San Jose’s Raza community has a rich history and tradition of impactful community organizing that goes back to the 1950s and the founding of the local chapter of The Community Service Organization led by Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, Blanca Alvarado, and many others.

The emergence of United People Arriba and La Confederacion de La Raza Unida led by Ernestina Garcia, Sofia Mendoza, Rachel Silva and Joaquin Brito in the ’60s led to further political and economic empowerment, culminating in today having 5 members of La Raza, including three women, serving on the San Jose City Council.

One activist who remains on the front lines is Danny Garza who can be described as a gadfly: “a person who interferes with the status quo.” Whether the issue is environmental racism, quality of life issues, economic development, gang problems or a host of other issues, Danny is the champion of East Side neighborhood associations in the Plata Arroyo, Cassell and Mayfair areas, people who live like the residents of Sal Si Puedes (get out if you can) barrio did 60 years ago:  unequal, forgotten and invisible.

Danny possesses the energy, enthusiasm, and a sense of righteous indignation that calls to mind the line in the Teddy Pendergrass song “Wake Up Everybody”:  “ The World won’t get no better if you let it be.  Wake Up, Everybody!”