Del Mar College will welcome Women’s History Month with a screening of “Dolores”, a documentary about Dolores Huerta, mother of 11 and lifelong activist.
Del Mar College’s Mexican-American Studies Program and Department of Social Sciences will be co-sponsoring the screening of the film, directed by Peter Bratt. The event will take place from 6-9 p.m. March 6 in Room 514 of the White Library.
The screening will include the showing of the documentary followed by a discussion panel lead by faculty from DMC and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
Huerta is recognized for her efforts to fight for farmers and their rights, alongside Cesar E. Chavez.
After attending college, Huerta decided to become a teacher and later realized seeing kids arrive at school with empty stomachs and bare feet was unnecessary when there was something she could be doing.
In her efforts she was able to participate in many associations but ended up being the co-founder of the National Farm Workers Association with Chavez, where they fought in peaceful nonviolent protests to get better working conditions for farmers and their families.
“Dolores Huerta gave us the privilege of hearing her speak a couple years ago at a filled Richardson auditorium. Her legacy continues to live not just through her but through her work to inspire and stand up for those who couldn’t,” said Renato Ramirez, social sciences professor.
Ramirez said the screening is to show and expose a new generation to the problems of the 1950s that many think have been solved but in reality are still an issue.
“Farmers have the highest mortality rate, no other future but to provide for their family, and continue to be uprooted and migrate more and more frequently,” Ramirez said. “They live in the shadows of the American Society.”
Huerta and Chavez “brought dignity to historically abused and deported citizens,” Ramirez said.
Being parented by a single mother, with an active father figure in her life, Huerta found much of her inspiration from her mother.
Her mother, Alicia Chavez, raised Dolores and her siblings in Stockton, California, where they managed a hotel where most residents consisted of low-wage workers who in the end had their fees waived because Chavez realized their financial situations.
For more information about the event or questions about the documentary, contact Elizabeth Flores at eflores@delmar.edu or Ramirez at rramirez@delmar.edu.
