[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 48 (Wednesday, April 20, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E709]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO RODOLFO ``CORKY'' GONZALES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 20, 2005

  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the extraordinary life of 
an eminent citizen, Rodolfo ``Corky'' Gonzales. This remarkable man 
merits both our recognition and esteem as his impressive record of 
leadership, activism and invaluable service has moved our community 
forward and thereby, improved the lives of our people.
  Corky Gonzales lived life on the front lines of progress and is known 
as the father of the Chicano movement in the Southwest. He was born in 
Denver, Colorado, in 1928 and spent his early life as a professional 
boxer. He became a national boxing champion and was later inducted into 
the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. But for Corky Gonzales, his boxing 
career proved to be a metaphor for a life of social and political 
activism. Corky Gonzales was a fighter and he became a true champion in 
the struggle for human dignity and cultural respect. He became a 
champion of La Raza.
  Corky Gonzales entered the political arena in the late 1950's serving 
as the first Mexican American district captain in the Denver Democratic 
Party. He proved to be a skilled organizer and headed up the 1960 Viva 
Kennedy campaign. He was recognized for his efforts to increase 
political participation among Latinos and for bringing the social and 
economic challenges facing the Latino community into mainstream 
awareness. But the slow pace of social change within the political 
system set Mr. Gonzales on a new path of activism. He established the 
La Raza Unida party in Colorado and in 1965, he founded La Crusada Por 
Justicia--The Crusade for Justice--to further the cause of equality and 
justice for Chicanos, Latinos and Mexican Americans as well deal with 
racial injustice and advance the causes of civil liberty and human 
rights. He led a contingent to the Poor People's March on Washington, 
DC and in 1969, he convened the First Annual Chicano Youth Conference 
in Denver. Mr. Gonzales worked with city leaders to establish a health 
clinic on the North side and served on the Colorado Civil Rights 
Commission. He is credited for launching the Chicano literary movement 
and his writings and speeches have become an affirmation of pride in 
the Mexican American cultural heritage.
  One of Corky Gonzales' most enduring accomplishments was the founding 
of Escuela Tlatelolco Centro de Estudios in 1970. It was established to 
ensure that Latino and Indigenous youth are educated and empowered to 
continue their human development in higher education. But more 
importantly, in establishing Escuela Tlatelolco, Corky Gonzales 
established a tradition of learning that helps students and parents 
both cherish and preserve the ethnic and cultural diversity that gives 
individuals dignity and strength and thereby further empowers our 
communities and our nation.
  Corky Gonzales touched our community in many ways that will endure. 
He gave us courage and dignity in the face of discrimination and 
economic injustice. He inspired us with his devotion and willingness to 
fight for the right that should be afforded to all people and the 
cultural expression that dignifies all people. I am reminded of the 
wisdom of Cesar Chavez--``What is at stake is human dignity. If (we) 
are not accorded respect, (we) cannot respect ourselves and if (we) 
cannot respect (ourselves), (we) cannot demand it of others.'' I would 
submit that Corky Gonzales understood this simple truth and his life is 
a testament to the activism that is guided by a deep and abiding 
respect for the intrinsic value of each and every human being.
  Please join me in paying tribute to the life of Rodolfo ``Corky'' 
Gonzales, a prominent activist and civic leader. His service, 
accomplishments and leadership command our respect and serve to build a 
better future for all Americans.




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