A compañero in the struggle for justice

THIS PAST week, the community of activists in Los Angeles lost a leading fixture on the left.

Don White was known as a voice for the oppressed in Latin America as well as the immigrant communities that struggled alongside him at home. He was involved in a wide range of progressive organizations and coalitions and could be seen at almost every demonstration, either as an organizer or a legal observer.

Don came to Los Angeles in 1963 and became a history teacher committed to issues of educational justice and equality in the inner city while managing to participate in every teacher's union strike until his retirement.

During his travels, Don became a faithful friend to the struggles in Central America and became a leading figure of the Committee in Solidarity with People of El Salvador (CISPES). He organized countless rallies, teach-ins and civil disobediences demanding an end to U.S. intervention in El Salvador and Central America.

Don was a humble man with a big voice and a warm smile, and possessed great oratory skills both in English and Spanish. He was a profound believer in building solidarity and referred to everyone as his compañeros. While working on CISPES teach-ins and fundraisers with Don, I came into contact with other groups in solidarity like the International Socialist Organization. Don was also a pivotal ally in sparking a week of protest against the Democratic National Convention in 2000.

Don was an international revolutionary with a giant and compassionate heart as well as relentless conviction to struggle. He was a true compañero of the Salvadorean people and of the struggle for justice in LA. He will be sorely missed.

Don White, presente!
William Figueroa, Los Angeles