Access to this collection is generously supported by Arcadia funds. Pedro J. Gonzalez had an important role in Mexican-American music of the twentieth century, as both a performer and, to a greater extent, a popularizer of the style. He had a radio program to promote his music and had also used his program to advocate social justice for Spanish speakers in Southern California, and to protest the deportation of hundreds of thousands of such people from the United States. After his conviction, in prison, he served as a translator and de facto liaison helping fellow Spanish speaking inmates and was instrumental in a hunger strike that led to the reforms in the California penal system. Pedro J. Gonzalez defense committees sprung up throughout the Southwest and northern Mexico. Pedro's family, fans, and the Mexican consul in Los Angeles worked tirelessly on his behalf until finally in 1940, he was released from prison on the condition that he be deported from the United States. Aphrodite Dora Versus with her sister Artemis Versus (or, perhaps her mother "Trini") in a courtroom for charges by Pedro J. Gonzales, alleged rapist of Aphrodite Versus, that he was convicted on perjured testimony. The young victim said she had lied because the city officials had promised to keep her out of reform school if she accused Pedro. The judge refused to admit her affidavit. The sentence was upheld by the Superior Court and he was sentenced to 1 - 50 years in prison on Nov. 7, 1935. Text from negative sleeve: 1620 - Aug 22, 1935; Artemis Versus - 17 yrs. + her sister Aphrodite Dora Versus - who was allegedly raped by Pedro Gonzales. 8/16/35 Handwritten on negative: L to R - Artemis Versus, Aphrodite Dora Versus, 8/16/35
Type
Image
Format
b&w nitrate negative
Identifier
uclamss_1429_9968 ark:/21198/zz002dj4kz
Language
No linguistic content
Subject
Victims of crimes--California--Los Angeles Sisters--American--California--Los Angeles Barron, Aphrodite Versus, 1918-1989 Versus, Artemis
If you're wondering about permissions and what you can do with this item, a good starting point is the "rights information" on this page. See our terms of use for more tips.
Share your story
Has Calisphere helped you advance your research, complete a project, or find something meaningful? We'd love to hear about it; please send us a message.
