“How We Came to Be: An Intellectual Genealogy of Chicano Scholars” Book Panel
Summary
On October 7, 2026, the Great Cities Institute at the University of Illinois Chicago hosted a special book panel and discussion on How We Came to Be: An Intellectual Genealogy of Chicano Scholars. Featuring Dr. Avelardo Valdez, Dr. Teresa Córdova, and Juan González, the event explored the intellectual, institutional, and community legacies of Chicana and Chicano scholars whose experiences in the Chicano Movement helped shape the development of Chicano studies and transform higher education.
The conversation highlighted the intersections of activism, scholarship, and institutional change, reflecting on how generations of scholars established academic programs, expanded educational opportunities, and advanced community-engaged research in pursuit of equity and social justice. Drawing on the personal narratives and collective histories documented in the book, the panel emphasized the enduring contributions of Chicana and Chicano scholars to higher education, public policy, and community empowerment.
The discussion also underscored the continued relevance of these historical experiences in informing contemporary scholarship, institutional leadership, and community engagement, while inviting reflection on how the lessons of earlier generations can inspire future efforts toward meaningful social and institutional transformation.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (Central Time)
Location: Great Cities Institute, Large Conference Room
University of Illinois Chicago
412 S. Peoria Street, Suite 400
Chicago, IL 60607
Purchase the Book:
How We Came to Be: An Intellectual Genealogy of Chicano Scholars – University of Arizona Press