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Raúl Salinas Obituary
The author and longtime fixture at South Austin's La Resistencia Bookstore wrote several influential books of Chicano poetry, including "East of the Freeway: Reflections de mi Pueblo," and "Un Trip Through the Mind Jail y Otras Excursions."
His most recent book, "raúl salinas and the Jail Machine: Selected Writings of raúl salinas" was published in 2006 by University of Texas Press.
The bespectacled, pony-tailed writer, born in 1934 in San Antonio, aligned himself with the Beat poets and had used stints in prison that began in 1957 on drug-related charges in California, as fodder for his work.
The poet said he was reborn in prison, where he said he got in touch with his "Native spirituality and indigenous self."
He would go on to teach many writing and social activism classes, whether it was at schools such as St. Edwards University or at juvenile detention centers across the country.
Salinas was actively involved in city politics and also played host at La Resistencia, which opened in 1981, to art and spoken-word events. The cultural group he created, Red Salmon Arts, continues to host performances and artist events.
He told the Spanish newspaper ¡ahora sí! in 2005, "This is my world," Salinas says, "I have to navigate it. I've always combined my art, my politics, my spirituality, as part of my total being."
Memories and Condolences
for Raúl Salinas
82 Entries
Hedwig Gorski
June 11, 2011
Raul had the ability to spot fake people and see into a person's heart. He had many families including that of international multi-ethnic poets concerned with the social impact of government on hard working-class lives. He was one of my closest poet friends while I lived in Austin and always invited me to perform in Resistencia events on both sides of the Freeway. Austin is not the same without him.
a c
May 6, 2010
We have you in our thoughts keep this promise in mind Rev 21:4..
Pam Escarcega
April 4, 2008
My sympathy to Raul's family.
My heartfelt love and respect to a man who changed my life, and whom I loved deeply.
Everyone who had the honor to have met him was blessed by him, and knew they were in the presence of a very special spirit.
He won't be forgotten.
Ruben Del Rio
March 19, 2008
I spent everyday of my young life with him. He is and will forever be my grandfather. His words and teachings keep me in school and make me continue learning more and more. I will always love and miss him.
Karen Rudolph
March 8, 2008
Raul, Tap, Autumn Sun, I found myself wondering today what poem Raul is working on about this new experience. I want to read it, I want to hear him read it. But I have to wait. I imagine Floyd Westerman welcoming Raul with a big smile and open arms. Laughing together, kicking back, Floyd strumming his guitar. Maybe Tap would play a few bars of "Georgia" on his sax.
Raul helped save a man's life in the early 80's in WA. That man was Jimi Simmons and he was facing the death penalty in Walla Walla pen. Raul taught me about what was important when working with prisoners. That keeping one's word is life and death for people inside. He was one of the original Marion Brothers, a man who resisted even when they had total control of his body. They never controlled his spirit. A warrior forever. I am so grateful that we got to see him again last Fall, that he is in our movie. That we had a chance to honor him and to thank him, for changing our lives. www.MakingTheRiver.com
clotilde' sofikitis
February 26, 2008
ANISHINABE proudly describes RAUL SALINAS.
BECAUSE OF OUR CONTINUOUS PAST WE REMAIN IN THE PRESENT.
TEOTL MANITO, PAZ
CLOTILDE REA SOFIKITIS
Ray Ramos
February 22, 2008
I had the privilege, the honor of not only meeting you, but of sharing the mic with you...
My poetry is heavily influenced by the Beats, and your jazz infused, kinetic style was so familiar to me, I know you would have fit right in with all the other "angel headed hipsters"
It is a shame that you were called, but I know that somewhere in a small corner of heaven, You, Ricardo, Lalo, and Cesar are all gathered together writing verses that we earth bound poets have yet to decipher, your words will shape the boundless regions of eternity!
Gracias abuelo, "cockaroach poet"
You may be gone, but NEVER forgotten!
Alicia Sandoval
February 21, 2008
Hermano, Gracias por your inspiration, for being a great maestro and mentor to la comunidad Chicana/ Mexicana/ Latina. We will remember you always. God bless you.
Si Se Puede! c/s
JC Rx
February 20, 2008
If, perhaps, one can judge a man's life by the memories of his friends and proteges, this man was the Hero... I've tried to read all these words, these expressions of Love and Grief, but this, this is days, weeks, a lifetime's work! So sad for the loss, so happy for the Knowing... And now the Poet is the Poem! Viva, brother! PEACE!
Ben Carnes
February 18, 2008
It has been years since our paths crossed. We shook each others hands in friendship. We knew something about each others story: prison bars, sweat lodges and resistance. Today, I heard you completed your journey. I can only hope that when I complete mine, I will have done as well as you have. Give my best to all those who have moved on. We will stay behind and celebrate your life.
All my relations,
Rose Marie Daniel-Rosales
February 17, 2008
Gracias.
Resistencia
Raul Sanchez
February 17, 2008
Raul, tocayo, Farewell to you! I met you in Seattle at the Elliott Bay Bookstore, you signed my book on my favorite poem from East of the Freeway. That day you said, "Don't wait until I die to buy my books, get them now that I'm still here" I did, you phisical presence will be missed but you live in your words. Hasta Siempre!
Raul Sanchez (Los Norteños writers, Seattle)
Felipe Garza
February 16, 2008
gracia por dando de tu corazon. My teacher, my friend el unico tapon.You helped me too many times to count. Thank you for speaking to the guys in lock-up at Garner-Betts, for the poetry lessons at Johnston - Pride of the Eastside. I always taught I would always be able to just drop in at Resistencia y you would be there, now I just have to think of you to be with you. Thank you to your wonderful family and their patiece in sharing you with the rest of the world. Be with life force now my friend, and i will see you when i touch the horizon. love you
Jose Orta
February 16, 2008
I feel that Central Texas has lost a great soul. He was one of the local Chicano activists that I can honestly say was an inspiration to so many of us. Those of us looking for meaning, for direction and for a sense of self worth. I had the pleasure of working with him in the early 1990's when HIV was rising in the Latino community in Central Texas. He stood side by side us, and saw that we, the Latino AIDS acitivists, were also his brothers in La Lucha. For that, I will never forget him. He will be truly missed.
Que Dios lo bendiga.
Manual R Ortiz Jr.
February 16, 2008
Please accept our deepest sympathies From the Ortiz family.
Speaking in front of the US Congress & Senate, Raul, thanks for aiding me on the journey, so long ago.
Pete Salazar
February 15, 2008
Like so, many youth my beginings of self-discovery and Chicano history started with you as a guide. I still remember talking with Jorge Arrendado, about the history I was reading concerning The Raza Unida Party and other topics, George looked at me and said," Go see my friend Raul Salinas and tell him Demon sent you." Just 14 years old, I walked into the book store, I saw you engrossed in a book. Nervously I walked up and said, Demon sent me, you smiled introduced yourself and we talked. As the years went on you made a young boy feel like a peer. You helped develop my love and skill for poetry. While I only write from time to time each time I do, I think of those early years. The past fourteen years since our initial meeting many things have changed in my life. I had an oppurtunity to speak in front of the US Congress and Senate, as I stood up there, waiting to speak, our times of protesting and talking flashed through my mind. I thought who ever thought a poor mexican kid from Texas would be up here, Then I remembered Raul Salinas did. When you you were sick back in 1999, word got back to me through Paul Hernandez and you inspired a poem. I have never read it aloud, or spoke of it to you in our later meetings, but I always kept it. I offer it to you now,
THE LIFE OF A WARRIOR
I was a Warrior for many years and now they say my time has come--
God, I am afraid to walk into the setting of the sun.
As a young man I thought this day would never come near,
but now it is the greatest thing that I fear.
How careless I was for those many years, now I almost can't hold back the tears.
I sit in front of the window looking at the sun,then start to think how it must feel fun, to run through the air across the moon, then a voice tells me "you will start your journry soon."
I am a warrior through and through and to this I must always stay true.
Whatever the future holds, I will walk through it strong and bold.
For the warrior's life never comes to an end, it just runs like the wind.
Thank You for your friendship.
Yaotl Mazahua
February 15, 2008
Our respects and condolences to the family and friends of "El Maestro" Your example shined when ever we were around you. You taught us much in Chiapas where we met you. You blessed us all, ancestor! Aztlan Underground
Abel Salas
February 15, 2008
Maestro, what more can I say. From throwing down poems at La Esquina Lounge, painting the inside of Jovitas, trips to the bookfair and all the pláticas and regañadas you gave so freely and selflessly with love and kindness and pride, I came away with real knowledge. We will miss you, chingos. The legacy of your work will remain a beacon that burns fervently inside of us all. Amorindio can heal the planet as it heals each person. You taught me that, and even if there is still so much more we must do to acknowledge the peace and understanding you entrusted to us, I will wear your guidance and poetic mentorship like a turtle talisman that glows with epic shades of turquoise and silver.
David Gallardo
February 15, 2008
Say cuz you will be missed,you did many great thing's in your life even some that family member's didn't know of.It would be great to view life through your eye's,alway's the family spokesman.May you find refuge in the arm's of Jesus...will see you again...peace
Virginia M.
February 15, 2008
I never knew the man, but it sounds like he possessed and shared the beauty and strength forged by walking through the fire. Que dios lo bendiga.
Morales Family
February 15, 2008
Caroline & the Salinas family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
MIP
February 14, 2008
Gracias for opening my eyes to a world that was before unknown to me.
armando carrera
February 14, 2008
indigenous roots/amorindio
Erika Gonzalez
February 14, 2008
About your Presence and Survival
pa' raúlsalinas
Who will be left to tell of what happened to us Grandfather?
Among those who survive, there will be poets to recount that which happened to us.
Among those survivors, a cockroach poet was born – en el Pinto – del maiz that grew among cemented floors and walls – that died each day only to be reborn – turtle coming out of shell – tough outer skin protecting revolutionary insides - surviving to tell the stories of a prisoner who broke penitentiary walls with words – shone sunlight through keyholes and opened doors for la pura verdad – to heal barrio cries and broken spirits.
Died and reborn out of mother earth’s womb as a Native to these Americas – with trenzas indigenas y brown listón, red bandana, y tatuajes con coded messages for the world to decipher.
And in a dream of word offerings, a young Xicanita asks, “Who will be left to tell of what happened to us? When our trees are being cut, our homes destroyed, our families displaced, our people locked up or dead – our earth in retaliation to the contamination. Who will be left?”
And in total resistance and Pura Dignidad, “Es la palabra que no nos pueden quitar,” me dice. La historia – the story that cannot be burned, the story that cannot be locked up – the story that cannot be shackled – the story that cannot be rephrased or stolen – When a survivor emerges and reaches out his hand to little Xicanitas like me – to la Resistencia y la Poesia de las calles y la comunidad – eso es sobrevivir. That is real survival and a gift of life. To tell, to change, to heal, to recount what happened in our struggles y siempre pasar la palabra – y siempre pasar la palabra today – today – today – tell your story to survive and know you have the power to change the way the story ends con Resistencia y Plena Dignidad.
Albert Castanon
February 14, 2008
Tap You will be missed by all the Blacks.When we were young when we went with the Zapata family to California to work Buggie Jesse Zapata Paul.Edward and myself "Cat Eye"I remember when in a pear orchard we were fired the old man Tony Zapata said no one gets fired from a pear orchard but Tap we were.
amancio chapa
February 14, 2008
Viviras por la palabra profunda que nos dejaste.
Angelica Orta
February 14, 2008
Thank You Raul, for your guidence when I was a young girl....It's allowed me to guide my son as a woman.........you will be missed Greatly...Thanks Again
Donato Rodriguez III
February 14, 2008
Many people leave their stampa on this earth, but very few leave them as deep as you. You can hold court en la cueva whenever you wish. Rest in peace carnal.
Guillermo Jones
February 14, 2008
Raul,
I didn't know you, but you sound like someone who I'd like to hang with.
Hope to meet someday.....Bill
Kim Baldridge
February 14, 2008
Raul Salinas was a life long friend to my family and especially my uncle Paul Hernandez. He spoke and comforted us at my grandmother's funeral. He always had a sparkle in his eye, a kind word in his mouth and the gift of inspiration in his being. I am glad that I knew you and the world is a better place because of you. My condolences to the family.
mary gomez delgado
February 14, 2008
You will be missed dearly, you were an obstacle of many many lives and touched so so many hearts. May your spirit carry on in this world. You have made a huge difference in the community and also inspired so many with your thoughts & words. Many blessing to your familia. We will miss you dearly.
Lucy Gonales-Ybarra
February 14, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Anna Warner
February 14, 2008
You will be missed ; my friend your work and all you did for others will live in our hearts forever.
God's Sweet Peace.
Joyce DiBona
February 14, 2008
You were my friend and my mentor. I can still hear your voice ringing as you would enter my studio, "Do Not Despair Artist!" You were and are an amazing spirit. Blessings and Love as you travel the Good Blue Road.
Gilberto Rivera
February 14, 2008
A friend/compañero and mentor passed, today on a journey through life and beyond. I pause for a moment to listen to his drum en mi corazón.
He is already started his next book of poems.
Gracias Raul, can’t wait to read it. Hay Te Huacho Cucaracho!!
Con amor revolucionario
Community
February 14, 2008
Orlando Ramirez
February 14, 2008
Thank you for your love, blessings, leadership, wisdom and spirituality. Mucho amor y respecto siempre.
Angela Dunn-Jenkins Bey
February 14, 2008
May your spirit enjoy the light and we will see you on the other side. We have been very blessed to have crossed your path this lifetime. The lessons you taught us will not be forgotten.
los pinkys- bradley j. williams
February 14, 2008
With great respect and gratitude to have known you, Raul- We celebrate your life. You walked the warrior path, you freely gave of yourself and shared all that you had and because of this and so much more, you will long be loved and missed.
alba pena
February 14, 2008
don raul: you championed for us chicana/os, our indigenous brothers and sisters, my fellow sisters of the world, the politically prosecuted, and the literary world. your contributions, battles, words, and smile will never be forgotten.
Yasmin T
February 14, 2008
Thank you for the example of courage and love your life is.
February 14, 2008
Joe Rodriguez
February 14, 2008
Raul,touched many lives, his legacy will go on forever..may he rest in peace.
Luis Moreno
February 14, 2008
He will be missed....
Tommy and Kumi Shannon
February 14, 2008
Vaya Con Dios. We will miss you but we have your words, always.
El Maestro, siempre
Rosa Canales Pérez
February 14, 2008
Poetic Principles
Poetic principles
Beyond the jailhouse rock
Con tonadas, con colores
Con palabras, con dolores
Incessant beat of
Xicanindio blood
Pounding in your chest
Tumba que retumba
With the call
Of tribal drum
Skin stretched tight
In dark Pachuco brown
One million needles of
Amor Guadulupano
Piercing your existence
Fist clenched high
Above your head in
Power to the people
barbara caudillo-prince
February 14, 2008
Primo, you taught me so much, about living and life.What is important in our lives, about giving and not just taking. Prayers to Caroline and your family.
Anselmo Garza
February 14, 2008
RAUL SALINAS,!PRESENTE! !LA LUCHA SIGUE! !HASTA LA VICTORIA SIEMPRE CAMARADA!
Margaret J. Gomez
February 14, 2008
My heartfelt condolences to Raul's family. You inspired many young people by your writings and by your example of respect for others. May you enjoy eternal peace.
Lisa Moore
February 14, 2008
Thank you, Raul, for opening up your heart and your store to all of us. Your words and actions remind us that we are all in this together. You are a most honorable and compassionate man. I will always remember you!
Tony Tucci
February 14, 2008
As a reporter for the American Statesman in the 1980s and later as editor of the Austin Light. I felt privileged to know you, Raul. I remember the first time I met you at a meeting of the Brown Berets, one of the few groups that had the courage to fight for racial equality. You were a powerful voice for change, and made a difference in so many ways to so many people. I know that your poetry and life's example will continue to inspire others. Vaya con Dios.
LEONARD DAVILA
February 14, 2008
RAUL (TAPON) SALINAS WAS A FRIEND TO MYSELF AND MANY OTHERS. SORRY TO LOSE YOU CARNAL. I READ THE BOOK BRO. LEONARD DAVILA
Phoenix Eva Smith Tovar
February 13, 2008
My parents loved you. I wished we would have met, but I know your spirit will always be with me and the ones you loved.
Roberto Haro
February 13, 2008
Raul, they say that in life, we learn about reality in unexpected ways. You showed us creativity in expression and solice in experiences that were shared in a literary way. For this gift you have given to us, we will never forget you.
Steven Hughes
February 13, 2008
Your presence changed the landscape here in Austin and abroad. I'm thankful for having met and learned from you. My prayers are with your family and friends. Viva Raul!
Brian Ruiz
February 13, 2008
A few years ago I took a summer class at St. Edward’s University that helped shine a light on many minority issues we face today. My professor had lived through many tough days and showed videos of injustices throughout our country. It was made clear that there are still a lot of prejudgments made of people and how racism still exist today.
That class was unforgettable. We had lively discussions and we were in awe, as our professor would share his life stories. Well, it saddened me today to find out that this unforgettable professor, Raul Salinas, has passed away.
Since that class I had gone to his Resistencia bookstore on South 1st Street to see Raul and learn more. In that store I learned about the daily lives of day workers and the tough lives they live. Illegal or not I learned that many of them are good, hard working people that just want a better life for their family. As a father of two I understand this now more than ever.
I regret that I was not able to tell Raul about my candidacy for United States Congress but one thing is for sure his life impacted mine and I am a better person for this. Raul, thank you and I’ll make sure I don’t forget your teachings as I walk my first steps into the United States Capitol as District 31’s new Congressman.
Mike Henry
February 13, 2008
Had the honor to read poems with him a couple of times. Austin was blessed by his work and his words.
Ceci Gonzalez
February 13, 2008
May your words & spirit carry on. It was so wonderful to walk into the bookstore and find you there! In my early days of working with youth; you made a difference in the work & you inspired so many with your thoughts & prose. Thank you for sharing your passion with all of us. Many blessing to ur familia and your friends. We will miss you.
Natasha Sinutko Morgan
February 13, 2008
Descansa en paz, Raul. You have touched so many at so many levels of the community here throughout the years. Such generosity of spirit and passion.
Tommy Vasquez
February 13, 2008
Que Dios te guarde, Tap. May your family be comforted during this time of loss.
Adios carnal.
AlexG
February 13, 2008
Brother Raul,
thank you for your kindness and inspiration to all Latinos. God blessed you and your familia. thank you for sharing so many wonderful words with us.
Mandy Mercier
February 13, 2008
Raul, you were a wonderful artist and person and it was a great honor to know you. Vaya con Dios, Amigo. With great affection and respect,
Linda Heeke (LaFuente)
February 13, 2008
Rest in peace Raul, We were all so very fortunate to have known you when my siblings and I lived on Hidalgo Street (Samaniego/LaFuente) families. You and my Uncle Luis were such great friends. Now,you both will be in Heaven together forever. May the peace of the Lord be with you always.
Love, Linda(Lola), Raymond, Rachel and Ellen
Melyssa M.
February 13, 2008
i feel very fortunate that i got to meet raul only a few weeks ago. he will be missed, but his memory lives on.
Maestro, para siempre!
Rosa Canales Pérez
February 13, 2008
Poetic Principles
Poetic principles
Beyond the jailhouse rock
Con tonadas, con colores
Con palabras, con dolores
Incessant beat of
Xicanindio blood
Pounding in your chest
Tumba que retumba
With the call
Of tribal drum
Skin stretched tight
In dark Pachuco brown
One million needles of
Amor Guadulupano
Piercing your existence
Fist clenched high
Above your head in
Power to the people
raul en Olmito, TX
Rosa y Joe Pérez
February 13, 2008
Que hombre; we'll miss him. Our condolences to wife Lila and the rest of his family.
Steve Rossignol
February 13, 2008
Hasta la victoria, compa Raul!
Steve Rossignol
Angie Rivera-Zapata
February 13, 2008
Although you will be missed. Your greatest reward has arrived, Heaven.
Debbie Russell
February 13, 2008
Thanks for the beauty, the bravery, la verdad and the inspiration.
Bill Smith
February 13, 2008
Raul was a very present man who cared deeply about art, life and people. He was truely a gift to us all.
Roberto Ramirez
February 13, 2008
Raul's passion for poetry and literature was a great inspiration to many.
Mary Alice Davila
February 13, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Salinas family.
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Davila & Family
Amalia Rodriguez-Mendoza
February 13, 2008
Adios Compadre. Que decanse en paz.
valerie bridgeman
February 13, 2008
Ah, mi padre, mi hermanos, mi amigo!
I will miss you deeply and the profound and lasting impact you had on my life, my poetry, my commitments to the causes you loved so well, my Cherokee self, my African self. I love you and miss you already!
Mary Garcia
February 13, 2008
There are many who will miss brother Salinas; I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet him and to know his work. My thoughts and prayers go with him and with his family.
Gilberto Rivera
February 13, 2008
A friend/compañero and mentor passed,
today as he continues his long walk through life and beyond.
I pause for a moment to listen to his voice en mi corazón.
He has already started his next book of poems.
Gracias Raul
Can’t wait to read it.
Con amor revolucionario
Gilberto Rivera
Bobbie Garza-Hernandez
February 13, 2008
The loss of this humble and wise man will leave a great void in our community. His drum is silent here but beats in celebration with the ancestors. The Great Spirt smiles upon him!
Johnny Cervantes IV
February 13, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time of need.
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