[Rudy Lozano]
Identifier
F.2005-08-0137
Date Of Production
1983
Abstract
This loosely constructed documentary footage captures Chicago’s response to the murder of Mexican American labor rights activist Rudy Lozano. The rising political star had worked to build a coalition between Chicago’s Black and Hispanic communities during the 1983 mayoral election that brought Chicago’s first Black mayor, Harold Washington, to power. Lozano narrowly lost his own race for alderman in his home neighborhood of Pilsen, but had just been enlisted by Washington as his liaison to the Latino community when he was shot to death in his home on June 8, 1983.
Description
The film begins at the 1983 Bud Billiken Parade in Bronzeville, where Mayor Washington marches with Lozano’s campaign manager (and future Illinois Congressman) Jesús “Chuy” García and fellow activist Juan “Mama” Velázquez, who carry a Mexican flag with photos of Lozano attached to it.
The second half of the film focuses on Lozano’s funeral on June 13, 1983 at St. Pius Catholic Church at 1919 S. Ashland Ave in Pilsen. Many of Chicago’s political leaders are in attendance, including Washington, civil rights activist Robert Lucas, and Congressman Charles Hayes. Lozano's wife, Guadalupe, and son, Rudy Jr., are seen leaving the service. Two thousand mourners are seen marching on 26th Street in Little Village, holding banners of Lozano’s face along with signs declaring that the activist’s work will continue.
The second half of the film focuses on Lozano’s funeral on June 13, 1983 at St. Pius Catholic Church at 1919 S. Ashland Ave in Pilsen. Many of Chicago’s political leaders are in attendance, including Washington, civil rights activist Robert Lucas, and Congressman Charles Hayes. Lozano's wife, Guadalupe, and son, Rudy Jr., are seen leaving the service. Two thousand mourners are seen marching on 26th Street in Little Village, holding banners of Lozano’s face along with signs declaring that the activist’s work will continue.
Run Time
14 min 11 sec
Format
Super-8mm
Extent
213 feet
Color
Color
Sound
Mag Stripe
Reel/Tape Number
1/1
Has Been Digitized?
Yes
Element
Reversal Positives
Genre
Form
Subject
Political Activists
Politics and government
Parades and processions
Politicians
Funeral rites and ceremonies
Demonstrations
Mexican Americans
Politics and government
Parades and processions
Politicians
Funeral rites and ceremonies
Demonstrations
Mexican Americans
Related Collections
Related Places
Main Credits
Stamets, Bill (is filmmaker)
Participants And Performers
Washington, Harold (is participant)
Lucas, Robert (is participant)
García, Jesús (is participant)
Velázquez, Juan (is participant)
Hayes, Charles (is participant)
Burman, Nina (is participant)
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