Gentrification and cultural resilience in Latino communities

On this special episode of “Horizonte,” Arizona PBS partnered with WorkingNation to present the documentary “Between Tradition and Transition: Gentrification in Chicago.” The film highlights issues of gentrification in the Hispanic neighborhoods of Chicago and is part of a broader series exploring challenges and solutions in Hispanic communities.

Neighborhoods face the challenge of balancing cultural preservation with economic growth. Residents are now seeking innovative solutions to protect affordability and maintain their community’s rich identity. “Horizonte” host Catherine Anaya explored their efforts to resist displacement while fostering sustainable development and cultural resilience.

“While this story unfolds in Chicago, it is a reality for Latino communities across the country, including right here in Arizona, who understand it all too well,” Anaya said.

The film delves into the history of Chicago and what made the city as large as it is today. The film features Dr. Amy Khare who is the research director for the National Inititative on Mixed-Income Communities who said, “Chicago is a city that was raised because of working class manufacturing jobs, industrial jobs and because of the immigrant populations.”

According to the film, Chicago is cited as one of the most racially segregated cities in the United States. Neighborhoods such as Pilsen and Little Village are historically, predominantly Hispanic communities, whereas neighborhoods on the north side are historically wealthy and white.

Chicago as a city is 28.8% Hispanic, however many Hispanics in Pilsen and Little Village are now being priced out of the neighborhoods that some have called home for generations.

José Rico, who is the former Executive Director of the White House Initiative for Hispanics, was also featured in the film and explained, “If we lose the Latino community through gentrification or inequity, or from the inability for us to maintain and buy homes, then Chicago is not going to be the great city that it is right now.”

The fight to maintain what makes these neighborhoods unique is something Latino people all across the nation face. The solutions may vary, but the goal remains the same: To make sure these vibrant neighborhoods making up the fabric of our cities remain home to the people and traditions that built them.

The documentary “Between Tradition and Transition: Gentrification in Chicago” was made possible thanks to the generosity of Lumina Foundation.