The Mexicans who immigrated to Chicago, have created a vibrant community in Pilsen. Pilsen is located on the lower west side, neighboring Bridgeport to the north. Close to the former factories and slaughterhouses, this area has seen many migrants arrive for the last two centuries: before being Mexican, they were Irish, German, Italian, Polish, Lithuanian and Czech.

Religious with the skull, museum of Mexico

The inhabitants of the area have always fought for their rights. This area has seen the birth of the «Bohemian Free Thinkers of Chicago», the first workers’ unions, the massive strikes, and the opening of many centers for education and support. The residents support each other as a strong community, and have created organizations such as; The Pilsen Alliance, El Valor, and Mujeres Latinas En Accion. Today, rapid gentrification is a new threat: rents are rising and the organizations need also to defend affordable housing to protect the community.