Rudy Lozano's short life was characterized
by passionate community activism. He
strove to empower workers and forge
coalitions among Latinos, African
Americans, and other minorities.

Lozano's activism began at a young age.
While a student at Harrison High School,
he organized a movement to teach
Mexican history classes. Later, at the
University of Illinois at Chicago, Lozano
helped create the Latin American
Recruitment Program.

In 1981, Lozano became the Midwest Regional Organizing Director of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. He worked to register voters in Chicago, and to defend minority workers' interests. He was well known for his efforts to organize the factory workers at the Del Rey Tortilleria.

In 1983, he lost a close race for alderman of the 22nd Ward. Newly elected Mayor Harold Washington enlisted him as his liaison to the Latino community.
A short time later, Lozano was shot to death at his home. Washington praised him as "a man driven by a search for unity among people."