Antonia Pantoja: Grassroots Organizer and Activist

Antonia Pantoja, born in 1922 in San Juan, PR, overcame financial struggles to pursue education. Moving to New York, she faced discrimination but founded Aspira to support Puerto Rican students. Aspira's lawsuit led to a landmark ruling for bilingual education in 1974. Antonia also contributed to early education and college prep, establishing Boricua College. In 1996, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her legacy shows the importance of addressing minority needs in education.

What challenges did Antonia Pantoja face when she moved to New York City?

• Financial difficulties

• Language barriers

• Racial discrimination against Puerto Ricans

• Lack of educational opportunities

What was the primary goal of the organization Aspira founded by Antonia Pantoja?

• To provide financial aid to students

• To offer educational and cultural enrichment to Puerto Rican students

• To promote sports among Latinx youth

• To establish a network of Puerto Rican businesses

What was the outcome of Aspira's lawsuit against the New York City Board of Education?

• The introduction of free college education

• The creation of a scholarship fund for Latinx students

• The establishment of more public schools

• The requirement for bilingual education for students in need

Which college did Antonia Pantoja help establish to serve Puerto Rican and other Latina students?

• City College of New York

• Columbia University

• New York University

• Boricua College

What prestigious award did Antonia Pantoja receive in 1996?

• MacArthur Fellowship

• Nobel Peace Prize

• Presidential Medal of Freedom

• Pulitzer Prize