Community, Cultural, And Activist Spaces In Chicago
Latinx community-based mindset is the foundation that continues to sustain our neighborhoods. As Mike Amezcua notably mentions, groups and spaces were set in place to support the self-determined working-class people that “overwhelmingly remain the custodians of the central city, a resource even more valuable to global neoliberal capitalism.”[30] One of which is the Committee of United Latins (COUL). This activist committee became active during the Chicano Movement that fought for localized resources and civil rights.[31] It was formed by the Near West Side residents to challenge city planners and politicians, with community members studying urban planning to fight against neighborhood displacement. Similarly, Pilsen Neighbors Community Council (PNCC)—founded in 1954—was a group instrumental in the development of the neighborhood.[32] They sought to address the need for bilingual programs, school funding, immigration help, and housing advocacy. They are currently active to this day. Gage Park Latinx Council (GPLXC)—founded in 2018—is another nonprofit grassroots organization that Amezcua highlights.[33] They represent a continuation of resistance against displacement and racial bigotry in Chicago.
Two groups that utilized an artistic approach in this combat against Latinx injustice were Movimiento Artístico Chicano (MARCH) and Casa Aztlán.[34] MARCH was a vital midwestern arts organization founded in 1972 that promoted Latino artists, community murals, and cultural publications. Although it is no longer active, they claimed physical space and expressed community identity in Pilsen. Moreover, Casa Aztlán was founded by Chicano activists in the 1970s, and became the literal cultural, artistic, and political headquarters for anti-police brutality campaigns, immigrant rights, and coalition building in the Pilsen neighborhood. It served the community for four decades before closing in 2013 due to financial difficulties.[35] Still its famous, brightly colored murals on the building’s facade once stood as the most recognizable symbol of Mexican heritage and anti-gentrification struggle in the neighborhood. After a private developer purchased the property in 2017 and tried to convert it into luxury apartments, a massive community outrage generated. The painting-over plan sparked intense protests, boycotts, and neighborhood town halls. Following this strong backlash, the developer hired original muralist Ray Patlan and other local artists to return and paint a new commemorative mural across the building's facade.[36] The historic revolutionary figures—such as Che Guevara and Frida Kahlo—were replaced with portraits honoring contemporary local Pilsen activists and community leaders. Currently, it continues to serve as an active monument to the neighborhood's Chicano movement. This is an attribute I intend to emphasized within the lesson. There is power in public art, and it serves not only as a historical narrative, but also an instrument of protest and accountability. Visual culture holds immense leverage.
Relevantly, Pilsen is also home to the National Museum of Mexican Art. Founded in 1982, the museum represents the Mexican community from their own perspective and voice.[37] One of their most significant galleries titled Nuestra Historias is permanent collection that shares stories of Mexican Identity. This exhibition showcases the dynamic and diverse experiences that have shaped Hispanic identity in the US and Mexico. It demonstrates culture as stories made up of many histories rather than one linear narrative. Within this gallery, there is another space labeled Galería Sin Fronteras (Gallery without Frontiers). This portion specifically showcases a promotion of Chicano Artists and depicts a first-voice approach that consciously connects to the social and political realities of their community. Some of these recognizable artists include Hector Durate and Ester Hernandez. Nevertheless, it also features Chicago local artists such as Salvador Vega, and Maria Tomasula. Incorporated in their art are socialist concepts where they systemically reestablish cultural imagery and aim to change society, politics, and the Latino community. This collection is not an elitist art space, but rather one that serves the community. Visiting this institution—gallery artwork also accessible virtually—with Latinx students is well worth the trip, as it genuinely illustrates Latin history.
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