Browse Exhibits (6 total)
Lourdes Bennett
Lourdes Bennett was born in Lorain, Ohio in 1967 after her family migrated from Puerto Rico. She raised her own sons in Lorain, worked in Cleveland, and has served her community through her work at El Centro de Servicios Sociales. In her interview, she discusses her childhood, family relationships, and work with El Centro.
“Lorain is special, it's not perfect just like any community but all the sacrifices that were made and to see where these families are now and the hardworks their parents and grandparents did, it brings joy to my heart to see that.”
Maria Carrion
Maria Carrion was born in 1952 and raised in Lorain, Ohio. A first generation college student, Carrion graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in Business Administration, and received her graduate degree in Health and Human Services. After living in Boston, Chicago, and San Juan she returned to Lorain, where she worked as Manager of Housing and Physical Development at El Centro de Servicios Sociales. In her interview, she discusses her education, career, and Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage.
Coalition for Hispanic/Latino Issues and Progress (CHIP)
Since its founding in 1987, the Coalition for Hispanic/Latino Issues and Progress (CHIP) has served Lorain's community members in a variety of ways.
Antonio Barrios
Antonio Barrios was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico in 1946 and migrated to Lorain, Ohio when he was five years old. His father was one of the first 500 workers recruited by U.S Steel in Lorain. As an adult, Barrios lived and worked in New York and Europe before returning to Lorain where he became involved in community activism and founded the Lorain Arts Council. In his interview, he discusses his travels and the past and future of Lorain.
Musical Echoes of Puerto Ricans in Lorain
The importance of music in the life of Puerto Ricans in Lorain.
Victor Leandry
Victor Leandry was born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1965 but grew up in Ponce, Puerto Rico. He graduated from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico with a degree in social work, moved to Lorain, Ohio in 1991, and now serves as the Executive Director of El Centro de Servicios Sociales. In his interview, he discusses his childhood, migration to Lorain, and pride in his work and community.