The Dolores Huerta: Revolution in the Field exhibit is now open to the public. 

This virtual exhibition features bilingual text (English-Spanish), reproductions of historic and personal photographs and documents, along with protest art from the farm worker movement. The Bakersfield College Jones Gallery display also features unique artworks, awards and historical objects courtesy of Dolores Huerta, Lori de Leon, and the Dolores Huerta Foundation.

“We added some student interviews, obviously, that are going to be embedded into the virtual tour,” said Oliver Rosales, a Bakersfield College Professor and organizer of the exhibit. 

The Dolores Huerta exhibit is important for Kern County for many different reasons. First and foremost the Dolores Huerta  Foundation is based in Bakersfield. It’s been here for at least 20 years. And the UFW headquarters were located in Kern County. 

 “A lot of that work directly took place in Kern County and is relevant to the lives of young people and farm workers in Kern County today”, said Rosales. “That’s why we were 100 percent committed to making sure that it was hosted here in Bakersfield.”

Students also had the chance to display their artwork in the gallery.

“To participate in the art gallery of Dolores Huerta is an amazing  experience and contribution,” said Rafael de la Mora. “ It means a lot to me because I am learning more about Dolores Huerta, and I’m helping other folks in my community know about Dolores Huerta and her legacy. 

Is important to take part in these events and know about the history of our community and know the positive impacts that heroes like Dolores Huerta have influenced”.

This exhibition explores Huerta’s public life as an activist, and also examines her life as a teacher, mother, communicator, organizer, lobbyist, and contract negotiator. The show reveals the multi-ethnic aspects of the labor movement story, including the important participation of Filipinos and African Americans.

The farm workers movement of the 1960s and 1970s advanced the cause of laborers, many of whom were Mexican American and who had been working and living in dire conditions. Its charismatic leader, César Chávez, has rightfully earned a place in American history. The exhibition will broaden the understanding of this movement through a careful look at the under-acknowledged contributions of Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the union, lobbyist, and contract negotiator on its behalf.

Those interested in viewing the gallery virtually can do so here: bakersfieldcollege.edu/art/jones-art-gallery

Featured Photo: On Friday April 10, 2020, Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers Union, celebrated her 90th birthday. People drove by to comply with the social distancing restrictions that are encouraged to stop the spread of the Coronavirus that has spread throughout the world including the United States. Dolores Huerta continues to be involved in current labor, social, and political issues. Photos by Henry A. Barrios for Kern Sol News