Fighting for Latina/o/x/é Education During El Movimiento in Milwaukee: Community, Identity, and Institutions of the 1960s and 1970s

• In Event: Movimiento, Empowerment, and Hope in Latinx Educational History

Abstract

Using historical methods, this paper created an educational history of Latinas/os/xs/és in Milwaukee, Wisconsin during the 1960s and 1970s. Community organization and activism developed as a growing group of diverse Latinas/os/xs/és drew inspiration from the city's Black civil rights movement, Tejano migrant workers' organization, and el movimiento activities across the nation, to create their own campaign for change. For many, community and identity development shifted, and solidarity increased. Educational reform efforts targeted the city’s formal structures, both K-12 schools and higher education. Latinas/os/xs/és desired institutional changes that reaffirmed Latina/o/x/é culture and provided opportunities for Latina/o/x/é youth and adults to succeed. From these efforts, new bilingual and bicultural K-12 programs and higher education resources were created.

Author

• Yesenia L. Cervera, University of Wisconsin - Madison
  Presenting Author