This lecture will explore the settlement of Puerto Ricans in public housing in New York City between 1945-1970.  Drawing on demographic data, city documents, and housing statistics from the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), the lecture will highlight the history of Puerto Ricans in public housing in the mid-twentieth century in relation to Operation Bootstrap and colonialism on the island.  Drawing from Latina feminist methodologies, Rosa’s investigation challenges culture of poverty narratives and instead focusses on the gendered and racialized dynamics of public housing. Rosa’s work gives broader context to Holyoke’s local Puerto Rican diaspora.

This is a hybrid event: come in person or register to attend on Zoom.

Vanessa Rosa is Assistant Professor of Latina/o/x Studies, Department of Spanish, Latina/o and Latin American Studies at Mount Holyoke College. Rosa is currently completing a book manuscript titled Precarious Constructions: Race, Class, and Urban Revitalization (UNC Press).

The Holyoke History Room’s Perspectives on the Puerto Rican Diaspora lecture series is made possible by a grant from MassHumanities.

Link to the whole series