Elizabeth Barahona, Northwestern University

Building Bridges: Jacqueline Wagstaff, Katushka Olave, and the Changing Landscape of Activism in 1980s Durham

Elizabeth Barahona, PhD Candidate in History, Northwestern University

“Building Bridges: Jacqueline Wagstaff, Katushka Olave, and the Changing Landscape of Activism in 1980s Durham,” examines the contributions of Black and Latina activists in Durham's grassroots coalitions during the 1980s and 1990s. Focusing on the migration journeys of Wagstaff and Olave, it highlights their identities as mothers driving their activism against systemic oppression. Their efforts led to forming significant institutions like Casa Multicultural and enhanced Black-Latino partnerships. The paper explores the demographic shifts due to Latino migration, the challenges faced, and the transformative impact on Durham's socio-political landscape, emphasizing cross-racial alliances and women's roles in social justice movements.

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This event is free, but all participants must register in advance. Space is limited, so please do not request a paper unless you plan to attend.

About the Borderlands and Latino/a Studies Seminar Series

This seminar provides a forum for works-in-progress that explore topics in Latino/a and Borderlands studies. The seminar’s co-sponsors are Indiana University’s Latino Studies Program, Northwestern University’s Program in Latina and Latino Studies, The Institute for Latino Studies at the University of Notre Dame, the Center for Latino Research at DePaul University, the Katz Center for Mexican Studies at the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois at Chicago Latin American and Latino Studies Program.

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