‘Both Eagle and Serpent’ mixed media exhibit explores themes of cultural identity
By Seb Peltekian Medill Reports Luis Sahagun’s art exhibit “Both Eagle and Serpent” evokes the Mexican flag, which features an eagle holding a snake in its talons, as well as how Latin American immigrants arrive in the United States — by air or by land. Sahagun’s artwork includes sculptures, paintings and installations to explore cultural […]
Chicago ranked most welcoming city to immigrants, despite hurdles
By Seb Peltekian Medill Reports Chicago is the most welcoming city for immigrants in the country, according to the latest Cities Index of the New American Economy, an immigration advocacy and reform organization. “Chicago has a very pro-immigrant posture, which no doubt is to the benefit of the people we serve. Our local and state […]
Behind the surge: Young Latinos can’t vote but urge others to do so
By Alex Ortiz Inside a Target in suburban Bolingbrook, about seven volunteers call hundreds of eligible voters urging them to the polls Tuesday, even though, at 14 to 17, these young Latinas can’t vote themselves. “We’re not just sitting around and saying ‘Oh we don’t want this president,’” said Claudia Garcia, 14, a junior high […]
Día de los Muertos in Pilsen commemorates the dead and commits to fighting social injustices
By Pat Nabong People with faces painted to resemble skulls and hair adorned with flowers marched around Pilsen on the night when spirits are believed to visit the living. Photos of deceased loved ones and famous human rights advocates embellished the “ofrenda” or altar. Under the rain, children twirled to the beat of drums. Día […]
The heirloom of Mariachi music passes down through the generations
By Alexa Mencia When the Chicago Symphony Orchestra welcomed Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, known internationally as the “World’s Best Mariachi,” last month, orchestra hall sold out. Throughout the performance, audience members would let out a joyful, high-pitched yell in excitement—a signature of mariachi music known as a grito. The ensemble itself traces its history back […]
Looming state budget cuts set up cultural clash at centers for students of color
By Alex Ortiz Brittney Hopgood graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2014 with a degree in industrial design. The high point? Getting a part-time job as a African-American Cultural Center marketing assistant. She had struggled to find an internship within her major to gain experience, and there, she found opportunity — and […]
A vote of faith: Converting Latinos to registered voters
By Alex Ortiz Just before the end of 1:30 p.m. mass at St. Agnes of Bohemia in Little Village Sunday, the congregation participated in a blessing for the Society of St. Toribio Romo, named for the patron saint of immigrants. The group is on a mission — not to convert others to the faith — […]
