Salinas Union names new middle school after Dolores Huerta.

Students from La Paz Middle School play xylophone tunes as a crowd assembles at the Salinas Union High School District office on Saturday, Sept. 23, waiting for the guest of honor, Dolores Huerta, to arrive.

Huerta is a lifelong activist who, among other achievements, co-founded the United Farm Workers union with Cesar Chavez. She’s the namesake of Salinas’ future and fifth middle school.

SHUSD Superintendent Dan Burns announced the school name at this ceremony, and also pointed out a skinny elm sapling, the first tree that will be planted on the new school’s grounds.

“The elm is associated with resilience and rebellion,” Burns said. “We couldn’t find a better way to adorn Dolores C. Huerta Middle School.”

Salinas Mayor Joe Gunter echoed the sentiment: “We’re naming this school after someone who has fought hard for the people of this valley. If any of the students who attend pick at least some of her traits, the world will be a better place.”

In her remarks, Huerta shared the praise. “This is a great honor,” she said. “But we have to remember the people who died for this cause who aren’t recognized.” She cited the names of four people killed for supporting the farm workers’ movement: “I hope one day the textbooks will remember those martyrs too.”

Huerta also took the opportunity to address other social issues on her mind. “Our children should never be deprived of their history,” she said. “And our Anglo children, well, we don’t want any more neo-Nazis.”

Huerta called for defending school arts programs, higher pay for teachers, and an end to the so-called “school-to-prison pipeline,” beginning with suspensions and expulsions that disproportionality affect minority students.

She also spoke about President Donald Trump’s announcement he was rescinding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA), an Obama-era executive order that allows immigrants who came to the U.S. as children certain protections.

“Our history is one of immigrants,” Huerta said. “I’m happy that this school will cater to the sons and daughters of immigrants in this community.”

She ended her speech with a chant of “Si se puede!” It’s now a ubiquitous rallying cry at protests across the region, and it’s one she created.

The appearance at SUHSD was just her first stop for the day, before heading to a reception at XL Public House for the release of a documentary called Dolores, about Huerta’s life.

For 87-year-old Huerta, it was a day spent reflecting on her legacy in Salinas.

Dolores, directed by Peter Bratt (100 mins.) continues screening at Maya Cinemas at 153 S. Main St., Salinas all week. Times are 1pm, 3:30pm, 6pm and 8:30pm.