Carmen Pola, Bilingual Education Advocate, Passes Away

News Summary

Carmen Pola, a significant figure in bilingual education and activist in Boston, passed away at the age of 86 on June 1. She was known for her contributions to the Latino community and political landscape. Immigrating from Puerto Rico, Pola advocated for bilingualism after witnessing challenges faced by Spanish-speaking children in schools. Her impactful work in education and politics left a lasting legacy as she championed various causes, including the election of Mayor Raymond L. Flynn. Pola is remembered for her grassroots activism and dedication to community service.

Boston – Carmen Pola, a pioneering figure in bilingual education and a prominent activist in Boston, passed away on June 1 at the age of 86. Her family reported that her health had been declining prior to her death. Pola was known for her groundbreaking contributions to the Latino community and her influence on the political landscape of Boston.

Born on May 1, 1939, in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, Pola moved to the United States after her parents divorced. During her teenage years, she worked as a farmworker in California, a job that exposed her to the injustices many immigrant families faced. In the early 1970s, Pola settled in Boston, where she began her journey as an activist after witnessing the challenges her daughters faced in non-bilingual classrooms.

In 1972, a pivotal moment occurred during a visit to Farragut Elementary School, where a non-bilingual teacher struggled to manage a classroom filled with Spanish-speaking children. Pola intervened by loudly commanding the children to silence, which marked the beginning of her advocacy for bilingual education. Her efforts were instrumental in rallying parents and community organizations, ultimately leading to significant changes in the approach to bilingual education within the Boston Public Schools during the 1970s and early 1980s.

Pola’s activism extended beyond education. She played a key role in the 1983 election of Mayor Raymond L. Flynn, coordinating his campaign within the Hispanic community and significantly contributing to his victory. In recognition of her impact, Flynn appointed her to head the new mayor’s office of constituent services and later made her his senior adviser on human needs, addressing critical issues such as homelessness and hunger in the city.

In addition to her work with Flynn, Pola made history as the first Latina candidate to run for a state Legislature seat in Massachusetts. In 1980, she launched a primary election campaign against state representative Kevin Fitzgerald, gaining recognition for her grassroots efforts and coalition-building among diverse communities. Although she lost the election by a narrow margin, her candidacy was supported by the Boston Globe for her commitment to public housing and school reform.

Pola’s dedication to bilingualism was rooted in her belief that it promotes greater understanding among people. Her work garnered her numerous accolades, including AARP’s Andrus for Community Service Award in 2012 and a community treasure award in 2016, underscoring her lasting influence on the Boston community. After her time in City Hall, she continued to support organizations and officials on issues relevant to the Latino population, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across different community groups.

Pola is survived by her four children, 15 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Her late husband, Juan Pola, who died in 2012, was her partner in both family life and activism. Her contributions to the community were celebrated, and a memorial service is scheduled for June 5 at the Boston Teachers Union in Dorchester, where many are expected to honor her legacy.

Carmen Pola’s life was a testament to the power of grassroots activism and the importance of bilingualism in education. Her legacy will continue to influence future generations of activists and community leaders.

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• Boston Globe: Carmen Pola, Hispanic Activist Passes Away
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• Wikipedia: Bilingual Education
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• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hispanic American
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