Gonzales, Rodolpho, 1928-2005

Denver, Colo. based Chicano leader, nicknamed "Corky," in the movement for justice and equality for Mexican-Americans in the Southwest. Credited with raising national awareness of the plight of urban Chicanos. Founded an urban civil rights and cultural movement called the Crusade for Justice which advocated Chicano nationalism. Organized walkouts, demonstrations against police brutality and marches against the Vietnam War. In 1968, led a Chicano contingent to the Poor People's March on Washington D.C and issued a "plan of the Barrio" which demanded better housing, education and restitution of pueblo lands. Organizer of the Annual Chicano Youth Liberation Conference, which sought to create unity among Chicano youth. Advocated for increased political representation for Chicanos. Keynote speaker in 1972 at the newly formed La Raza Unida Party national convention in El Paso, Tex. Best known for his poem "I am Joaquin/Yo Soy Joaquin." Wrote the epic poem in 1965 and it is one of the most important literary works to emerge from the Chicano movement. Poem tells of the historic struggles faced by Mexican Americans in the United States.

From the description of Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales papers, 1930-2006 [manuscript]. (Denver Public Library). WorldCat record id: 129677992