The Antonia Pantoja

Antonia Pantoja Papers, 1923-2002

The papers document the vibrant and multifaceted life of one of the great institutional pioneers of the Puerto Rican community. They lend insight into the nature and origins of the organizations founded by Pantoja and chronicle her personal and intellectual growth. A small but rich collection, highlights of the papers include personal affects from Pantoja’s early years in Puerto Rico, historical materials on the inception and initial growth of ASPIRA of New York, Inc., as well as a vast array of photographs documenting all phases of Pantoja’s life. The collection also documents the evolution of Pantoja’s consciousness as a black Puerto Rican woman and a Nuyorican, and the subsequent contributions of these identities to her professional development. The materials consist of correspondence, memoranda, photographs, flyers, clippings, proposals, reports, speeches, writings, awards, posters and videotapes.

Collection Description