Date: Sept. 5, 2025

A co-author and editor of a recent book on Latina leaders in Chicago will be at Kankakee Community College on Monday, Sept. 22 to share stories from her book and about herself.

Rita D. Hernández, Ph.D., is one of three editors of “Chicago Latina Trailblazers: Testimonios of Political Activism” (2024). The book documents the political activism of Chicago Latina women from the 1960s until now, along with their impact on local and national communities.

The event will be noon-1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22 in the KCC Auditorium, Room L110. It is free and open to the public.

Hernández will share her history, discuss the women featured in her book, and reflect on her work in social justice and education. There will be time for discussion and questions, as well as a book signing.

Hernández has been an educator in Chicago for more than four decades. She is also a scholar and community historian whose work centers on amplifying the voices of Latina leaders. In the community, Hernádez’s serves as co-curator of the Museum of Mexican Culture and History of Chicago, is on the board of the national organization, Mexicanos 2070; and presented of Mexican/ Chicana Educational Summits (2002-2006).

She also wrote “The Silent Minority: Mexican Americans in CPS, 1970-2001” (2014). Hernández has a doctorate in cultural and educational policy studies from Loyola University Chicago.

The presentation is part of National Hispanic Heritage Month. It is sponsored by KCC’s Offices of Student Life and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. KCC is located at 100 College Drive in Kankakee.

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Kankakee Community College is an accredited two-year college which awards associate degrees and certificates of completion. KCC prepares students both to transfer to four-year colleges and to enter the workforce. The college also offers continuing education courses and certification training, literacy programs, English as a Second Language and GED preparation. The KCC mission is “Enhancing quality of life through learning.” The college has a Riverfront Campus in Kankakee, South Extension Center in Watseka, North Extension Center in Bradley and Manufacturing and Industrial Technology Center in Kankakee.

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