Tributes pour in for Dolores Huerta

Tonight, we remember Dolores Huerta, who's passed away. The co-founder of the United Farm Workers, along with Cesar Chavez, was 96. Huerta was a legend among Latinos and workers around the world. Fox 11's Laura Diaz joining us live from downtown L.A., where a vigil was held in a most appropriate venue. Laura. Yes, Christine. Look at the beautiful mural behind me, a fitting tribute, rather, to Dolores Huerta. Now, when people speak of her, they speak of her with absolute reverence. There were many people at that vigil today, including VIPs. I love and gratitude for her. I just want to say thank you, Dolores Huerta, for everything that you have done for our people, for our community. The massive mural in downtown L.A. dedicated to civil rights leader Dolores Huerta was a perfect backdrop to remember the larger-than-life Huerta this Wednesday. The co-founder of the United Farm Workers Union passed away at home in Bakersfield at the age of 96. This evening, mourners carried white roses and candles. A child carried the UFW flag, a cause to which Huerta dedicated her life. The crowd was made up of prominent leaders in L.A., including the mayor, the sheriff, and a state senator. But there were working-class people, too. She was, of course, their champion. all wanted to honor the life of Dolores Huerta. I'm sad, but at the same time, I feel so blessed because I considered her a personal friend and a mentor. State Senator Maria Elena Durazo said the late civil rights leader gave her a precious gift, acceptance. I worked in the fields. I picked cotton. I picked grapes. I picked peaches. And she taught me that that was something of dignity. That was not something to be ashamed of. During the program, Mayor Bass encouraged people to always remember Huerta's vision. And as I stand here today, I just have to say that it is an obligation to every single one of us to continue that fight in her honor, to never forget what she stood for. Muralist Robert Vargas created this beautiful mural showing Huerta as a young activist for her birthday last spring. It was called Walking into History. When I painted this mural, you know, I thought a lot about wanting to honor someone who dedicated their entire life to support others. And I wanted to show up for her. Huerta's legacy is complicated, Christine. Earlier this year, she revealed that she had been raped by Cesar Chavez, the co-founder of the union. Some said that they were very critical of her for not coming forward before. Others praised her for having the courage to finally tell her story. and it is certainly part of her story but this evening it was all about praising her for the work she had done on behalf of people who have no voice and as we look at that mural over my shoulder she towers over the city of LA people said in person she was very petite but her image her legacy will loom large I'm Laura Diaz reporting live from downtown LA sending it back to you Thank you, Laura. That mural is indeed stunning.