01/12/2025
José "Cha Cha" Jiménez, born on August 8, 1948, in Caguas, Puerto Rico, and lived in Chicago's Lincoln Park Puerto Rican Community. He was a prominent political activist best known for founding the Young Lords Organization which transformed under his leadership into a significant civil and human rights organization in the late 1960s and 1970s.
Jiménez's leadership was instrumental in the Young Lords' evolution into a formidable force in the fight for civil rights, particularly concerning the Puerto Rican community's struggles against urban displacement and for self-determination. His commitment to social justice and community empowerment left an indelible mark on the civil rights landscape of the United States.
José "Cha Cha" Jiménez passed away on January 10, 2025. His legacy continues to inspire activists dedicated to civil rights and social justice.
The National Puerto Rican Day Parade pays tribute to this iconic figure, and to the Chicago community which served as the foundation of this movement.
Learn more about José "Cha Cha" Jiménez and the Young Lords: https://www.wttw.com/chicago-stories/young-lords-of-lincoln-park/the-young-lords-battle-against-displacement-in-lincoln-park