2006

Themes: healing; generational healing; art

Salvador Barajas designed 36th annual Chicano Park Day to honor Marco Aguiano and Corky Gonzalez. Marco worked through the means of political activism, art, and culture in order to further empower the community He was committed to using music as a means of bringing communities a stronger sense of empowerment and unity. Corky Gonzales was a Chicano boxer, poet, political organizer, and activist who became a leader of the Crusade for Justice. His efforts to bring “Chicano nationalism and self-determination”(among other ideals) stemmed from his roots in Denver, Colorado. Corky used poetry as a way to connect with his fellow Chicanos and created a "third space" for those who did not feel they were accepted in Mexico or U.S. Corky reassured others “that his culture will survive if all Chicano people stand proud and demand acceptance”.

In this Union Tribune article, muralist Marin Torero explains the significance of Chicano Park to the Logan community as a place of unity.