José ‘Cha Cha’ Jiménez, Civil Rights Leader and Young Lords Founder, Dies at 76
A Life of Activism and Service
José “Cha Cha” Jiménez, a fierce advocate for justice and the founder of Chicago’s Young Lords, has died at age 76. His sister, Daisy Rodríguez, announced his death on Friday morning. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Early Life and Activism
Jiménez began the Young Lords in the 1960s as a street gang to defend Puerto Ricans in Lincoln Park, then one of Chicago’s poorest neighborhoods. By 1968, the group became a force for social change, inspired by the Black Panther Party.
Young Lords’ Mission
The Young Lords took on racism, police abuse, and poverty. They pushed for better health care, housing, and schools. They also created free programs, offering meals, medical care, and spaces for people to organize and fight for their rights.
Rainbow Coalition and Legacy
In 1969, Jiménez helped form the Rainbow Coalition, working with Fred Hampton of the Black Panther Party and William “Preacherman” Fesperman of the Young Patriots. Together, they united Black, Latino, and poor white communities to tackle poverty and discrimination.
Recognition and Tributes
“Rest in Power to my dear friend Jose “Cha Cha” Jimenez. Your mark on this city will never be forgotten. Thank you for your contribution to the liberation of ALL people. All Power to the people!” wrote former U.S. Congressman Bobby L. Rush.
Filmmaker Ray Santisteban credited Jiménez for his dedication. “From the first time I met him in 1992 until the last time I saw him, he was solely focused on working to uplift and empower the Puerto Rican community and all poor people in the world,” Santisteban said.
Personal Life and Later Years
Born on August 8, 1940, in Caguas, Puerto Rico, Jiménez grew up in Chicago’s La Clark neighborhood. He became the first Latino to run for alderman in 1974, opposing gentrification in Lincoln Park. His campaign helped assert Puerto Rican political power in the city.
Even after the Young Lords ceased their activism in the late 1970s, Jiménez preserved their history. In 1995, he worked with DePaul University to create an archive of their work. In 2023, DePaul honored him with its Public Intellectual Award, and in 2024, a historical marker was placed on its campus to commemorate the Young Lords.
Survivors and Funeral Arrangements
Jiménez is survived by five children and three sisters. A public funeral will be held Thursday in Chicago.
Conclusion
José “Cha Cha” Jiménez leaves behind a profound legacy of revolutionary spirit, a vision for Puerto Rican self-determination, and a commitment to justice for the people. His life and work will continue to inspire future generations of activists and leaders.
FAQs
Q: What was the Young Lords?
A: The Young Lords was a street gang founded by José “Cha Cha” Jiménez in the 1960s to defend Puerto Ricans in Lincoln Park, Chicago.
Q: What was the Rainbow Coalition?
A: The Rainbow Coalition was a coalition formed in 1969 by Jiménez, Fred Hampton of the Black Panther Party, and William “Preacherman” Fesperman of the Young Patriots to unite Black, Latino, and poor white communities to tackle poverty and discrimination.
Q: What was Jiménez’s legacy?
A: Jiménez’s legacy includes his work as a civil rights leader, his dedication to the Puerto Rican community, and his commitment to justice for all people.
