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.
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Pilsen residents have a long history of responding to violence with vigils, demonstrations, block parties, masses, and even basketball games, demonstrating opposition to the bloodshed and reclaiming corners that have succumbed to violence.
Father, Artist, Teacher
Jeff Maldonado, a longtime Pilsen muralist, turned his personal tragedy into art and opportunity for others through the creation of the J-Def Peace Project.
Explore Pilsen’s Celebrated Public Art
Pilsen is known in Chicago for its public art and, in particular, its many colorful and distinct murals along 16th Street and beyond. Murals distinguish the neighborhood as a center not only of Mexican culture but of creativity and self-expression.
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.
Jeramey Winfield is a 26-year-old North Lawndale native who was introduced to the concept of restorative justice while in high school. He now facilitates restorative justice in his community as a way to help heal divisions, support residents, and combat the violence that has affected many residents, including his own family.
Curator Drawn To Pilsen’s Arts Scene
In January 2017, Ciera Mckissick opened a small gallery and arts incubator on the east side of Pilsen. She’s not from Pilsen, but says she has long been inspired by its art and its people. She is one of a growing number of newcomers attracted to the neighborhood.
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.
CEO and Co-founder, The Resurrection Project
Few people have played a larger role in Pilsen’s transformation during the past 27 years than Raul Raymundo, CEO of The Resurrection Project. He is now expanding his organization’s model to other neighborhoods, while he continues to struggle to preserve Pilsen’s identity and affordability.
Guidance counselors say that many undocumented students are “afraid to come out of the shadows and disclose their status,” discouraged about the lack of opportunities that await them after high school. But a group of students at Benito Juarez Community Academy is working to change that.
Beyond Pilsen: Chicago's Community Leaders
To many outsiders, Englewood is a symbol of Chicago gun violence and disinvestment. Lifelong resident Asiaha Butler, founder of R.A.G.E., has made it her mission to highlight and nurture the positive aspects of her community. In the process, she’s created a wealth of new opportunities and a blueprint for community-led development.
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