Remembering Bobby Verdugo, Chicano Walkouts Student Leader, Mentor and Friend
In March of 2018, I had the distinct honor of recognizing the 50th anniversary of the 1968 Chicano Walkouts on the floor of the California State Assembly; and with the anniversary, the students that made it all happen so many years ago. Among them, was my friend, Bobby Verdugo.
Bobby passed away on May 1st, 2020, a day known as May Day, recognizing worker rights around the world. If you knew Bobby’s fighting spirit and the moral compass that guided him, it seemed fitting.
That day at our State Capitol, I recall Bobby telling me, “You know Wendy, this is the first time that any of us, have been invited to Sacramento, it’s the first time that the walkouts have been recognized by the state.” He patted me on the shoulder and gave me one of his famous twinkle in the eye smiles, as if some sort of mischief was afoot, “Had to be a little Chicanita from Roosevelt to do it.”
Others who were with him that day, his wife and high school sweetheart, Yoli Rios, John Ortiz, and Mita Cuaron all agreed. I thought, how could 50 years have passed and this be the first time they are recognized? They are heroes in our community, they bravely walked out in protest against the inequities of public education for Latino / Chicano students in the late 1960’s and paved the way for much needed change for schools on the Eastside of Los Angeles. Schools like my own alma matter, Roosevelt High Schools and Lincoln, Garfield, Franklin and Wilson, all of whom are the heart of the Walkouts and schools that I now have the privilege of representing in Assembly District 51.
At the reception hosted by the California Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation at the State Capitol, surrounded by Latino staff and supporters, Bobby said,
“Today is a great opportunity to remind ourselves of the power of our youth to come together and shape their own lives. Students are an influential force, and with the backing of their parents and mentors, can clearly shift the political conversation to deal with issues they care about. We did not have Twitter or cellphones back then, but I love seeing the spirit of the walkouts inspire young leaders today.”
Student activism, empowerment and history were at the core of who Bobby was and why he always made time to mentor young people, much like he did for the past decade when he became deeply involved with the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project. Giving back was simply who he was.
I first met Bobby in 2006 when the film, “Walkout” came out on HBO, his character was played by actor, Efren Martinez. I invited him to my radio show, “Knowledge is Power,” on Power 106 to talk about his experience as a student, what the 1968 Walkouts where like and what changes in education and political representation had happened since. Having minored in Chicano Studies from CSULA, I knew all about him, the Walkouts and was giddy to meet him and couldn’t believe he agreed to come on to the show. We became fast friends and he always had a story to tell.
I often invited him back on the show and he would say, “Damn Wendy, you got me up here at 7am in the morning! Having me drive from the Eastside all the way to Burbank, but it’s ok, mija, aqui estoy, listo, I’m on the radio, so sabes que? It’s a good day to be Chicano!”
Bobby got involved in the 2008 presidential campaign of Barack Obama. We shared many laughs, made deeper connections and he told me he was inspired by the young Senator from Chicago who reminded him of the challenges and fight for civil rights. He recalled the assassinations of John F. Kennedy in 1963, Malcolm X in 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in April of 1968 and Robert F. Kennedy in June of that same year. He recalled the UFW grape strike that ended in 1970 and throughout it all, how people can make a difference.
When I ran for the Assembly, Bobby was there for me. For the past fourteen years, Bobby’s life lessons and his commitment to our community, his love and pride of our neighborhoods has left a deep impact in my life. His desire to help young boys and teen fathers through mentorship has helped thousands. He taught us that our history is American history and we should be proud of where we come from. He shared with us his love of the band Malo, his love of good food, a good laugh, Pachuco style, and of course, his love for justice. He was a giant of a man who led with love and by example.
To Yoli and his family, thank you for sharing Bobby with us. He showed us that yes, everyday is a good day to be Chicano.
Rest easy, Bobby. Suavecito.
