The 2003-2004 Annual Public Symposium

Mapping Memories & Migrations:
Re-Thinking Latina Histories

Held February 28, 2004 at the Latino Cultural Center in Dallas, Texas

Using region as a category of analysis, this pioneering collection explores the reciprocal relationship between Latinas and location. In highlighting the multiple ways in which Latinas grapple with their identity, the contributors significantly increase our understanding of how identity is created, negotiated, claimed, and remembered. This pathbreaking volume compares Latinas from a variety of backgrounds, moving the focus from Los Angeles, New York, and Santa Fe to Chicago, Tucson, and Philadelphia. Memories and Migrations embodies the constant negotiation and shaping of scholarship, which mirrors the fluidity of Latina migration, memory, and identity.

One cannot understand American politics without understanding western politics.  Western politicians, trends, organizations, and movements have driven the American political agenda for much of the century.  Historians will offer original work on key issues, personalities, and themes, offering both stimulating questions and provocative answers about the nature of the political west and its relationship with national politics.

"Mapping Memories & Migrations: Re-Thinking Latina Histories" a day-long symposium held at Dallas' Latino Cultural Center (Live Oak @ Good Latimer) on February 28, 2004 looked at ways in which Latina women imprinted themselves on communities and places large and small, whether they were born in the U.S. or immigrated here. Nine Latina scholars presented their research on topics that include the lives of children, homemakers, factory workers, educators, feminists, trade union leaders and politicians.

The resulting volume, Memories and Migrations: Mapping Boricua and Chicana Histories, was published by University of Illinois Press, 2008.

Contributors include Gabriela Arredondo (University of California – Santa Cruz), Marisela Chávez (Stanford University), Lydia Otero (University of Arizona), Yolanda Chávez Leyva (University of Texas – El Paso), María  Montoya (University of Michigan – Ann Arbor), Elizabeth Salas (University of Washington), Virgina Sánchez Korrol (Brooklyn College, CUNY), and Carmen Teresa Whalen (Williams College).

Organized and edited by:
John R. Chávez, Southern Methodist University
Vicki Ruiz, University of California – Irvine

Sponsored by:
The William P. Clements Center for Southwest Studies at Southern Methodist University