Chicago meets P.R.

Puerto Rican Flag on Division Street

 

To many Puerto Ricans, Humboldt Park has become the ground for many prideful events of this community. This neighborhood is now becoming Chicago’s “it” spot. Filled with history that trace back to the marking points in this cities making, Humboldt Park is a reflection of what many left behind.

While driving down the streets you can see the many prideful Puerto Ricans that display their flags in their cars, on the windows of their apartments and businesses, just about everywhere. This is an image of a community that refuses to let go of their culture and together have come a long way.

Their traditions now adorn the streets of Chicago. Division Street is decorated with two 59 foot tall Puerto Rican flags. During the summer it is not rare to find groups of men playing dominos on a sunny afternoon. Parade and other festivities are just some of the many ongoing traditions that Puerto Ricans take part in every year. But these events are joined by many different nationalities that come to Humboldt Park to enjoy a day of fun activities and good food. Through these events many Latin Americans express and represent their roots. It is evident that together voices are heard.

Ana Perez

Returning “home”

Juan Maldonado in Mexico

As many immigrants face the challenge of being deported or willingly returning back home the struggle begins at school.  For many kids that come from immigrant parents it is difficult to call home a country they only visit on vacation.  Forced to reside in a country their parents grew up in does not pave the way for an easy experience.  These children go to school but their way of thinking and living is that of an American person.  After many attempts of assimilating with the American culture yet always being different once again these children just don’t fit.   School systems and lifestyles are very different.

Many kids now face reverse discrimination at schools in Latin America.  They are treated differently because though they can relate to their classmates they talk and think differently. Juan Maldonado is an example of the struggles that now many American children face while returning to the homes of their parents and trying to fit in.  He was born and raised in Chicago but now resides in Mexico.  Feelings of confusion and a desire to go home torments Maldonado as his chances of returning fade away.

This solution of going back to the country that raised these immigrants is a much bigger problem.   After living for so many years in the U.S. it feels like home, until circumstances in life change their paths.  The place many immigrants and their families thought was home is now the battle ground of finding their true identities.  The neighborhoods do not look the same, neither here or there. 

Ana Perez