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Corky was the head of the local Denver War on Poverty, Inc., a member of the G.I. Forum and a key organizer for the Viva Kennedy campaign. Gonzalez’s founding of the Crusade for Justice marked his departure from the Democratic party and the beginning of a Nationalist strategy for the attainment of Chicano civil rights. Gonzalez, with the Crusade, organized The Chicano Youth Liberation Conference held in Denver Colorado in March of 1969. It was at this conference whereÉl Plan Espiritual de Aztlán was drafted by Chicanos from all over the country.
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El Plan identifies Aztlán (the United States Southwest) as the national and cultural homeland of Chicanos. It calls for Chicano self-determination, retention of cultural traditions and the creation of autonomous social institutions. Gonzalez’s epic poem "I am Joaquin" illustrates the historical, social and psychological realities of Chicano nationalism. In 1970 Gonzalez and the leadership of the crusade established the La Raza Unida Party of Denver. That same year Gonzalez, a key participant and speaker in the Chicano Moratorium, was arrested and jailed by police for his stance against the Vietnam war. In 1972 Gonzalez called for a National La Raza Unida Party Convention. Representatives from 18 states and the District of Columbia attended the convention with over 3000 delegates. Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzalez represents a very important chapter in Denver and U.S. history. His legacy, like that of Ceasar Chavez, has defined Chicano activism, politics, culture and identity for almost thirty years.
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