Chunky - Journey of an Activist

Project Synopsis:

Chunky: Journey of an Activist (WT) tells the story of Ramón "Chunky" Sanchez – a southern California musician, composer, storyteller and community activist.  Our one-hour film examines how Sanchez' personal story is interwoven with the broader history of the Chicana/o community and the unique cultural dynamics of the U.S.-Mexican border.  

Chunky was influenced by the social unrest he witnessed and lived in his youth as both a child of farm working parents and as a student during the turbulent 1960's.  His songs helped to define an era which transformed America.  Chunky became an important figure in the early days of the Chicano movement and continues to be active in today's immigrant rights' protests.  Much like the role which African American music played in the Civil Rights movement, Chunky's songs capture the spirit of a generation determined to make changes in their lives and their communities as they struggled for identity and social change.  Chunky's life work has recently been recognized by a National Heritage Fellowship given annually by the National Endowment for the Arts. The award recognizes folk and traditional artists for their artistic excellence and efforts to conserve America's culture for future generations.