Música Longtime Barrio Logan resident and San Diego State University (SDSU) student Ramón “Chunky” Sánchez was one of many individuals whose artistic talents initiated the quest for social justice and cultural pride. Chunky began his ascent toward national prominence as a member of La Rondalla Amerindia de Aztlán. The student-led group of cause-oriented musicians was created under the tutelage and mentoring of SDSU professor Jose “Pepe” Villarino.
Beginning in 1969, La Rondalla performed music that inspired and educated by way of using rich storytelling lyrics.
Chunky with César Chávez
Chunky at a live performance (Photos courtesy The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Its members wrote and performed songs that chronicled the lives of Chicana/o activists and significant historical events. They became César Chávez’s favorite musical group.
Later, Chunky and his brother Ricardo cofounded Los Alacranes, continuing their music to empower the community. Before his death, Chunky was honored in 2013 for his passionate work with the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellows award. Teatros While Chicano Park was under development, Chicanas at San Diego State University formed Teatro de las Chicanas in 1971. Under the leadership of students Felicitas Nunez and Delia Ravelo, group emerged as a political theater group that reflected a vibrant form of feminism . Its short plays addressed issues of importance to Latinas, including their cultural views of the feminist movement. In San Diego and elsewhere, the teatros provided live theatre as a medium to address social, political, and gender issues affecting Chicanas/os . Teatro Mestizo was one of the earlier Teatros on campus, founded by Professor Ruth Robinson and her students. They performed short skits by Luis Valdez, founder of the Teatro Campesino in 1965, which told the stories of the United Farmworkers Union movement.
Los Alacranes Album Picture (Photo courtesy Roger Cazares)
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San Diego Latino Legacy – Timeline • Milestones • Stories
Chapter 5 – The Chicano Cultural Renaissance
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