Google Celebrates Legacy of “Corky” Gonzales

THE INTERNET SEARCH ENGINE DEDICATED THEIR DOODLE TO THE OUTSTANDING LEADER

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On October 1, 2021, Google celebrated the important legacy of Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales, a prominent Chicano activist. Gonzales, born in Denver, had a long and varied career. He was a boxer in his youth and became a champion in the ring. Gonzales was also a champion of racial and socioeconomic justice. This Colorado native is one of the most influential leaders of the Chicano Civil Rights Movement.

Gonzales also had intellectual concerns and wrote poetry. In 1970, he founded the Escuela Tlatelolco, which was the first private school in the history of the United States with a focus on Chicano and Mexican American cultural studies. 51 years ago, on October 1, the Tlatelolco School opened its doors. Google dedicated its Google Doodle to this Coloradan and his legacy.

Google’s Message

Google indicated in a newsletter that its Google Doodle “takes a journey through Corky’s life as it features lines from Gonzales’s 1967 epic poem and the Chicano cultural movement’s rallying cry, ‘Yo Soy Joaquín’ (I am Joaquín).” Due in large part to leaders like Corky, the Chicano Movement led to widespread positive changes for the Mexican and Latino communities in the United States that continue to this day,” the Google post reads.

The Google newsletter emphasizes the impact Gonzales’ work left. “His legacy includes developing bilingual and multicultural socioeconomic programs, improving working conditions for migrant workers, and increasing the representation of Mexican Americans and Latinos in United States politics and education, all fundamental elements for the fight for justice and equality that continues to this day.

Here’s to you, Corky! Thanks a lot, Corky!

The Artist

The Google Doodle in homage to Gonzales was created by artist Roxie Vizcarra. This young artist was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. “As a Peruvian-American Latina, I am grateful that he worked so hard to bring pride in Latino culture and customs to his community in Denver and beyond. Naming your identity can be very difficult at times, but it can also bring a kind of peace,” Vizcarra said.

Vizcarra explained the elements of her creation. “I was inspired by the variety of colorful Chicano murals in Denver, Mexican textiles, and of course, the inspiring life of Corky as told by his children, whose admiration for their father knows no bounds. I hope other Latinos feel as proud of their heritage and identity as Corky would have liked them to be!”

Yo soy Joaquín

Poem

Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales

La Raza! Méjicano! Español! Latino! Chicano!
Or whatever I call myself,
I look the same, I feel the same
I Cry and Sing the same.
I am the masses of my people and I refuse to be absorbed.
I am Joaquín. The odds are great
But my spirit is strong,
My faith unbreakable,
My blood is pure.