A Brutally Honest Look at The Painful History of Chelsea
EXCERPT FROM “RUG- GED”: In Chelsea, circa 1977-1989, the down and out society of homeless, poverty stricken street people of the “welfare class” – mixed with middle-and working-class families and with
Ricans were barred from joining white social clubs or from being hired by the fire and police departments. Puerto Ricans need not apply dominated the sentiments of leaders at Chelsea City Hall.
the newest, growing, immigrant community of non-English speaking Puerto Ricans, Central Americans and a smattering of Eastern Europeans. Since the first wave of Puerto Ricans
The joy of these kids in the Williams School parking lot in the early 80s captures the spirit of youth.
‘Rugged,’ the second book of the Chelsea Series by Arnold Jarmak and Josh Resnek
captures the city’s true essence in all its gritty glory and tragic histo- ry. It follows ‘Turbu- lent Years in Chelsea,’ the first book of the Chelsea Series.
Late 1970s Chelsea Hispanic beauty pageant
arrived in the late 1950’s, many Chelsea natives and property owners reacted to this influx of economic migrants from Puer- to Rico with indifference and disrespect. Watching the intersection of racist hate be- tween Chelsea whites who reviled the Puerto Ricans made us uneasy. Puerto Ricans were discriminated against, not just in the work- place, but everywhere in the city at this time. Many landlords did not allow Puerto Ricans to rent apartments at their properties. Others who did evicted them regularly and sent them to the crowded eviction court in the old Chelsea Square Courthouse. Puerto
BOTH BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE AT BARNES & NOBLE AND AMAZON
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker