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NASW-Michigan Celebrates Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month!

Wednesday, October 5, 2022   (0 Comments)
Posted by: Kaelyn Lewis

 

Celebrate Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month!



The United States’ National Hispanic Heritage Month begins September 15th and is observed though October 15th. This year’s theme, “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation,” encourages us to ensure that all voices are represented and welcomed to help build stronger communities and a stronger nation. During this acknowledgment, we consciously delve into Hispanic & Latine culture and contributions this community has made to the state of Michigan. Ways in which we can acknowledge and celebrate during this time is through practicing cultural humility of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and South America. This month also celebrates independence days of several Latin American countries including: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua on September 15th, Mexico on September 16th, and Chile on September 18th.

 

NASW-Michigan is committed to recognizing the profound and positive influence Hispanic and Latine social workers have in our state through their strong commitment to community, family, ethics, cultural humility, faith, and service. They have enhanced and shaped our profession with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multiethnic and multicultural customs of their communities.

 

We invite you to join us in celebration.

 

Below you can find some key resources, organizations, and community events to help you celebrate. In addition, we have spotlighted some Hispanic/Latine pioneers who have had an impact on the social work profession.

Hispanic Pioneers in Social Work

Antonia Pantoja (1922-2002)

In 1961 Dr. Antonia helped create ASPIRA which started in New York City to address the disparities Puerto Rican youth faced regarding education. In 1996 Dr. Antonia was the first Puerto Rican woman to receive the presidential medal of freedom. She established the Universidad Boricua as well as Producir in Puerto Rico. For more resources on Antonia Pantoja, click here & here.

Hermila Anzaldua

Hermila received her MSW from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, TX in 1966. She served on the NASW National Task Force on Baccalaureate Social Work Education from 1982-1984 as well as on the International Social Work Education Committee for the Council on Social Work Education from 1983-1984. She was inducted in the NASW Social Work Pioneers Program in 2016.

     
     

     

Alejandro Garcia

Dr. Alejandro received his MSW from the School of Social Work at California State University at Sacramento in 1969 and his Ph.D. in Social Welfare Police from the Heller School for Advanced Studies in Social Welfare, Brandeis University in 1980. He is co-editor for Elderly Latinos: Issues and Solutions for the 21st Century with Marta Sotomayor in 1993, HIV Affected and Vulnerable Youth: Prevention Issues and Approaches with Susan Taylor-Brown in 1999, and La Familia: Traditions and Realities with Marta Sotomayor in 1999. He has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the NY State Chapter of the NASW. For more background on Alejandro Garcia click here.

Armando Torres Morales (1932-2008)

Dr. Armando earned his MSW as USC in 1963 and earned his DSW in social work in 1972, becoming the first Latino in the nation to earn a doctorate in social work. He co-wrote a textbook, Social Work: A Profession of Many Faces as well as founded the first psychiatric clinic for Spanish-speaking patients at UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute. For more background on Armando Torres Morales click here.

Learn about Hispanic-serving non-profit organizations in Michigan here.

 

Resources:

 

Events & Celebrations:



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