Latinx Freedom Conference: Honoring a Legacy of Activism

The upcoming "Latinx Freedom: Power and Protest in the 1960s" conference, scheduled for April 9-10, 2026, at the CUNY Graduate Center in New York City, aims to bring together veterans of the Latinx freedom movements alongside scholars and the public. This landmark gathering will feature discussions on the historical significance of Latinx activism and its impact on American democracy. The event serves as a precursor to the Latinx Freedom Movement Archive and Exhibition Project, which will launch a series of exhibitions across five cities in 2026, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Latinx Freedom Movement Conference at the CUNY Graduate Center, April 9–10, 2026 – The City University of New YorkDemocracy Now

The conference will host notable figures from the 1960s Latinx movements, including Juan González, a founding member of the New York Young Lords, and Martha Cotera, a feminist scholar and leader of the Raza Unida Party. Other speakers include Carlos Montes, Rosie Castro, and Eliseo Medina, among others. The agenda includes keynote addresses, breakout sessions, and a town hall meeting titled "In the Shadow of ICE," featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Maria Hinojosa. The discussions will focus on themes such as citizenship, migration, labor, and the historical context of Latinx struggles for justice.

Latinx Freedom Movement Conference at the CUNY Graduate Center, April 9–10, 2026 – The City University of New York

This gathering seeks to address the historical erasure of Latinx contributions to American democracy and aims to connect past struggles with contemporary issues. Felipe Hinojosa, a Professor of History at Baylor University, emphasized the importance of recognizing Latinx history as central to the American narrative. The conference will also serve as a platform for discussing the current political climate and its implications for the Latinx community.

Latinx Freedom Movement Conference at the CUNY Graduate Center, April 9–10, 2026 – The City University of New York

Juan González highlighted the significance of the event, stating, "It’s bringing together veterans of the Latinx freedom and revolutionary movements of the 1960s to be in conversation with academics, university students, and the general public." He expressed hope that the conference would foster a deeper understanding of the Latinx experience and its relevance today.

Latinx Freedom Movement Conference at the CUNY Graduate Center, April 9–10, 2026 – The City University of New York

While the conference aims to celebrate Latinx history, some critics argue that such events can sometimes overlook the diversity within the Latinx community and the varying perspectives on historical events. This critique underscores the need for inclusive dialogue that encompasses a wide range of experiences and viewpoints.

Latinx Freedom Movement Conference at the CUNY Graduate Center, April 9–10, 2026 – The City University of New York

Following the conference, the Latinx Freedom Movement Archive and Exhibition Project will debut a series of outdoor exhibitions in cities including Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., starting July 4, 2026. These exhibitions will aim to educate the public about the historical struggles and contributions of Latinx communities in the United States.

Latinx Freedom Movement Conference at the CUNY Graduate Center, April 9–10, 2026 – The City University of New York

• “Latinx communities have long shaped struggles for justice — from labor and education to anti-war and international solidarity movements,” — Felipe Hinojosa, Professor of History at Baylor University.

Latinx Freedom Movement Conference at the CUNY Graduate Center, April 9–10, 2026 – The City University of New York

• “And it’s going to be a terrific two-day conference.” — Juan González, journalist and co-host of Democracy Now!

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