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Wilfred "Sonny" Gomez Peña
The late Wilfred "Sonny" Gomez Peña takes the reader back in history where most have forgotten or dared not travel. Through the segregation period of Tolleson, Arizona rose equalit...view moreThe late Wilfred "Sonny" Gomez Peña takes the reader back in history where most have forgotten or dared not travel. Through the segregation period of Tolleson, Arizona rose equality and progression from the sacrifice of a young visionary leader who made a historical difference, while going unrecognized. Sonny's exhausting research and interviews to correct decades of inconsistencies, deception and obscurity will shed light on the truth leading to the end of segregation in Tolleson. Sonny's journey was long, painful and often met with push back. He didn't mind, but welcomed the challenge in his quest to unveil facts leading to the truth. He was driven to credit the young "visionary leader" Juan Camacho had become and Tolleson, never knew. His story brings to the forefront a small group of Mexican-Americans who banded together in their fight against segregation for educational and civil rights, in an era of segregation. To give credit, where credit is due and rightfully correct a period of inaccurate facts and unjust recognition. Sonny's accounts are memorialized, catalogued and based on countless interviews, legal and personal research that he navigated to pen the truth. Through his travels, interviews and research, he'll take you through Tolleson's painful history and southern ideology origin, that most have forgotten or never knew. His accounts are not self-serving, but offer insight and recognition for those history excluded and folklore emphasized. Most importantly, his story bears truth to a young Mexican-American who had the foresight and courage to stand up, organize, and take on segregationists and win, without ever stepping into a courtroom. His hope was to bring honor to Juan Camacho who stood up to lead and persevered in a time of segregation, for the education equality of Mexican-American families of Tolleson. Prior to Sonny's death in April of 2021, his wish was to finish writing his book, so that journalists and historians would have tough conversations when seeking the truth in the future. Recognize the feats Juan Camacho accomplished in his fight for educational and civil rights and inspire past, present and future Mexican-Americans to make a difference in their communities, professional and personal lives. "Siempre la verdad!"view less
Books by Wilfred "Sonny" Gomez Peña
Just Due, A Town Divided: School Segregation in Tolleson, Arizona (1929 to 1952)