Objectives

The Pilsen Latina Legacies objectives are focused on fostering community engagement, and providing educational resources to ensure the legacy of Latina women continues to thrive. By exploring the stories and contributions of Latina women from the past and present, we aim to inspire future generations and honor the enduring spirit of our community.

  • Community Engagement

Engage the Pilsen community in a collaborative process to select and design 1-2 monuments that honor Latina activism and histories in the area.

  • Commemoration

Commemorate the 50th anniversary of Mujeres Latinas en Acción and the memory of the 1979 Pilsen street fair (Festival de Mujeres) they organized.

  • Representation

Ensure the monuments authentically represent the stories and contributions of Chicana, Mexicana, and Latina activists in Pilsen.

  • Public Awareness

Raise awareness of Latina history, activism and organizing in Chicago to provide a historical anchor for the community, especially youth.

  • Inclusivity

Create a public vision of Chicago that is fully inclusive of Latina histories in the city.

  • Community Engagement Framework

Develop a framework for marking public space with unconventional monuments that invite ongoing community engagement.

  • Artistic Collaboration

Collaborate with local artists and the creative community to collectively visualize and design potential temporary and permanent monuments.

All participants in each community engagement workshop were asked to help create a monument that aligns with these thoughtful parameters:

  • Gathering Space: Envision a place that isn't just about passing through but about staying, sharing, and experiencing together.

  • Non-Traditional: Break the mold with innovative designs like rotating murals, sound, gardens, or light displays.

  • Activates Space: Ensure the monument encourages participation, evolving with community involvement.

  • Honors Women: Instead of honoring a single individual, imagine a monument that weaves together the diverse narratives of many women.

  • Family-Friendly: Create a welcoming atmosphere for families, providing interactive and educational elements for children, and comfortable, accessible spaces for older adults.

  • Inclusive: Ensure accessibility for people with disabilities, spaces that respect and welcome LGBTQ+ individuals, and areas that can be used by street vendors and local artisans, reflecting the community's vibrancy.

  • Stewardship: Plan for the monument’s future, considering how it will be maintained and continue to engage the community over the next century. This could involve sustainable design, materials that age well, and a community stewardship program.