Leno Rose-Avila: Vast in spirit, tireless fighter who made solidarity a way of life

On May 7, a giant of human rights passed away at the age of 80. Magdaleno “Leno” Rose-Avila, an unwavering defender of marginalized communities, workers, and immigrants, died peacefully surrounded by his family and close friends, leaving behind an indelible mark after more than half a century of constant social struggle.

The day before his passing, he kept repeating: “We will win, we will win.”

In the previous edition of Impacto, while our files were already on their way to the printer for the print edition, we received the news that Leno had gained his wings to fly into infinity. We reported online on his passing.

His death came after a sudden decline in health that kept him hospitalized for a month in Seattle, a city he had traveled to from Magdalena de Kino, Sonora, to participate in a conference. From the moment news of his delicate condition became known, hundreds of people and organizations flooded social media to express their affection, share stories, and testify to the profound impact he had on their lives and struggles.

A pioneer in multiple causes, from the most forgotten to the most visible, Leno fought in the historic battles for the rights and dignity of farmworkers during the 1960s and 1970s. His life was marked by solidarity, organizing, and a constant defense of the most vulnerable, including incarcerated people, former gang members, and the fight to abolish the death penalty.

In 1996, he founded Homies Unidos, an organization dedicated to combating youth gang violence in El Salvador, financing it with money from his own pension fund.

His voice, always firm, resonated in marches, strikes, and social movements. But beyond what might appear on a Wikipedia page, those who knew him remember a generous man, plainspoken, deeply humane, and gifted with a distinctive sense of humor. Leno understood that workers’ dignity was inseparable from human dignity, and he lived according to that principle.

His passing represents a painful loss for his family, for the Impacto team, where he collaborated generously until his final days, and for all those who believe in a just world. His legacy remains alive in every worker demanding respect, in every immigrant fighting for their rights, and in every community organizing to defend its dignity.

From border to border, commemorations have already begun to celebrate his life and legacy, which also continues through his family. His sister, Tencha Avila, now takes up Leno’s space in this community publication from her own front line, a publication honored by his collaboration. In our next edition, we will share the story of this extraordinary woman. For now, we present the poem she wrote in honor of the brother she raised like a son.

To Leno’s memory

Tell Leno, I heard the drums for human rights were beating so loudly in Micronesia that they were heard all the way in Samoa. More drummers joined in, and they did not stop until the magnificent drum rolls for human rights were carried over the waves of the Pacific Ocean, across the coasts and hills and deserts, and would not stop until the vibrant drum rolls were felt by Magdaleno and his friends. Villagers opened their windows and rang lovely, loving bells, loudly, and still more loudly, nonstop, until, and only until, they were heard and felt all across the southwestern United States, then all the way to Seattle, and across the nation to Philadelphia, where his best pals rang the bell of freedom for human rights in Leno’s name: a simple man from humble beginnings, with a great big heart, who fought for human rights for all, all his life. Tencha Rose Avila

Leno is survived by Carolyn, his former wife and lifelong collaborator; his daughter Aviva Rose Avila; his son Kimbo Tenorio; three grandchildren; and a large extended family.

A Los Angeles Celebration of Life will be held June 10 at Immanuel Presbyterian Church (time tba), in Washington, DC, July 29, 30, or 31 as part of The 33rd Annual Fast & Vigil to Abolish the Death Penalty, a Seattle Celebration on July 11, the location TBD, and one in Denver, Colorado @ July 25, location TBD.

Rest in peace, Leno. Your struggle lives on.