David Sanchez (activist)

David Sanchez (born January 3, 1948) is an American civil rights activist, and founding member of the Brown Berets. In the 1960s and 70s he was heavily involved in the Chicano civil rights and political movements.

For other uses, see David Sánchez.

David Sanchez
Sanchez in 1983
Born
David John Sanchez

(1948-01-03) January 3, 1948
Los Angeles, California, US
Known forCivil rights activist

Background

An accomplished student in high school, in 1966 Sanchez chaired Mayor Sam Yorty's youth council. However personal experiences with police brutality from the LAPD radicalized his politics and world view.[1] With other high school students, Sanchez helped found the Young Chicanos for Community Action.[2] With his leadership, the Young Chicanos For Community Action eventually became the Brown Berets.[3] The Brown Berets advocated for better schools and the fair treatment of Mexican-Americans in Los Angeles.[3] The organization also worked on farmworkers' rights, opposition to the Vietnam War, and organizing against police brutality.[4]

Known as the "Prime Minister," Sanchez played a key role in the organization of the Chicano Moratorium and the East L.A. walkouts.[5][6] In 1969, Sanchez and the Brown Berets established the East LA Free Clinic on Whittier Boulevard.[7] He was at the National Chicano Moratorium March on August 29, 1970, and was friends with journalist Ruben Salazar who was killed that day.[8]

In 1972, Sanchez led the Occupation of Catalina Island, which was meant to draw attention on the continuing struggles of Mexican-Americans in the United States.[9]

After disbanding the Brown Berets, Sanchez went to work for the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, and taught Mexican American Studies at several community colleges in Los Angeles county.[10] In 2005, Sanchez ran for the Los Angeles City Council District 14 seat, losing to José Huizar, and in 2012 he ran in the race for California's 40th congressional district, losing to Lucille Roybal-Allard.[11]

Published works
  • Sanchez, David (1989). Social Communication for Everyone. Pan American Institute. ASIN B00072Z64Q.
  • Sanchez, David (1978). Expedition Through Aztlán. La Puente, CA: Perspective Publications.

References
  1. Bryan, John (1968). "The Story of the Brown Berets The personal story of David Sanchez, 19-year-old leader of the Chicano Power Brown Berets". Open City.
  2. Castro, Sal; Garcia, Mario T. (2011). Blowout! Sal Castro and the Chicano Struggle for Educational Justice. North Carolina University Press. p. 136. ISBN 9780807834480. JSTOR 10.5149/9780807877913_garcia.
  3. Cruz, Araceli (October 15, 2018). "The Brown Berets, as Explained by Founding Member Dr. David Sanchez". Teen Vogue.
  4. Zaragosa, Vargas (2001). "Chicanos and the Shaping of the Left". Science and Society. 65 (1): 131–136. doi:10.1521/siso.65.1.131.20895. JSTOR 40403887.
  5. Ayyoub, Loureen (August 29, 2020). "Chicano Moratorium Recognizes 50 Year Anniversary in East LA". SPECTRUM NEWS. Charter Communications.
  6. Hernandez, Al Carlos (August 13, 2010). "Prime Minister of the Brown Berets, Dr. David Sanchez". La Prensa San Diego.
  7. Martinez, Vanessa; Barajas, Julia (August 23, 2020). "The women of the Brown Berets — Las Adelitas de Aztlán — break free and form their own movement". Los Angeles Times.
  8. Sahagun, Louis (August 23, 2020). "A Day of Rage in East L.A." Los Angeles Times.
  9. Mejia, Brittny (August 16, 2020). "Nearly half a century ago, Chicano activists occupied Catalina Island. Locals feared a Mexican 'invasion'". Los Angeles Times.
  10. "David Sanchez Ph.D." Mexican American University. Archived from the original on October 12, 2004.
  11. "Certified List of Statewide Candidates" (PDF). California Secretary of State. December 26, 2019.

Further reading
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