Long live Bill Sorro’s fighting spirit
Eric Mar reports that Bill Sorro, longtime hero in the movement for justice, passed away early this morning. Words cannot describe how diminished our community is by his passing, but as Eric said, we should honor his fighting spirit by redoubling our efforts to fight displacement, to fight for affordable housing and for worker’s rights.
A leader in the International Hotel struggle, Bill was smart, passionate, fiercely radical, tough, but incredibly kind. He touched so many activists lives and was a role model and mentor to many. I am honored to have known him. Our love and respect from Leftinsf to Guilliana and his family.
August 28th, 2007 at 9:06 pm
Damn. Anyone know what happened? That’s terrible news.
I got to know Bill Sorro just briefly on the 2002 Tule Lake Pilgrimage. Streetwise, full of history, fairminded and brave.
R.I.P.
August 29th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
Bill’s passing will be a tremendous loss to many of our communities. Without always realizing it, we come to rely on the genuine and unassuming wisdom of many of our progressive elders.
Bill didn’t talk a whole lot, but what he said always mattered. He was never distracted by power plays, ego trips, or gatekeeping politics. He was a real warrior.
There are so many people I know who thought of him as a second father, a true role model, and a good-hearted man.
He will be sorely missed.
August 29th, 2007 at 5:46 pm
I am bless to not only say that I knew Bill but also that I was blessed to learn from him. I will always carry with me his wisdom, I will always cherish the sound of his voice saying “Oh, hi Krea, hows it goin?” I will always retell the stories he shared of the I Hotel and I will always do my best to love my community and my people the way Bill loved us all. I will always love, respect and never forget Manong Bill.
My love and condolences to Guili, Guilio, Joaquin and the rest of the Sorro family.
September 6th, 2007 at 11:01 am
My Uncle Bill was a great man who cared very much for people, and ‘yes’ he was like a second father to me who spoke to me with his wisdom of knowledge that only my uncle was capable in doing so. I learn a lot through my uncle teachings through the years I shared with him in his life time. I have used his teachings to become a good person, raising my own family with love, carrying and nuturing. I will always cherish the memories I had with my uncle as long as I live on earth. God Bless my Uncle Bill and may he sit at the right arm of the father, and be with all the rest of his family who has also left this world and gone to the next life which is ever lasting. Written by Doug Sorro Sr. 9/6/07.
September 30th, 2007 at 11:51 am
Bill was truly a hero. A man who didn’t need an agenda or anyone to tell him to do the right thing and correct the wrongs in society that degrade us all.
His life was in itself, a labor of love for the people and for his class. He will be missed. To remember him, we all have to come together and work a little harder to see his dreams of peace and justice come true.