The political and social impact that Albert A. Peña Jr. had on the lives of Mexican Americans, and later Chicanos, is by all counts immeasurable. However, in part because Chicano biography has traditionally been a neglected research area among academics generally and Chicano Studies scholars specifically, his life’s work has not featured prominently in any biographical work to date, making this volume the first of its kind. It provides a richly detailed documentation of Peña’s life and career, from blue collar worker to judge and essay writer, spanning nearly ninety years. Readers will find that at the heart of his story is a focus on grassroots organizing and politics, sharing leadership, and a commitment to social justice.
ContentsForeword, by Rubén MartinezPrefaceIntroductionPart 1. Family and FormationChapter 1. The Family and Young Albert Jr.Chapter 2. Peña, the Sailor ManChapter 3. Peña Jr., the LawyerPart 2. The Making of a Political LeaderChapter 4. First School Desegregation CasesChapter 5. Barrio Presidential PoliticsChapter 6. El Comisionado, Our Man DowntownChapter 7. The Commissioner Years, 1957–1960Part 3. Chicano Nation-BuildingChapter 8. Viva Kennedy ClubsChapter 9. PASO and Cristal’s Los Cinco CandidatosChapter 10. The Commissioner Years, 1965–1972Chapter 11. MALDEF: Peña’s or Tijerina’s?Chapter 12. Loss of PowerChapter 13. Politics of the PalacePart 4. Second CareerChapter 14. All Rise! Judge Peña PresidingChapter 15. The End of Public LifeChapter 16. Who Caused the Injury or Assault?Part 5. The Final YearsChapter 17. Second RetirementAppendix 1. In MemoriamAppendix 2. Note on County GovernmentNotesBibliographyIndex
