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 why men are so threatened by her power, 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 – Preface Lynda Lopez – Introduction: The Meaning of AOC Jennine Cap Crucet – An Open Letter to Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez Andrea Gonz lez-Ram rez – Women Like Me Aren’t Supposed to Run for Office Patricia Reynoso – “‘The First Latina to . . .’” Pedro Regalado – “’ Pa’lante ‘: The Long History of Puerto Rican Activism in New York City Rebecca Traister – The Imagined Threat of a Woman Who Governs Like a Man Natalia Sylvester – In No Uncertain Terms Erin Aubry Kaplan – The Center Will Not Hold. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Is Counting on It Tracey Ross – A Just Society Carmen Rita Wong – Latinas Are So Money Mariana Atencio – AOC the Influencer Wendy Carrillo – What AOC and I Learned at Standing Rock Nathan J. Robinson – The Democratic Socialism of AOC Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodriguez – On Being an Indignant Brown Girl Elizabeth Yeampierre – Making the Green New Deal the Real Deal Mar a Cristina “MC” Gonz lez Noguera – The Hustle
