“The Spark That Ignited Puerto Rican Political Power in Chicago”

San Lucas United Church of Christ in Humboldt Park is holding a panel discussion to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Division Street Riots of 1966. The panel discussion will be held on June 9th from 7p.m., to 8p.m, at San Lucas United Church of Christ, 2914 W. North Avenue. Moderating the discussion will be Jacqueline Lazú, Professor at DePaul University. Speakers will include: Carlos Castro, a community organizer present at the 1966 riots and at the table during the ensuing negotiations with Mayor Richard J. Daley; Omar Lopez, community organizer in Humboldt Park during the riots and current Director of CALOR; Delia Ramirez, current Humboldt Park community leader and Deputy Director of Community Renewal Society. The Division Street Riots of 1966 were the first Puerto Rican uprising in the United States and were a response to the discrimination, police brutality, displacement and poverty that were harming the Puerto Rican community. The panel discussion for the 50th anniversary is aimed at educating residents and youth about the history of Humboldt Park and Latino social justice movements. How can the lessons learned after the riots be applied to the community organizing and social movements of today?