When you look at this poster, right away you see the faces of two of the most prominent community leaders in the Chicano movement paralelled next to each other. On the left, local leader Marco Anguiano is pictured. Marco worked hard every day to foster community empowerment and self-determination through political activism, art and culture. He was a formidable thinker and self-less activist who fought many battles to defend Chicano Park, the Centro Cultural de la Raza and other important community assets from opportunists, politicos, vigilantes and those who sought to pad their resumes at the expense of working families and the oppressed. On the right, you see Corky Gonzales who was a Chicano boxer, poet, and political organizer and activist. He was one of many leaders for the Crusade for Justice and started his effort in Denver, Colorado. Of the many ideals that he promoted, Chicano nationalism and self-determination were the more prominent ones. In this nationalist movement for Chicano self-determination, Corky created a third space for those who did not feel they were accepted in Mexico or U.S.. Corky’s vision of chicano nationalism brings forward the visions of Aztlan and of the larger Chicano movement. A little over a year prior to the 2006 Chicano Park Day, Corky passed away.

Salvador, Barajas, the artist of the poster had some additional insights. He expressed that he wanted to make sure the larger community understands that these leaders will never be forgotten, and that their teachings will continue to be part of our lives, inspiring us to continue to fight for justice.

Marco strongly believed in the power of music to uplift and empower communities. A drummer himself, Marco was a tireless supporter of Chicano and Latino musicians. Through his work with Chicano Park Day, the Adams Avenue Street Fair, the Adams Avenue Roots Festival and the City Heights International Village Celebration, Marco played a key role in bringing Raza performers to larger audiences, often via free public festival performances. Apart from the countless local bands and dance groups that performed at events Marco coordinated, some significant Chicano/Latino artists Marco helped bring to San Diego include Lalo Guerrero, Lila Downs, El Vez, Quetzal, Flaco Jimenez, Santiago Jimenez, The Blazers, Los Mocosos, Rosie Flores, Jose Montoya, Raul Salinas, Tish Hinojosa, Fuga, Max Baca and the TexManiacs, Go Betty Go, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Alberto Faya, Gabino Palomares, Carlos Guitarlos, Javier Batiz among others.

Additionally, Corky was famous for writing poetry that spoke to the narrative of the Chicano people. In his poem “Yo Soy Joaquin,” he demonstrates the struggles that the Chicano people have faced in an attempt to gain economic justice and equal rights in the U.S. He further highlights the obstacles of trying to find an identity while being part of a hybrid mestizo society. He promises that his culture will survive if all Chicano people stand proud and demand acceptance. Click the link below to listen to a reading of the poem!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6aMugitAjQ

The poster makes a perfect connection with the larger Chicano movement because it continues to keep alive what these two leaders accomplished. The call to action behind this poster in the artists’ word is that “We need to keep moving forward educating ourselves and demanding equality and justice and practicing self determination”. By recognizing and honoring the lives of both Marco Anguiano and Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzalez who were true heroes to the artists community, Sal reflects the greater importance and meaning of the Chicano/a movement. Sal Barajas says through honoring them, we fulfill one important mandate of the Chicano Movement: Unidos Venceremos!!. Corky Gonzales and Marco Anguiano, community leaders to Chicano park will never be forgotten and this poster helps bring that message alive as well as remind us of the community’s battle to gain economic justice and equal rights. The sound of Yo Soy Joaquin pulls together sight and sound for this poster, demonstrating the struggles Chicano people have continued to face to get equal rights in the U.S and the battle of establishing Chicano Park. This poster is a representation of the resilient community who continue to stand proud and celebrate culture. The artwork’s overall message is Chicano pride, resilience, and coming together. Although these leaders have passed, their spirit lives within the many who continue to work towards fighting injustices.

Written by McKenna Colachis and Cara McCormick