Oral history interview with Sonia Gutierrez

Sonia Gutierrez, director of the Carlos Rosario Adult Education Center, spoke in detail about the origin, students, services, successes, challenges, and evolution of PEILA (Program of English Instruction for Latin Americans) and the Carlos Rosario Adult Education Center in Washington, DC. She also spoke about struggles faced by Latinos, including the anti-immigrant climate; the political activism and demonstrations to keep Latino education programs funded; and how the Black community and Latino community worked together to fight for home rule in Washington, DC. Gutierrez described the evolution of the Latino community in the Washington, DC, including the shift of leadership and how current leadership differed from early leadership. She detailed the long path to establish the Office of Latino Affairs in Washington, DC, which started with a sit-in outside of Mayor Washington's office; and the founding of the Council of Latino Agencies. She also discussed the roles of Marion Barry throughout this activism work. Gutierrez spoke about Latinos' immigration statuses and the decision making processes around becoming a United States citizen. She also briefly spoke about coming to Washington, DC in 1971, growing up in Puerto Rico in a middle class family and attending private school, her marriages, and being inducted into DC's Women's Hall of Fame. Sonia Gutierrez was interviewed by Hector Corporan. Interview is in English. Digital audio files include white noise and static; interviewee's voice is intelligible.