Remembering activist LA teacher Sal Castro

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Former students, colleagues and other filled the Cathedral of our Lady of the Angels on Thursday to commemorate the legacy of Sal Castro, a former LAUSD teacher and education activist. He passed away last week after battling cancer. 

California Supreme Court Judge Carlos Moreno was a longtime friend of Castro. He showed up to pay his respects.

"Sal Castro is a force of nature, a man on a mission," Moreno said. "He has left an indelible mark on the lives of thousands of young Chicanos aspiring to achieve their unique place in the American dream."

Castro is known for his central role in 1968 walkouts at East Los Angeles schools to protest inequalities in education for Latinos. This series of protests was later chronicled in the HBO documentary film "Walkout."

One of his former students, Nina Gonzalez, says Castro was a vital influence in her life. 

"I am a college graduate, a middle school principal, a proud Chicana Mexicana. I am, we are, because of Mr. Sal Castro," said Gonzalez. 

Even after his career in the classroom ended, Castro continued to inspire young Chicanos through an annual leadership conference. 

"It was about empowering Latinos," said Anabel Alcarec, a UCLA senior who went to one of Castro's conferences."[He] did an excellent job at inspiring you and giving you the motivation to succeed and go on to college." 

Castro's friends and supporters hope that message will live on.