Conference explores history of Mexicans in Chicago

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

UIC’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.

The event takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 16 in the Illinois Room B, Student Center East.

Louise Año Nuevo Kerr, who died Aug. 31, 2015, 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, U.S. social history, and race, gender and sexuality. Jesús “Chuy” García, UIC alumnus and Cook County commissioner, will deliver the closing keynote remarks.

Admission is free, but space is limited. Register and view the schedule online.

For more information, call 312-996-2445.