In Conversation with Miguel Luciano and Sylvia Méndez

Join us for a conversation with Puerto Rican artist Miguel Luciano, whose “Porto Rican Cotton Picker” and “Freedom Rider Vest” are on view on the museum’s third floor, and civil rights activist Sylvia Méndez, who was instrumental in desegregating schools in California. The works represent Sylvia’s mother, Felicitas Méndez, who successfully sued the state of California to desegregate schools in the landmark case Mendez v. Westminster (1947). The case brought an end to school segregation in California and provided the eventual legal basis to end racial segregation nationally. The conversation will be moderated by curator Taína Caragol.

The Portrait Gallery strives to provide programs that are accessible to all visitors. If you have questions about the accessibility of this program, or if you would like to request real-time captioning (CART), sign language interpretation, or any other accommodations, please contact [email protected]. Two weeks' advance notice is appreciated for requesting accommodations.

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