José ‘Cha Cha’ Jiménez Dies: Young Lords Founder And Civil Rights Leader Was 76

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Puerto Rico native and social justice leader José “Cha Cha” Jiménez died at age 76.

According to NBC News, his sister Daisy Rodríguez announced the sad news in a Facebook post on January 10.

“IT IS WITH A HEAVY HEART AND SUCH SADNESS THAT I HAVE TO ANNOUNCE THAT MY BROTHER JOSE CHA-CHA JIMENEZ PASSED AWAY THIS MORNING,” the post read. “AS SOON AS I HAVE MORE INFORMATION I WILL POST IT[.] PLEASE SHARE THIS ON YOUR FACEBOOK PAGE!!!”

Jiménez, an advocate for his village, was known for being the creator and founder of the Young Lords Organization at Lincoln Park, one of Chicago’s top underserved urban neighborhoods.

The Young Lords protected and resisted police brutality against Black and brown people, U.S. imperialism and militarism — becoming a haven for those living in the area. They championed causes such as healthcare access, education, affordable housing and employment opportunities. They were instrumental in launching community initiatives, including free medical clinics and breakfast programs for children, which influenced the creation of the current federal children’s nutrition program.

The group also published a monthly newspaper that highlighted these services and advocated for their broader mission. Additionally, they worked to establish cultural centers focused on preserving and celebrating the rich history and heritage of all Puerto Ricans. Although primarily made up of Puerto Rican members, the Young Lords embraced a multiethnic identity, welcoming Black, Latino, women and LGBTQ communities into their ranks.

They identified as “revolutionary nationalists” and passionately advocated for Puerto Rico’s independence. Under Jiménez’s leadership, the Young Lords expanded their reach to New York City and became part of the Rainbow Coalition in 1969. This then-obscure movement united Puerto Rican radicals, Confederate flag-waving white Southerners and others to combat poverty and discrimination under the guidance of the Black Panther Party.

Young Lords member Felipe Luciano shared that Jiménez’s friendship with Fred Hampton laid the foundation for a broader union among Black, Latino, white and other communities united in the fight for civil rights.

“He was the one who got Cha Cha to move away from gang warfare to organization,” Luciano shared with NBC News during a 2021 interview. “From then on, they became long, fast friends. Cha Cha talks about it with love and admiration often.”

Another Facebook post by Rodríguez shared that Jiménez’s funeral service for the hero will be held at Pietryka Funeral Home in Chicago on Jan. 16.

“As the founding leader and chairman of the Young Lords Organization in Chicago, Cha Cha became one of the most pivotal figures in the civil rights and liberation movements,” a statement from his family read on Facebook. “He leaves behind a profound legacy of revolutionary spirit, a vision for Puerto Rican self-determination, and a commitment to justice for the People.”

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