Talk: Lorena Camargo Gonzalez presents “A Critical Race Feminista Historical Analysis of Activism in Latina/o/x Children’s Literature and Librarianship”

Drawing on oral histories with Chicana/o librarians and extensive archival research, Camargo Gonzalez examines key moments in the history of combating racial biases within Latina/o/x children’s literature and librarianship. Employing a Critical Race Feminista theoretical framework, Camargo Gonzalez further highlights the activism of Chicana/o librarians in establishing culturally relevant library programming for their communities and broader national initiatives aimed at reforming the profession. Through an interdisciplinary lens, Dr. Camargo Gonzalez underscores the relevance of past struggles in informing contemporary debates and addressing present-day challenges within children’s literature and librarianship.

Lorena Camargo Gonzalez [she/her/ella] is an Assistant Professor of Undergraduate Studies in
Education and Gender Equity at Sacramento State University. Camargo Gonzalez earned her Ph.D. from UCLA’s School of Education and Information Studies with a specialization in Race and Ethnic Studies. She also holds a master’s degree in Education from Long Beach State University and a bachelor’s degree in Ethnic Studies with a concentration on Chicana/o Studies from Sacramento State University. Camargo Gonzalez also serves as a visiting scholar for UCLA’s Center for Critical Race Studies in Education.

Co-hosted by the Department of Information Studies and the UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center.