Tepeyac: the origins.
The idea of an association dedicated to promote the human rights of Mexican and other latino immigrants, started when a number of priests of southern Bronx churches from the Archdioceses of New York became aware of the massive presence of a new group of immigrants which was arriving to the city. Among these priests were Fr. Patrick Hennessy, Fr. Francis Skelly, and Fr. John Grange; all of Irish ascendants. This group of priests, who years earlier received the Puertorican and later the Dominican, decided to ask for Cardinal O’Connor’s support in order to officially offer aid and assistance to each and every Mexican immigrant that arrived to New York City.
This relief cause was later joined by Msgr. Josú Iriondo, vicar of Hispanic Affairs; and Vicar General Bishop Patrick Sheridan always conveyed a deep sense of strength and social responsibility within the people involved. The group in charge of Mexican affairs was named Steering Committee.
In order to coordinate and carry out the ideas of the Mexican immigrant leaders in New York, the Archdioceses of New York called for the help to the Jesuits in Mexico. They, in turn, sent Brother Joel Magallan Reyes, SJ in May of 1996 to examine and evaluate the situation of Mexican immigrants. A few months later, the 22nd of July of 1997, Brother Joel returned to build up the project of support and organization for Mexicans in New York.
Brother Joel started visiting soccer teams, people in charge of cultural activities and every Church in the city. He invited every religious group already in New York to unite and work together seeking the common goal. The first 20 Guadalupano committees that believed in this project, held a meeting the 6th of September of 1997 at the cafeteria of St. Jerome’s Church, in Southern Bronx. At that meeting, Mexican leaders agreed to keep having reunions the last Sunday of every month, to plan, develop and give birth an organization that it was later called Asociación Tepeyac de New York.
Tepeyac trough time
1997
Tepeyac Foundation. Manhattan headquarters established on 14th street (Dec 12th). Case management was offered to Mexican and other Latinos who were referred by Mexican leaders to their office.
First Primer festival de la expresion artistica mexicana (Nov)
1999
Coalition for Dignity and Amnesty. Executive Director Joel Magallan along with other Latino Leaders from other working class organizations formed and promoted a National Coalition of 300 organizations from 25 states working for legalization of undocumented immigrants. National Coalition was supported by the Catholic Church, several Unions, and non-profit organizations. They presented to the US Congress and supported various proposals, which did not include a guest worker program, for legalizing of immigrants and family reunification. One of the proposal was named FREEDOM Act.
Days of the Dead celebration. Tepeyac remembers the death of loved ones that have died while crossing the border at the celebration of the mexican tradition of Day of the Dead, a colorful and cheerful way of remembering the dead.
Computer Program. Tepeyac offers computer classes to the Mexican Leaders. An intensive training was offered to Mexican leaders as part of the Tepeyac Adult Leadership Development Program.
2000
Independence Day Parade in the Bronx. Event sponsored by Tepeyac and organized by Mexican immigrant leaders to celebrate the culture and anniversary of the Independence from Spain.
2001
WTC Relief Program. Tepeyac was the main organization helping families of victims of Latino non-documented workers who were affected by the WTC tragedy. Tepeyac created a system so that families of non-documented workers could obtain services from relief organizations and offered extensive counseling on labor, legal and other issues.
2002
Pilot After School programs at Queens and the Bronx
International Run Carrera Antorcha Guadalupana Mexico-New York. A relay run from Mexico City to New York that brings together two nations and thousands of families divided by the border. Departing from the most sacred place in Mexico, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the torch passes through every state where families of immigrants reside. In this run, family members of Mexican immigrants carry a torch in Mexico which will be touched later on by their relatives who live in the New York City area.
2003
Entrepreneurship education program. Created to provide the ambitious immigrants interested in opening their own business.
Tepeyac launches the GED course, to enable immigrants to complete their high school and have access to higher education.
2004
Tepeyac opens the Bronx Community Center. And upgrades the computer lab to a Techonology Center at the Manhattan headquarters. The Techonology Center currently trains more than 350 people per year, through Microsoft Workforce Development program.
2005
Tepeyac opens Queens Community Center.
Tepeyac held its First Annual Gala Benefit. This fundraising event serves as a means to recognize individuals and organizations that have contributed to the success of Tepeyac in helping thousands of immigrants integrate into their new community as productive, empowered, and healthy individuals.
Tepeyac gained a noble reputation and positive fame thanks to its WTC relief program, however, the funds of the program were becoming insufficient, more people led to less funds.
2006
Labor Union Forum. Held in order to let workers know that they must be united to be stronger and have their rights protected.
5 de mayo Parade. Tepeyac finally obtains a permit to have a parade in Manhattan to commemorate the heroic Battle of Puebla in 1862 when Mexico defeated the French army.
2007
Mañanitas to Virgen at St. Patrick's Cathedral. An annual series of concerts held at St. Patrick's Cathedral to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe. That year the Founders of Tepeyac were given recognition.
Pilot Youth Leadership Program. This program sought to prepare immigrants for college.
Rockerfeller Foundation decided to support Tepeyac's research about the current situation of immigrant children who attend public schools.
2008
Drop Out Prevention Program. Tepeyac takes on a new approach on a very important issue among immigrant youth. Concerned about the increasing number of high school graduates that cannot continue studying due to their migration status, Tepeyac decides to heavily promote higher education for all Mexican and Latino immigrants.
2009
Foreclosure prevention program. Financial recession affected Latino community as well, for this reason Tepeyac offered aid and assistance for those who are losing their homes.
Tepeyac creates WALK; a leadership, personal growth and community organizing program. Its purpose is to get young people involved in their community by organizing events, taking on leadership roles within the community and by being creative and motivated to pursue a higher education. For their dedication, Walk also helps participants to apply for and obtain college scholarships.
2010 WALK program 2010 – 2011 begins.
Tepeyac continues GED, English, Entrepreneurship, and Computer programs. Legal Counseling is provided to all immigrants and their children who need it.
The Mexican Governor of Veracruz, Javier Duarte grants to Tepeyac a donation for Education of Veracruz people in New York. This grant will be used to provide scholarships for immigrants from Veracruz to take their GED test preparation course, and other trainings, like computers, entrepreneurship, English, etc.
2011
Asociacion Tepeyac celebrates 10 anniversary of Carrera Antorcha Guadalupana México- New York.
|
Who we are?