In the summer of 1969, an unlikely public space appeared in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. People’s Park was created by the Young Lords, a group of Puerto Rican community activists that eventually became a nationwide political force. Created as a protest against gentrification and displacement, People’s Park embodied community empowerment and served as a communal space for gardening, public gatherings, and play. The centerpiece of the space was a group of interactive play sculptures created for the park by noted artist Mark di Suvero.
This panel discussion will examine the background of the Young Lords and the creation of People’s Park; di Suvero’s play sculptures; and what we can learn today from People’s Park and its intersection of political protest, modern art, and play.
Panelists include Dr. Jacqueline Lazú, DePaul University professor and prominent scholar of the Young Lords Organization, and Dr. Marin R. Sullivan, art historian, curator, and specialist in modern sculpture. The program will be moderated by Justin Miller, architectural historian and Docomomo US/Chicago board member.
This event is part of Docomomo Tour Day, an annual nationwide celebration of modern architecture and design. The program is co-sponsored by the DePaul Center for Latino Research and Docomomo US/Chicago.
The event is free. The program will be held in-person at DePaul University Arts and Letters Hall. There is also a virtual option for those unable to attend in person.
