Advocating for Latino equity: Oral histories of Chicago women leaders

Abstract

ABSTRACT Although a number of scholars have studied the dynamics of migration from Puerto Rico to Chicago, which accelerated between the early 1950s and late 1960s, the story of Puerto Rican community leaders, in particular women, has been largely neglected by urban scholars. To fill this gap, oral histories utilizing the critical race theory lens were conducted with Puerto Rican women who were part of the Puerto Rican Agenda—a think tank of community leaders within the Humboldt Park area, where Puerto Ricans have concentrated historically. The oral histories covered topics from their migration story to their leadership development to their struggles creating a more just city. The counterstories of three Latina pioneras—Hilda Frontany, Aida Maisonet Giachello, and Ada Lopez—are told to highlight how their identity led them to “shape change” not only in their own lives and families but their communities and beyond.