Let’s Organize So We May Have Peace: A David 'Boogie' Gonzalez Memorial

Themes: gun violence, peace activism, Chicano

“Let’s Organize So We May Have Peace,” better known as the Boogie Gonzalez Memorial, is a commemoration of a gang-member turned peace activist, David “Boogie” Gonzalez. Gonzalez’s activism work was ignited after his brother’s violent death. Gonzalez did social and community work in an attempt to reduce gang violence and activity in Pilsen. On June 19, 1973, his social justice work was cut short after becoming a victim to a drive-by shooting during an altercation between two rival gangs in Harrison Park. Salvador Vega, one of the original artists, and community leaders advocated for restorative initiatives in June 2021, fifty years after the original mural was completed. Both the mural and the restorative initiatives are intended to teach youth the neighborhood’s history and preserve the Chicago Chicano movement through historically artistic media.

Currently, the Booge Gonzalez Memorial consists of a brightly colored, spray-painted geometric alongside a large black layout. Geometric shapes sprout from a attention-grabbing white spot in the mural. Attention drawn to this negative space directs the audience to acknowledge phrases referencing Boogie Gonzalez. Gonzalez’s date of birth and death are noted, alongside his major accomplishment- the “first to unit the Clubs on 18th St. to bring about peace and unity.” To the left, there is a short first-person recollection of Gonzalez’s accomplishments and his sacrifice to the peace activism. His goals and accomplishments are further emphasized with large-scale presentations of activism-associated terms, specifically “solidarity” and “peace.” The large black layout includes the first words of the U.S. Constitution in juxtaposition to the spanish phase “Somos un Pueblo,” translated to “we are a town.” This further highlights the need for unity and integration as one body of individuals.

The restoration of the “Boogie” Memorial gives homage to his peace activitism and social work while simultaneously, flaunting modern mural techniques and styles like spray-painting and geometric composition.

Note on Author: This description was written by Stephanie Acosta Ruiz, Neuroscience B.S., and Latino Studies Supp. Major, Notre Dame, Class of 2023.

More information available at: https://www.wbez.org/stories/an-iconic-pilsen-mural-is-being-restored-to-carry-on-the-legacy-of-a-slain-peace-activist/95621445-7c1a-45a5-ba64-f027d05b7615