Join us on Tuesday, September 17th at 6:00 pm at the National Museum of Mexican Art for the highly anticipated launch of Chicago Latina Trailblazers: Testimonios of Political Activism published by The University of Illinois Press.

This historical anthology presents first-hand accounts or testimonios, told by Mexican and Puerto Rican trailblazing women who shaped Chicago history from the 1960s through today. Taking a do-it-all attitude, these women advanced agendas, built institutions, forged alliances, and created essential resources that Latino communities lacked. Their organizing led to greater efforts to address issues affecting themselves, their families, and their neighborhoods. Their experiences ranged from public schools to healthcare to politics to broadcast media, and each woman’s story shows how her work changed countless lives and still reverberates across the entire city.

The authors – Mary Gonzales, Carmen Velásquez, Aracelis F. Figueroa, Carmen Chico, Dr. Elena Mulcahy, Dr. Aida L. Giachello, Ada Nivia López, Virginia Martínez, J.D., Luz María Solís, Rev. Emma Lozano, and Dr. Ana Castillo – will be present to introduce their chapters as will the three editors – Rita D. Hernández, Ph.D., Lead Editor; Leticia Villarreal Sosa, Ph.D. and Elena R. Gutiérrez, Ph.D., Co-Editors. 

Chicago Latina Trailblazers also includes the stories of some who are no longer with us –Guadalupe Reyes Carmen Mendoza, and most recently, Maria Cerda.

The National Museum of Mexican Art, a trailblazing organization, is the perfect location for the launch of Chicago Latina Trailblazers: Testimonios of Political Activism.

This event is free, however registration is required. Seating will be available on a first come, first served basis.