Memorial conference to explore history of Mexicans in Chicago

Louise Año Nuevo Kerr will be posthumously honored for her pioneering research and impact on students and colleagues.

The University of Illinois at Chicago’s Latin American and Latino studies program presents “Mexicans in Chicago,” a conference that honors the legacy and scholarly work of the late Louise Año Nuevo Kerr, associate professor emerita of history and former associate vice chancellor of academic affairs.

WHEN:

Sept. 16
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

WHERE:

UIC Student Center East
Illinois Room B (NEW ROOM LOCATION)
750 S. Halsted St.

DETAILS:

Louise Año Nuevo Kerr, who died Aug. 31 of last year, was known for her research on Mexicans and Mexican-American immigration to Chicago. She received her Ph.D. in history from UIC in 1976.

Her dissertation, “The Chicano Experience in Chicago: 1920 – 1970,” is considered groundbreaking work in Latino studies and Mexican American history. The study analyzes the urbanization of Chicago and explores the origins and growth of the city’s Mexican population, much of which involved job opportunities in the railroad, packing and steel industries.

The conference brings together scholars and community leaders to honor Kerr’s career, with discussions on Mexicans in Chicago pre- and post-1945.

Opening keynote speaker is Deena J. González, a historian from Loyola Marymount University and an expert in Chicana history; race, gender and sexuality; and U.S. social history. Jesús “Chuy” García, UIC alumnus and Cook County commissioner, will deliver the closing keynote remarks.

Admission is free, but space is limited. Advance online registration is required. For complete agenda and participant details, visit the conference website or call (312) 996-2445.