It was with profound sadness that we learned of the passing on Tuesday, August 13 of pioneering Latino activist and political leader Richard Alatorre. He played key roles in the momentous events that advanced Latino empowerment from the 1960s through the 1990s, events that paved the way for today’s growing Latino social and political influence.
Cesar Chavez said the Agricultural Labor Relations Act, California’s historic 1975 law granting farm workers the right to organize and bargain, would not have passed without then-Assemblymember Alatorre.
Richard, 81, passed away peacefully at home in the Eagle Rock community of Los Angeles surrounded by family, friends, former staff and allies.
Photo of Richard Alatorre conferring with Cesar Chavez in 1975 during the lead up to enactment of the California farm labor law. Photo by Cathy Murphy