How Zack De La Rocha’S Father, A Chicano Artist, Influenced His Activism

March 21, 2025

Zack de la Rocha, the fierce frontman of the band Rage Against the Machine, didn’t just find his voice in music; he inherited it from his father, a Chicano artist named Roberto. Growing up in a neighborhood in Los Angeles, Zack spent his early years surrounded by vibrant murals that captured the struggles and triumphs of his community. Roberto would often take his young son to art galleries and community events, teaching him that art was more than just pretty pictures; it was a powerful tool for change. Every brushstroke told a story, and each mural was a loud cry for justice.

One afternoon, as the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm golden light over their humble home, Zack watched in awe as his father painted a mural dedicated to the farmworkers’ struggle for rights and dignity. Roberto’s hands moved with passion, blending colors that seemed to dance and shout. Zack felt a surge of inspiration as he realized that art could be a voice for those who felt voiceless. That mural wasn’t just about paint; it was a testament to resilience and the fight for rights. As Roberto spoke to Zack about the importance of using one’s talents to uplift others, a seed was planted in Zack’s heart—one that would blossom into a dedication to activism through his music.

As Zack grew older, he began to channel his passion into writing songs that reflected the injustices he witnessed around him. The lessons from his father echoed in his lyrics, which spoke of oppression, hope, and resistance. With every performance, he harnessed the energy from the vibrant murals of his youth and the deep conversations with his father. This was not just music for Zack; it was a mission, a way to honor the struggles of his people and those across the globe. In the heat of a live concert, Zack would shout words that resonated with his audience, igniting a fire in their hearts and encouraging them to rise up against inequality.

Zack’s activism was amplified by the stories he had learned from his father’s experiences as a Chicano artist facing discrimination. Roberto had taught him about the importance of identity, pride, and speaking out against injustice. He often said, “Music is the rhythm of the people, and we are the voice.” Those words drove Zack to embrace his roots fully, blending rock with elements of hip-hop and Latin music, creating a unique sound that would resonate with many. His powerful voice became a rallying cry, uniting people from all backgrounds to fight for a better world.

Though his journey wasn’t always easy, Zack remembered the struggles his father encountered in the art world. Roberto had faced criticism and rejection but never let it dim his creative spirit. Inspired by his father’s resilience, Zack pressed on even when faced with obstacles in his own career. The music industry could be tough, but for Zack, it was about more than fame; it was about creating a movement. His band’s music became an anthem for a generation, encouraging young people to embrace their identities and fight for justice.

In the end, Zack de la Rocha stands not only as a musician but as a beacon of hope and change, a reflection of his father’s passion and teachings. The lessons of art, activism, and resilience that Roberto imparted to him shaped not just his music but his very being. Today, through every note he sings and every word he shouts, he continues to inspire others to aim for justice and never back down from the fight, proving that the power of art transcends generations and can ignite a revolution.