From marching 76 straight miles to hunger striking for 16 and 26 days, Dr. Cesar Cruz has dedicated his life to fighting injustice. His relentless drive and passion have touched the lives of many, and his writings have received praise from activists and scholars throughout the world. Author Rodolfo Acuña sees “César as one of the new martyrs of our people.” Acclaimed author and activist Luis Rodriguez depicts César’s writings as filled with “fierce insight and righteous rage.” But Cesar shrugs off the accolades with a humble smile and a thought: “I’m not important; we’re but seeds of social change. Our role is a simple one, ‘To comfort the disturbed, and to disturb the comfortable.’ (MLK)
Cesar received his education in a rancho in Juchitlán, on the streets of Compton, East Los, as an undergraduate at UC Berkeley majoring in History, and in the Bay Area where he has spent a huge part of his life. He has been an educator for 19 years and co-founded an independent school in Richmond, CA called the “Making Changes Freedom School”. Over the last four years, he has overseen an independent non-governmental organization, Homies Empowerment, which works with gang impacted/involved youth.
In 2004, he received the “Peacemaker of the Year” award from the California Assembly, but declined it because he feels that it is hypocritical to claim to have peace without justice. Cesar also received the “Outstanding Commitment to Justice Award” from Pacifica Radio, Local Hero Award from Comcast, and many other accolades including the Jefferson Award from CBS News.
Having received his doctorate in Educational Leadership at Harvard University, Dr. Cruz travels throughout the year lecturing at various schools, universities, community centers and rallies while avoiding the policía and la migra. ¡¿Y qué!? (Originally Recorded 7/17/2020)
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