An appreciation: Jose Montoya’s legacy of art and activism remembered

Editor’s note: Sacramento-resident Jose Montoya – poet, painter, community organizer, educator, Chicano-rights advocate and agent provocateur – died Sept. 25 at the age of 81, leaving a formidable legacy of art and activism. The Bee’s obituary called him “one of the most influential and inspirational figures in California Latino history.” Here, his son, noted filmmaker and playwright Richard Montoya, remembers his father’s life, both public and private.

Jose Montoya, one of the original members of the Royal Chicano Air Force, in August 2001 retouches the mural he and several other artists painted in 1977 at Southside Park.

“El Viejo,” oil on canvas, by Jose Montoya

Jose Montoya, poet, artist, Chicano activist and retired CSUS professor, sits on the porch of his midtown Sacramento home. Photo September 12, 2001.