Time to carry on the torch! Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales was one of the Chicano Movement’s most vital and important leaders. On Tuesday, April 12, Corky passed away at his home in Denver, Colorado. He was 76. Much of what Xicanos have today as far as our civil rights, the maintenance of our heritage, and the betterment of our schools is a direct result of Corky’s tireless efforts on behalf of our gente. Corky participated in the major conferences, gatherings, and demonstrations for Xicanos in the 1960s and 1970s, including marching with Cesar Chavez and Martin Luther King Jr. He is best known for the 1965 seminal Xicano poem I am Joaquin, which became a best seller and also the subject of a major film.

From information provided by his son Rudy Gonzales to various news publications, Corky Gonzales was a champion amateur boxer and a professional fighter with a 65-9-1 record before retiring in 1955. Corky founded the Crusade for Justice in 1966 as a cultural center dedicated to fight poverty and racial injustice. He also founded Escuela Tlatelolco – Centro de Estudio in 1970 as a not-for-profit school and health care facility.

Corky understood that we needed to establish our own institutions, schools, media and cultural outlets. He paved the way for self-determination in our own struggles while pressuring the government and policy makers for our rights and economic freedoms. Xispas Magazine sends our condolences to Corky’s family and the people of our community. He is someone we should all learn about and learn from. Que descanse en paz.