Our History
In the 1970s and 1980s, Logan Square became majority Latinx, with the local public schools 90% Latinx and 95% low-income. At the time, many perceived the schools as distant and unwelcoming. LSNA saw strong schools as fundamentally interconnected with community well-being and viewed them as a community resource (see: “A Match on Dry Grass,” by Mark Warren and Karen Mapp, 2011). We worked closely with school leaders, including principals, to help transform schools as community centers, with deep parent involvement. “[LSNA] pioneered the development of full-service community schools, with after-school programming for kids, and educational programs (GED, ESL, citizenship classes) for parents and community members. The approach centers on promoting parent involvement” (https://chicagostories.org/organizing/).
Over the years, we have opened community learning centers, created workplace training programs, and helped attract more affordable housing to our communities. As our neighborhoods have evolved and faced intense gentrification, we have been leaders and partners in numerous campaigns including for balanced development and affordable set asides, driver’s licenses for all, sustainable community schools, the removal of immigration detention centers from Illinois, bringing a mental health clinic to our neighborhoods, Grow Your Own Teachers, the creation and state-wide replication of our Parent Mentor Program through the Parent Engagement Institute, establishing a demolition fee to slow gentrification, the creation of a community land trust, placekeeping efforts, and many more.
Today, we have evolved into Palenque LSNA, where we serve thousands of residents and represent over 40 member institutions, including churches, schools, block clubs, and social service agencies. Our organization has explored the concept of being a Palenque since 2020 and it officially became part of our name in April 2022. Our work has citywide impact and includes partners with coalitions across the city and state. Our work is grounded in our Palenque—our community—and our mission. Our work involves transforming schools to be places where youth and parents are welcomed and celebrated; ensuring our community has equitable, affordable rental and homeownership opportunities; organizing for just immigration policies while simultaneously providing support for DACA and I-90 applicants; providing broad and deep leadership training; engaging in cultural activation efforts so that our community members are able to see that the streets and buildings in their community reflect them; giving people tools and removing barriers so they have a voice in the decisions that impact their lives. We believe that through the love of our community, all people can lift their voices in collective power, lead with strength, and shape our neighborhoods with vitality.
