Magda Ramirez-Castaneda was an activist in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. She co-authored the book, Chicanas of 18th Street: Narratives of a Movement From Latino Chicago. She worked for the City of Chicago for 26 years, including roles in the Department of Family Support Services as a caseworker and in emergency services for the homeless.

She inspired others to run for office, including her nephew who became a Chicago Alderman. She fought for fair housing, labor, immigration, and farm workers, and many anti-discrimination issues. She was inspired by the Chicano movement of the 1960s. While a student at the University of Illinois at Chicago, she co-founded the Latin American Student Union, and after graduation she co-founded La Raza Unida, Illinois chapter.

Magda was born in Coahuila, Mexico and moved with her family to Chicago at a young age. She lived in the Tri-Taylor Neighborhood, Lincoln Park, and as an adult in Pilsen.

Alum
St. Michaels of Old Town Catholic School
University of Illinois at Chicago

Honorary Magda Ramirez-Castaneda Way

West 18th Street, at South Laflin Street on the northwest comer and going west to South Ashland Avenue

Approved: May 2022

Ward: 25, 35
Alderman: Sigcho-Lopez, Ramirez-Rosa
Neighborhood: Pilsen

b. Coahuila, Mexico
d. age 69 in Chicago

Source
https://blockclubchicago.org/2019/08/15/activist-magda-ramirez-castaneda-leader-in-pilsens-chicana-movement-dies-she-was-a-warrior/

20221757