Dolores Huerta, a labor leader and civil rights activist, died Wednesday at age 96, according to the report. She was known for the phrase "Sí, se puede" and for her work with farmworkers.
Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama shared a statement on Facebook calling Huerta a hero. The statement said she helped found the National Farm Workers Association in 1962 and helped thousands of migrant laborers make their voices heard. It also said she revealed earlier this year that she faced sexism and abuse, including from Cesar Chavez and others within her movement.
Huerta co-founded the United Farm Workers union with Chavez. The two also founded La Unión del Pueblo Entero, known as LUPE, which continues her work in the Rio Grande Valley.
Tania A. Chavez Camacho, executive director of LUPE, said Huerta inspired her from a young age to take action and bring positive change to her community. Chavez Camacho said she later developed a friendship with Huerta.