longest-running and largest agricultural workers union in the country, until 1999, and has since continued her life of activism, working to get Latinos and women elected to office.
She ended the night with a familiar cry: “Si, se puede!” she screamed, in unison with the crowd.
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