Ep 12. Dolores

Dolores is the 12th episode of season 19 of Independent Lens, an acclaimed PBS documentary series that showcases independent voices, stories, and perspectives. The episode focuses on the life and legacy of Dolores Huerta, a legendary Latina civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW) union with Cesar Chavez in the 1960s and fought for the rights of migrant farmworkers, women, and marginalized communities.

The episode begins with powerful archival footage of Dolores marching alongside Chavez and other workers, chanting "Si, se puede!" (Yes, we can!) and being viciously beaten and arrested by police officers. Through interviews with Dolores herself, as well as her family members, colleagues, and admirers, we see the incredible sacrifices and achievements of her lifelong fight for social justice.

Dolores was born in 1930 in New Mexico, and her parents were Mexican-American farmworkers. She grew up witnessing the injustices and hardships of migrant labor, and she was inspired by the activism of her mother, who was a key figure in the community and instilled in her the values of compassion, courage, and determination. Dolores began her career as a schoolteacher, but she soon realized that she could make a bigger impact in organizing and mobilizing people to demand their rights.

One of the most powerful aspects of the episode is the way in which it unpacks the complexities of Dolores's role in the UFW and her relationship with Chavez. While Chavez has often been celebrated as the face of the movement, it was Dolores who did much of the behind-the-scenes work, organizing strikes, negotiating contracts, and building coalitions with other groups such as the feminist and LGBTQ movements. She faced sexism, racism, and political sabotage from within the UFW, as well as from external forces such as the Nixon administration. But she remained steadfast in her commitment, even after being forcibly removed from the organization and unfairly erased from the historical record.

Through it all, Dolores never lost sight of the bigger picture and the importance of intersectionality in the fight for social justice. She co-founded the Dolores Huerta Foundation, which focuses on community organizing, policy advocacy, and leadership development in areas such as education, health care, and immigration. She also continues to inspire new generations of activists through her speaking engagements and public appearances, and she remains a force to be reckoned with at the age of 91.

Overall, Dolores is a powerful and moving tribute to an icon of the civil rights movement, and it sheds light on the ongoing struggle for equity and dignity for all people. It is a must-watch for anyone who wants to learn more about the history and impact of grassroots activism, as well as the ongoing challenges and opportunities for building a more just and inclusive society.