Somos Latinas: Voices of Wisconsin Latina Activists

“Somos Latinas” is a collection of interviews and reflections of Latinas activists located in Wisconsin. It is divided into two sections “Their Activism, Their Stories” and “Exploring Key Themes”, their Role Models, Motivations, Risk-taking and Reflections and Hopes. The first section consists of an entry for each activist includes their self-described identity, ie., Mexican, Latina, Puerto Rican Hispanic, etc, whether they consider themselves an activist, the spheres of their activism, their locations and years of activism and their life. The authors make clear that the Latinx community draws from many sources, Mexico, Puerto Rico, central and South America and those native to the United States.

This anthology can be show more appreciated on many levels. Readers with an interest in the history of activism, whether Latinx, feminine or more general, will find a treasure trove of accounts, observations and impressions. Wisconsin residents will learn about a segment of the ethnic makeup of their state.

Though not fitting into any of those categories, I learned much about the history of Latinx migration to Wisconsin, the jobs that drew them and their patterns of settlement. Each reader will find their own niche to ponder. I was particularly drawn to the seemingly conflicting assessments of Latinx who achieve success in Wisconsin. Diasy Cubias remarks “(I))ts great to see Latinos going to the universities and becoming doctors, writers and lawyers”. Gladis Benevides lamented “If Latinos…have achieved individually…we feel the pressure to be mainstream American, then our community doesn’t grow stronger.” I think this reflects the separate visons of a melting pot in which ethnics blend into a common Americanism and a mosaic in which each group maintains its separate identity while taking their places in the American portrait. Whichever vision is yours, it is helpful to recognize and respect the visions of all. “Somos Latinas” is a book from which many can draw enjoyment and benefit.

I did receive a free copy of this book without an obligation to post a review. show less