FLAGS OF STEEL

Flags of Steel takes us through a historical journey of the Humboldt Park neighborhood dating back to 1869 when it was first annex to the city. Recognizing the first Europeans to arrive in the area. Their influences were great and till this day present. Although many soles of different backgrounds have walked the streets of Humboldt Park one group continues to withstand the test of time, Puerto Ricans.

This half hour documentary recounts some of struggles and triumphs that have lead to the transformation of this much-celebrated community. One triumphs in particular, is the design, engineering and fabrication of the Gateways that mark Paseo Boricua. The two steel flags that rise high above the heart of the Humboldt Park is symbolic of the many sacrifices and contributions made by Puerto Ricans from Chicago; a monument that pays homage to those who worked in the steel mills throughout the city of Chicago.

The heart of my piece if more specifically centered on the actual design, fabrication and engineering of the two iron flags on Division St. Both of which where inaugurated on January 6, 1995. As one of the architects puts it "it is far more sophisticated then the Picasso" (Daley center). The documentary, Flags Of Steel has been in the making for twelve years now. The documentary includes never before seen footage and photographs of the actual fabrication and assembling of the flags, along with interviews from the architects and engineers. There is also historical and cultural information presented by historians and political leaders.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• documentary