DETROIT, Mich. (September 12, 2024) – Detroit Voces and United Way for Southeastern Michigan invite the public to a community conversation this Friday to help shape a major national project celebrating Latino history and culture. The event will center local voices, with representatives from the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino present to listen and gather feedback from the community on the merits and feasibility of a proposed Museo Móvil (Museum on Wheels) project.
This forum, hosted by two leading local organizations, is the culmination of the Smithsonian’s multi-day visit to Southeastern Michigan. The visit has engaged communities across the region, including an impactful community convers was hosted by Centro Multicultural La Familia in Pontiac on Thursday, September 11th. The series also included professional development sessions for local educators. The Latino Museum’s educator engagement series provided teachers from Detroit Public Schools Community District and Cesar Chavez Academy with resources and training. The professional development series concludes later Friday afternoon with a session for educators at Escuela Avancemos Academy (3:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.). The Friday conversation is designed to ensure the stories and perspectives of Detroit’s and Michigan’s Latino communities directly influence this national initiative. The goal is to create a mobile museum that is authentically informed by the people it aims to represent.
“The history of Latinos in Detroit and Michigan is a powerful, essential American story that has too often been overlooked,” said a representative from Voces. “This conversation, led by our community for our community, is how we ensure our narratives are centered. We are leveraging our partnership with United Way to provide a platform for local voices to be heard by national institutions. We encourage everyone to come and share their vision.”
The events this week underscore a community-driven approach to cultural representation, especially significant amid national conversations about diversity and inclusion. By hosting the final discussion, Voces and United Way for Southeastern Michigan are facilitating a crucial link between local experience and a national narrative.
WHO: Voces and United Way for Southeastern Michigan, with representatives from the community in attendance to listen and provide feedback. Members of the public are strongly encouraged to attend and participate.
WHAT: A community conversation and listening session to gather local perspectives that will inform the development of the National Museum of the American Latino’s Museo Móvil.
WHEN: Friday, September 12, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM.
WHERE: Detroit Design Build Green Hub, 1326 18th St., Detroit, MI 48216.
ADDITIONAL FRIDAY EVENT:
Educator Professional Development: The National Museum of the American Latino’s series concludes with a session at Escuela Avancemos Academy, 2635 Howard St., Detroit, from 3:45 PM to 5:15 PM.
This event is a powerful example of local partners working to ensure their community’s history is documented and authentically.
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Media Contact: Jerome Espy, United Way for Southeastern Michigan, (248)417-9567