Josie de la Cruz

Born in Oakland, Josie de la Cruz was a beloved community activist and leader for over 40 years. She founded the Ballet Folklorico, organized huge community wide Posadas (a Mexican Christmas tradition), and won numerous awards for her leadership within the Spanish Speaking Unity Council and Spanish Speaking Citizen’s Foundation. She worked in local schools and libraries, organized community-based projects with the Oakland Museum, helped at La Clinica de la Raza (part of Fruitvale Health Project, Inc.), and was an Oakland City Commissioner. Sanborn Park on Fruitvale Boulevard was changed to Josie de la Cruz Park in her namesake, and the Carmen Flores Community Center within the park was named for her beloved friend and comrade.