Community led infrastructure plans to further educate Pilsen community on Latino history

	By Valeria Garcia, Arts and Culture Editor, The Real Chi

On July 8, Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th Ward) alongside the Pilsen Neighbors Community Council announced a pledge to raise $8 million in order to expand the Rudy Lozano branch of the Chicago Public Library.

Rudy Lozano was a Chicago activist and union organizer between the 1960s and 1980s. Lozano fought for Mexican history to be taught in schools and for more Latino teachers to be in those classrooms. In 1983 Lozano was killed in his home, but his legacy lived on when the Chicago Public Library opened the Lozano branch, located at1805 S, Loomis St. on Sept. 7, 1989 in recognition of his life’s work. 

This $8 million fundraising campaign will go towards expanding the library with Lozano’s spirit. This expansion plan will include a second floor, a larger exhibit on Lozano, private rooms/conference rooms, additional parking, and an archival room. The archival room is planned to highlight and focus on the history of Latino people and important leaders. spark the Lozano flame in the next Latino generation. 

This expansion became a fundraising campaign from the community because it has yet to have financial commitment from the city, which Ald. Sigcho-Lopez understands. Instead there has been a huge community support for this expansion.

“Commissioner [Chris M.] Brown, the new library commissioner, has been very supportive of the project,” said Sigcho-Lopez. “We do have a committee that was set up, and led by Lupe Lozano, who is not only the widow of Rudy Lozano, but also a leader in our community. She's the head of this committee that has been formed for the expansion of the library, and we hope that Mayor Lori Lightfoot identifies this project as a priority project in the infrastructure projects that are being prioritized in the city of Chicago.” 

Pilsen community members and leaders understand the importance of this infrastructure investment. In an interview with The Real Chi, Ald. Sigcho-Lopez shared how investing into educational spaces like the Rudy Lozano branch is a step towards helping children, especially Latino children, connect with culture and their community.  

During the July 8 press conference Sigcho-Lopez said, “We need more community spaces that are helpful and allow our young people, in particular, and our teachers and educators to have access to a space that is educational.” 

“Rudy Lozano had many visions driven by a passion for unity among all working people. He especially understood the importance of organizing. [This]archive will give us the opportunity to learn about our history and take on the challenges we still face as a community today,” said Lupe Lozano, Rudy Lozano’s widow, during the July 8 press conference. 

“We urge all our public officials to invest in key initiatives that are critical for the future of our community,” said Sigcho-Lopez.