Chicano Activist, Community Leader Jenaro Ayala Passes Away

Pacoima legend fought for Chicano rights and heritage

Jenaro "Xenaro" Ayala

The Pacoima Historical Society mourns the passing of Jenaro “Xenaro” Ayala.

Jenaro Ayala was a dedicated Chicano activist, community voice, teacher, and proud son of Pacoima/San Fernando, whose life embodied the spirit of La Raza and the ongoing struggle for justice, dignity, and self-determination.

Jenaro Ayala stood as part of a powerful lineage of grassroots leaders who shaped the San Fernando Valley through courage, cultural pride, and unwavering commitment to the people.

In 1971, the San Fernando Valley became a center of Chicano activism with the founding of a local La Raza Unida chapter by activist Jenaro Ayala. This was part of a broader expansion of La Raza Unida, which had established chapters across California, Texas, and Colorado since its founding in 1970. Ayala, whose family had endured generations of discrimination in the Valley, was inspired by these experiences to dedicate his life to organizing and uplifting his community.

The Valley’s Chicano movement emerged against a backdrop of segregation and social exclusion, where, for decades, Mexican Americans faced restricted access to restaurants, movie theaters, and public pools. These injustices fueled Ayala’s determination to challenge systemic barriers and unite local residents in pursuit of justice and equity. As a teacher and community leader, he collaborated closely with student activists, including those in MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán) at Los Angeles Valley College, to demand educational reforms, fight for civil rights, and advocate for better political representation.

The founding of the San Fernando Valley’s La Raza Unida chapter reflected the broader goals of El Movimiento: building grassroots power, confronting racism, and securing dignity for all Chicanos. The chapter became a flourishing focal point for organizing, education, and solidarity, often working in tandem with other Chicano groups, and at times facing opposition from law enforcement, including police surveillance and infiltration in their meetings.

His work reflected the heart of the Chicano Movement—uplifting community, challenging inequity, and preserving identity in the face of erasure. Whether through organizing, advocacy, or simply showing up for his neighbors, he carried forward a tradition of resistance and resilience deeply rooted in Pacoima’s history.

Jenaro Ayala belonged to a generation that transformed pain into power, and silence into voice. His contributions were not always recorded in official archives, but they live on in the stories of those he inspired, the spaces he helped protect, and the pride he instilled in younger generations. Jenaro understood that history is not only written in books, but lived in action—and he lived it fully. He changed the spelling of his first name to Xenaro to show his people that Malcolm X had inspired him.

The legacy of activism continues in the Ayala family. his children, Ernesto and Libertad, have carried on his mission, championing cultural pride and immigrant rights in contemporary struggles. Ernesto is recognized for his leadership in community arts and organizing in Pacoima, including his role with the Graff Yard, a space for Chicano art and activism, and as national chair of La Raza Unida. Both siblings actively respond to new challenges, especially Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and policies that have threatened to divide families and instill fear in Valley neighborhoods. Their efforts include leading “know your rights” initiatives, establishing rapid response teams, engaging in cultural outreach, and coalition-building to protect and empower Latinx communities.

Today’s Chicano activism in the Valley echoes the urgency and spirit of its earlier years, melding cultural celebration and direct action to unite in resisting discrimination in new forms. The Ayala family stands as a living symbol of the enduring fight for justice, dignity, and belonging. Their multigenerational commitment ensures that the values of La Raza Unida and El Movimiento remain vital, inspiring future leaders to continue the struggle for equity in the San Fernando Valley and beyond.

As a Historical Society, we recognize Jenaro Ayala as part of the living fabric of Pacoima’s legacy. His life reminds us that the struggle for equity and cultural recognition is ongoing, and that each generation must carry it forward with the same strength and conviction. His work today is also a part of the Museum of the San Fernando Valley's Historical Time exhibit.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his life and work. May we honor his memory not only in words, but in continued action—by preserving our stories, uplifting our community, and standing firmly in the values he represented.

Rest in power, Jenaro “Xenaro” Ayala. Your legacy remains with us.