José “Cha Cha” Jiménez, a fierce advocate for justice and the founder of Chicago’s Young Lords, has died at age 76. His sister, Daisy Rodríguez, announced his death on Friday morning. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Jiménez began the Young Lords in the 1960s as a street gang to defend Puerto Ricans in Lincoln Park, then one of Chicago’s poorest neighborhoods. By 1968, the group became a force for social change, inspired by the Black Panther Party.
“Cha Cha became one of the most pivotal figures in civil rights and liberation movements,” his family said in a statement. “He leaves behind a profound legacy of revolutionary spirit, a vision for Puerto Rican self-determination, and a commitment to justice for the people.”
The Young Lords took on racism, police abuse, and poverty. They pushed for better health care, housing, and schools. They also created free programs, offering meals, medical care, and spaces for people to organize and fight for their rights.
In 1969, Jiménez helped form the Rainbow Coalition, working with Fred Hampton of the Black Panther Party and William “Preacherman” Fesperman of the Young Patriots. Together, they united Black, Latino, and poor white communities to tackle poverty and discrimination.
“Rest in Power to my dear friend Jose “Cha Cha” Jimenez. Your mark on this city will never be forgotten. Thank you for your contribution to the liberation of ALL people. All Power to the people!” wrote former U.S. Congressman Bobby L. Rush.
Filmmaker Ray Santisteban credited Jiménez for his dedication. “From the first time I met him in 1992 until the last time I saw him, he was solely focused on working to uplift and empower the Puerto Rican community and all poor people in the world,” Santisteban said.
Born on August 8, 1940, in Caguas, Puerto Rico, Jiménez grew up in Chicago’s La Clark neighborhood. He became the first Latino to run for alderman in 1974, opposing gentrification in Lincoln Park. His campaign helped assert Puerto Rican political power in the city.
Even after the Young Lords ceased their activism in the late 1970s, Jiménez preserved their history. In 1995, he worked with DePaul University to create an archive of their work. In 2023, DePaul honored him with its Public Intellectual Award, and in 2024, a historical marker was placed on its campus to commemorate the Young Lords.
Jiménez is survived by five children and three sisters. A public funeral will be held Thursday in Chicago.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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