The History of Pilsen
Pilsen’s early story is one of struggle: recently arrived immigrants struggling to navigate a foreign, often unwelcoming new land; factory workers struggling for a livable wage and an eight-hour day, even in the face of violent suppression; neighbors struggling to make their streets safe, their schools respectable, their air clean enough to breathe, and their homes secure.
It is only in recent years that many of those struggles have borne fruit, and given way to a new struggle: one to maintain the identity and affordability of what has only recently become a profitable destination for developers and investors. Continue history…
Pilsen, Chicago. 1929, U.S. Geological Survey.
Explore Stories
The Messages Behind the Murals
Pilsen’s buildings, alleyways, and even doors are places where artists express their roots, their values, and their opposition to injustice.
Muralist
Hector Duarte’s vibrant, provocative murals reflect the experiences and dreams of immigrants like himself. He grew up in Michoacán, Mexico, but has long made the Pilsen neighborhood his home, and its streets his canvas.
Bricklayer paving her way in male-dominated trade
Lilliana Calderon found steady employment and financial independence with the help of Chicago Women in Trades, a local organization that helps women break into the male-dominated plumbing, carpentry, pipe-fitting, electric, and bricklaying trades. She recently bought her first home in Pilsen.
Domestic violence intervention for the Latino immigrant community
Many of the women who seek help from Chicago’s oldest domestic violence organization serving the Latino community have to overcome multiple barriers — including, in recent months, a growing fear of deportation.
Beyond Pilsen: Chicago's Community Leaders
Community leaders are working hard to foster investment and stability in Humboldt Park, cementing and celebrating the neighborhood’s Puerto Rican identity in a way that welcomes visitors and newcomers but also helps long-time, local residents stay and benefit from the increasingly prosperous environment.
Grassroots Group Supports Women Fighting Breast Cancer
Having breast cancer is hard. It’s even harder when you’re undocumented and uninsured. A grassroots support group in Pilsen, ELLAS (which stands for En La Lucha A Sobrevivir, or, In The Struggle To Survive, in English), is working to provide support.
Environmentalist and Co-Founder of PERRO
Maria Chavez doesn’t enjoy talking about herself, having her picture taken, or taking credit for any of the work she’s done as an outspoken – and highly effective – activist for environmental justice.
Education Leader
Adults in Pilsen have historically worked menial jobs, with limited upward mobility. While at Instituto del Progreso Latino, Juan Salgado developed innovative new adult education programs, enabling thousands to improve their skills and launch prosperous careers. Mayor Rahm Emanuel recently tapped him to bring his skills to City Colleges of Chicago.
Immigrant rights organizer
Alma Silva arrived in Chicago 20 years ago from her home in Coahuila, Mexico. Today, she is committed to social justice and improving the opportunities for immigrants in Chicago and beyond.
Developer of Affordable Housing
During the past twenty years, Guacolda Reyes went from intern to VP of The Resurrection Project. In the process, she’s helped develop more than 550 affordable housing units in the Pilsen neighborhood alone.
Explore Topics
Are you inspired by the stories of Pilsen? Get involved in your neighborhood! Learn how.
