What We Do

Palenque LSNA is a multi-issue community organization, serving more than 6,500 Chicago residents and more than 40 member institutions in the Logan Square, Hermosa and Avondale neighborhoods. 

Why We Do It

With the concept of the “Palenque” — a space of community resistance, solidarity and care —
at the heart of everything we do, we honor the history, tradition and intentions of palenques across Latin America and the Caribbean to
support the needs of Black, Brown, and
Indigenous communities here at home.

We believe radical liberation can exist and thrive if we embrace these intentions:

• Acknowledge a shared history between Latinx and African cultures and communities

• Challenge anti-Blackness and anti-Indigeneity in Latinx cultures that allows for a political analysis based on liberation, healing, and unity

• Forge a relationship with those who seek freedom from the exploitative forces of capitalism, machismo, and white supremacy

• Reframe Latinx power-building as a liberatory activity that can lead to a more just and joyful future for many

How We Do It

There are four pillars that drive the work we do in the community:

How It Started

Decades ago, Logan Square became majority Latinx with schools at 90% Latinx and 95% low income. Many families felt schools were unwelcoming, so we worked with educators to transform them into community hubs with strong parent involvement. Over time, we established community learning centers, job training programs, and supported affordable housing.

As gentrification intensified, we led campaigns for balanced development, affordable housing, immigrant rights, sustainable schools, mental health access, and anti-displacement efforts and created the Parent Mentor Program and the Parent Engagement Institute.

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