Timeline

Key dates

A short timeline to put the photographs in context.

1. 1951

   Born July 17 in Harlingen, Texas. The family later moves to Pilsen, Chicago.

2. 1970s

   Organizes students at the University of Illinois at Chicago for Mexican history courses and Latino faculty.

3. 1970s–80s

   Organizer, then chief Midwest field organizer, for the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union.

4. 1982

   Enters the race for 22nd Ward alderman.

5. Feb 1983

   Falls seventeen votes short of forcing a runoff. Helps mobilize Latino voters for Harold Washington.

6. Apr 1983

   Harold Washington is elected Chicago's first Black mayor.

7. June 8, 1983

   Killed at his home in Little Village.

8. Oct 1985

   Community protests against the Simpson-Rodino immigration bill.

9. 1986

   Jesús "Chuy" García, his campaign manager, wins the 22nd Ward seat.

10. 2003

    Twentieth anniversary of his death.