With a life story filled with breakthroughs and firsts, is no surprise that activist Dolores Huerta became the first Latina to be profiled at the Smithsonian Portrait Gallery, as the eleventh installment in the series “One Life,” which in the past has featured prominent figures such as Ronald Reagan and Elvis Presley.

Highlighting the significant role Huerta played as leader of the California farm workers movement of the 1960s and ‘70s, the exhibit showcases photos, United Farm Workers memorabilia, as well as Chicano artwork and public speeches.

“I’m there representing all of the farmworkers throughout the state of California and the country, the immigrants fighting for justice and of course all of the women out there. Si se puede,” Huerta told KVPR. “I think it’s always good that we can carry the message, remind people and reflect upon the work that we still need to do because we know that the path to justice is a long, long path.” 

The exhibition also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the September 1965 grape strike launched by the farm workers movement.

"One Life: Dolores Huerta" opened July 3 and runs through next May in Washington D.C.