CHICAGO | The migration and early struggles of Puerto Ricans in Chicago is being told in a documentary making its world premiere Tuesday.
"Chicago's Puerto Rican Story" will air at 7:30 p.m. on Channel 11-WTTW, a Chicago public television station.
The documentary uses personal and archival photos and footage, along with interviews with early migrants, community leaders and historians, to touch upon the themes of family, work, housing and education. The film, which took seven years to make, also focuses on the creation of community organizations, health centers and clinics; the implementation of educational reforms; the hiring of Puerto Rican police officers; elected officials at every level of government; and the creation of a cultural and commercial business district known as Paseo Boricua.
"The Chicago Puerto Rican perspective has never been told," said Antonio Franceschi, who produced, directed and wrote the documentary with his wife, Gloricelly.
People interviewed in "Chicago's Puerto Rican Story" include U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, Chicago City Clerk Miguel Del Valle, state Sen. Iris Martinez, Chicago Alderman Billy Ocasio and other prominent members of the community.
"They all went through the same struggles," Antonio Franceschi said. "They told the same story."
Franceschi's father is part of that story. He was born in Puerto Rico, migrating to the United States in the early 1940s before moving to Chicago in 1945, raising his family on the South Side.
Gloricelly Franceschi and her immediate family moved from Puerto Rico to Chicago in 1982.
The largest migration of Puerto Ricans to Chicago occurred during the 1950s and '60s. Most families settled on the South Side and then Wicker Park, followed by Humboldt Park.
"Chicago's Puerto Rican Story" also touches on the Spanish-American War and how Puerto Rico became a commonwealth of the United States.
"We feel this program will shine a well-deserved spotlight on this rich and diverse group," said WTTW Senior Vice President Daniel Soles.
The documentary had a preview screening Sunday at Fiesta Boricua in Humboldt Park. The film features photography by Felix Mendez and original music by Tino "Archie" Ojeda Jr.
