Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Library Marks the Late Leader’s 97th Birthday

By Hilary Olivares

Posted June 26, 2025

The Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Branch Library in Denver welcomed the community to commemorate what would have been the Chicano leader’s 97th birthday on June 18. The library hosted the event with storytelling, a blessing of the space, a poetry reading of “I am Joaquín,” –a poem written by Gonzales—coloring for the kids, and a game of Lotería.

Born June 18, 1928, in Denver, Colorado, Gonzales became a face and name that would strive to help the Chicano community. Gonzales was known for his impressive skills as a boxer but quickly felt that he could be using his voice to help his community that faced countless amounts of discrimination. In the 1960’s, Gonzales became the voice of activism, founding the Crusade of Justice in 1966 – an organization that solely fought for educational equality, economic justice, and more for Chicanos in Denver. Between the 1960s and 70s, Gonzales would be known to play a huge role in the Chicano Movement alongside other key figures such as César Chávez, Dolores Huerta, and Reies López Tijerina.

Viviana Casillas, the Library Branch supervisor explained what it meant to her to take part in this celebration, “Today’s celebration is a day of remembrance and gratitude to everyone who paved the way for these spaces to happen and to those who fought way before the thought of a library being built, to fight for the rights of the underprivileged, underserved and underrepresented members of our community. Because of them, we have these beautiful spaces and this library named Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales.”

*The Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Branch Library in Denver welcomed the community to commemorate what would have been the Chicano leader’s 97th birthday on June 18.* **(Photo: Courtesy Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Library)**

She continued, “Pero la lucha no termina, libraries have a pivotal role in providing access to information, resources, tools, technology, for each person to decide how to support the community and advocate for others. To foster their curiosity, challenging inequity, honoring public trust, while strengthening connection in our communities, and welcoming everyone in our spaces for a strong community where everyone thrives.” Everyone working at part of the branch and Denver Public Libraries, wants to help others find what they need through their desires. The space was blessed by Carlos Castañeda and Donna Vigil-Castañeda, a blessing Corky always had in all of his works.

Nita Gonzales, Corky’s daughter, shared a few words on what this day meant to her. “He had to struggle for equity, justice, equality, and self-determination for our people, for Chicano people. For Indigenous people,” she said. “Today his legacy lives on. Not only in our hearts, but I truly see it in our city. I see it when his granddaughter, who takes on issues of justice in city council and when her colleagues support those issues. I see it in people’s commitment to education, in making sure we educate our youngsters.”

Casillas offered recognition to elected officials and guests attending the celebration.

“A special thanks to Nita Gonzales for speaking on behalf of the family and to the Gonzales family for attending and being part of the celebration. In addition, a special thank you to the Honorable Elbra Wedgeworth, Council Member At-Large Serena Gonzales-Gutiérrez, Council Member District 7 Flor Alvidrez, and Senate Candidate 34 District Andres Carrera,” said Casillas. With 152 attendees, a reading of the poem of “I am Joaquín” was passed out and different members of the community took turns reading a stanza. The poem acts as a voice for the people who struggle with their Chicano identities. It also shares the history, cultural dualities, and collective identity of Mexican-American roots. Also in attendance was Gonzales’ family.

He had to struggle for equity, justice, equality, and self-determination for our people, for Chicano people. For Indigenous people.”
Nita Gonzales

Casillas applauded the library staff and community in support of the library. “Everyone in the team was involved in one way or another. These ten years have brought special and life-changing memories to many of us who work in this branch. We believe it’s important to carry someone’s name in a building, but most importantly, a major responsibility is to honor their legacy, especially for someone who is a Denver native, with Indigenous People and Mexican heritage, someone who fought for the Civil Rights of many,” said Casillas. “Today was a day of not only remembrance, but to honor the sacrifices that were made and faced by Corky Gonzales. It reminds us that heritage is not just history, but it stays alive in the way a community can come together to learn, speak out, and care for one another.”

Gonzales’s words in “I am Joaquín” are still present today: “I am Joaquín… I must fight and win this struggle for my sons, and they must know from me who I am.”

To learn more about the Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Branch Library or events that take place visit their website here.

Hilary Olivares is an Independent Reporter for The Weekly Issue/El Semanario.