Fernando Velázquez, the oldest of the Spanish-language programmers at the non-profit radio station Radio Pacifica (KPFK), died last 03 February, leaving a great sadness in the Hispanic community of Los Angeles.
It was a surprising brain aneurysm, which took the life of Fernando, an immigrant from Sinaloa, Mexico, who died at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles to 00 years of age.
He had started his career at North Hollywood-based station KPFK in early 1980, with the Colectivo Latinoamericano, which was the first bar in Spanish on that radio.
At KPFK, he was news director and member of the board of directors; and during the more than 4 decades that he was part of Radio Pacifica, he contributed to the radio training of many volunteers.
He is survived by his partner Norma Martínez and their children.
His daughter Nayeli Maxson Velázquez posted on her Facebook account that her father was an organizer and a rebellious and strong person.
“He found his voice on the radio after coming to the United States. Since he died, I have connected with some Spanish-speaking journalists, co-workers, mentors, recent immigrants, people of color, women who say he taught them to tell the truth about their communities, use radio equipment, and polish their skills in many ways”.
He relates that his father spoke of the story with some cynicism, but he was optimistic.
“He believed in the power of people coming together; and in the movements, in particular that of the Zapatistas and Black Panther. He had photos of the leaders of these movements hanging from his bed as if they were his relatives.”
And he talks about defining family more broadly than most people.
“I defined the family more broadly than most people. He considered the freedom fighters, rioters, activists, journalists, neighbors with whom he gardened, as part of his family.”
His daughter published that for her and her two half brothers, It has been amazing to hear from the people who knew your father.
“I knew he was involved in the community, but I had no idea”.
He said his father pushed people to grow up and challenged them like most people only challenge a family member or a close friend.
He ended by saying that his father was a fair and complex person, and led a beautiful and passionate life.
Fernando’s friends have opened an account for GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses: Help raise funds for the funeral of Fernando Velázquez.
Angelina Carrasco de the Coalition of Friends of Fernando, wrote on the site GoFundMe that “Fernando was solid in his commitment to The family and the friends. He generously gave himself to those in need and advocated for the underdog.”
But she also said that he had a great musical talent, since he played the guitar, the ukulele and sang. “He introduced many to numerous musical genres, including contemporary but mostly revolutionary songs that highlighted the loves and lives of the voiceless.”
Carrasco said that Fernando lived intensely, giving everything to what mattered most in his life.
“His impeccable work and friendship touched thousands over the years, and he will be greatly missed.”
Ricardo Hernández, who considers Fernando his mentor, posted on Facebook that the renowned journalist and radio programmer, leaves a huge hole in the hearts of those like him who shared microphones at the radio station.
“Thank you for every teaching learned on the radio, your great example of dedication for informing the community for more than 40 years, your truthful investigations and direct questioning of neoliberalism, empathy for the voiceless and your journalism in favor of social justicel”.
And he says that he will be missed, “your voice leaves a strong echo of justice in favor of minorities and migrants.”
Fernando’s funeral is scheduled to take place Held at:
Venice United Methodist Church
941 Victoria Avenue
Venice, CA 90291
Saturday, March 5
two: 00 pm – 5: pm