Author(s): Lynda Lopez

Biography & Memoir | Politics

With a preface by Keegan-Michael Key In the vein of Notorious RBG, seventeen writers explore the multiple meanings of a young Latina politician who has already made history.From the moment Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez beat a ten-term incumbent in the primary election for New York's 14th, her journey to the national, if not world, stage, was fast-tracked. Six months later, as the youngest Congresswoman ever elected, AOC became one of a handful of Latina politicians in Washington, D.C. Just thirty, she represents her generation, the millennials, in many groundbreaking ways: proudly working class, Democratic Socialist, of Puerto Rican descent, master of social media, not to mention of the Bronx, feminist--and a great dancer.AOC investigates her symbolic and personal significance for so many, from her willingness to use her imperfect bi-lingualism, to the threat she poses by governing like a man, to the long history of Puerto Rican activism that she joins. Contributors span a wide range of voices and ages, from media to the arts and politics: Keegan-Michael Key -- PrefaceLynda Lopez -- Introduction: The Meaning of AOCJennine Cap Crucet -- An Open Letter to Congresswoman Ocasio-CortezAndrea Gonz lez-Ram rez -- Women Like Me Aren't Supposed to Run for OfficePatricia Reynoso -- "'The First Latina to . . .'" Pedro Regalado -- "'Pa'lante ': The Long History of Puerto Rican Activism in New York CityRebecca Traister -- The Imagined Threat of a Woman Who Governs Like a ManNatalia Sylvester -- In No Uncertain TermsErin Aubry Kaplan -- The Center Will Not Hold. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Is Counting on ItTracey Ross -- A Just SocietyCarmen Rita Wong -- Latinas Are So MoneyMariana Atencio -- AOC the InfluencerWendy Carrillo -- What AOC and I Learned at Standing RockNathan J. Robinson -- The Democratic Socialism of AOCPrisca Dorcas Mojica Rodriguez -- On Being an Indignant Brown GirlElizabeth Yeampierre -- Making the Green New Deal the Real DealMar a Cristina "MC" Gonz lez Noguera -- The Hustle