Rudy Lozano

Rudy Lozano (1951 - 1983) was an activist and community organizer in Chicago, Illinois. Born in Harlington, Texas, his parents moved the family early on to city's predominantly Mexican-American south-west side Little Village neighborhood. In his 20s, Lozano became an organizer for the International Ladies Garment Workers Union.

In 1982, Lozano entered politics, running for the 22nd Ward in an attempt to be the first Mexican-American elected to the Chicago City Council. Over the year after his defeat, he played one of the instrumental roles in bringing Latino voters across the city to support candidate Harold Washington, who became Chicago's first African-American mayor. He had continued his work in the ILGWU, becoming the chief Midwest field organizer through his work with tortilla factory employees and other low-paid immigrant workers.

On June 8, 1983, Lozano was shot to death in his home. The killer(s) have never been discovered. Today, the Pilsen branch of the Chicago Public Library is named in Lozano's honor, and his wife, sister, and sons continue his activist legacy.