66 °f
Detroit
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
  • Home
  • About
    • Introducing the partnership with the Race and Justice reporting Initiative
  • Español
    Approximately 1,200 people Shouted ¡Viva México! in Mexicantown, Detroit

    Approximately 1,200 people Shouted ¡Viva México! in Mexicantown, Detroit

    10 reasons to feel proud this Hispanic Heritage Month

    10 reasons to feel proud this Hispanic Heritage Month

    Chicano Fest: Celebrating History and Brown Pride

    Chicano Fest: Celebrating History and Brown Pride

    Southwest Detroit Organizations Launch ‘Building a Healthy Future’ Campaign

    Southwest Detroit Organizations Launch ‘Building a Healthy Future’ Campaign

    El Chinchorreo: Detroit’s Day Under the Caribbean Sun

    El Chinchorreo: Detroit’s Day Under the Caribbean Sun

    Muralist from Southwest Detroit Receives Prestigious Kresge Artist Fellowship

    Muralist from Southwest Detroit Receives Prestigious Kresge Artist Fellowship

    Small Businesses Remain Bullish Despite Economic and Labor Concerns

    Sixto Diaz Rodriguez, Once Called a Man of Mystery, Leaves Behind a Prolific Legacy

    Sixto Diaz Rodriguez, Once Called a Man of Mystery, Leaves Behind a Prolific Legacy

    Teens engaged in activism become better critical thinkers, U-M study finds

    Teens engaged in activism become better critical thinkers, U-M study finds

  • Community
    State’s First Historical Marker Honoring Mexican Community to be Placed in Southwest Detroit September 29

    State’s First Historical Marker Honoring Mexican Community to be Placed in Southwest Detroit September 29

    Vince Murray, Godfather of Stanton Park, Honored

    The Godfrey Hotel Detroit & I/O Rooftop Lounge Opens

    The Godfrey Hotel Detroit & I/O Rooftop Lounge Opens

    Michigan Carpenters and Millwrights Unveil Schools to Tools Mobile Field Trip Trailer at Labor Day Event

    Michigan Carpenters and Millwrights Unveil Schools to Tools Mobile Field Trip Trailer at Labor Day Event

    Southwest Detroit Organizations Launch ‘Building a Healthy Future’ Campaign

    Southwest Detroit Organizations Launch ‘Building a Healthy Future’ Campaign

    Final Steps in Gordie Howe International Bridge Tower Construction Underway

    Final Steps in Gordie Howe International Bridge Tower Construction Underway

    Engaging Detroit:  Rep. Rashida Tlaib creates Youth Civic Engagement Fellowship

    Engaging Detroit: Rep. Rashida Tlaib creates Youth Civic Engagement Fellowship

    Copa Motor City Raises Nearly $10,000 for Clark Park Coalition in 8th Annual Soccer Tournament

    Copa Motor City Raises Nearly $10,000 for Clark Park Coalition in 8th Annual Soccer Tournament

    El Chinchorreo: Detroit’s Day Under the Caribbean Sun

    El Chinchorreo: Detroit’s Day Under the Caribbean Sun

  • Featured
    10 reasons to feel proud this Hispanic Heritage Month

    10 reasons to feel proud this Hispanic Heritage Month

    Chicano Fest: Celebrating History and Brown Pride

    Chicano Fest: Celebrating History and Brown Pride

    Muralist from Southwest Detroit Receives Prestigious Kresge Artist Fellowship

    Muralist from Southwest Detroit Receives Prestigious Kresge Artist Fellowship

    Sixto Diaz Rodriguez, Once Called a Man of Mystery, Leaves Behind a Prolific Legacy

    Sixto Diaz Rodriguez, Once Called a Man of Mystery, Leaves Behind a Prolific Legacy

    Your Guide to a Career in Green Mobility in Detroit

    Your Guide to a Career in Green Mobility in Detroit

    MANA de Metro Detroit Annual Brindis Luncheon Celebrates and Supports Area Latinas

    MANA de Metro Detroit Annual Brindis Luncheon Celebrates and Supports Area Latinas

    Southwest Detroit and Mexicantown –

    Southwest Detroit and Mexicantown –

    Beautifully Revamped Roosevelt Park Unites Corktown and Mexicantown

    Beautifully Revamped Roosevelt Park Unites Corktown and Mexicantown

    Renovations Transform Clark Park into First Class Neighborhood Recreation Hub

    Renovations Transform Clark Park into First Class Neighborhood Recreation Hub

  • Culture & Arts
    Approximately 1,200 people Shouted ¡Viva México! in Mexicantown, Detroit

    Approximately 1,200 people Shouted ¡Viva México! in Mexicantown, Detroit

    Beyond Fashion: Mexican Indigenous Clothing has become a symbol of Resistance and Identity

    Beyond Fashion: Mexican Indigenous Clothing has become a symbol of Resistance and Identity

    Chicano Spirit Celebrated at Third Annual Festival

    Chicano Spirit Celebrated at Third Annual Festival

    Chicano Fest: Celebrating History and Brown Pride

    Chicano Fest: Celebrating History and Brown Pride

    Amanda Almanzar in 4 Daughters Minus 1, 2000 A.D.

    Amanda Almanzar in 4 Daughters Minus 1, 2000 A.D.

    El Chinchorreo: Detroit’s Day Under the Caribbean Sun

    El Chinchorreo: Detroit’s Day Under the Caribbean Sun

    El Chinchorreo!

    El Chinchorreo!

    NALAC Announces Open Call for the 2024 NALAC Fund for the Arts (NFA) Grant Program

    NALAC Announces Open Call for the 2024 NALAC Fund for the Arts (NFA) Grant Program

    Muralist from Southwest Detroit Receives Prestigious Kresge Artist Fellowship

    Muralist from Southwest Detroit Receives Prestigious Kresge Artist Fellowship

  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
    • Throwbacks
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • en English
    • en English
    • es Spanish
No Result
View All Result
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
  • Home
  • About
    • Introducing the partnership with the Race and Justice reporting Initiative
  • Español
    Approximately 1,200 people Shouted ¡Viva México! in Mexicantown, Detroit

    Approximately 1,200 people Shouted ¡Viva México! in Mexicantown, Detroit

    10 reasons to feel proud this Hispanic Heritage Month

    10 reasons to feel proud this Hispanic Heritage Month

    Chicano Fest: Celebrating History and Brown Pride

    Chicano Fest: Celebrating History and Brown Pride

    Southwest Detroit Organizations Launch ‘Building a Healthy Future’ Campaign

    Southwest Detroit Organizations Launch ‘Building a Healthy Future’ Campaign

    El Chinchorreo: Detroit’s Day Under the Caribbean Sun

    El Chinchorreo: Detroit’s Day Under the Caribbean Sun

    Muralist from Southwest Detroit Receives Prestigious Kresge Artist Fellowship

    Muralist from Southwest Detroit Receives Prestigious Kresge Artist Fellowship

    Small Businesses Remain Bullish Despite Economic and Labor Concerns

    Sixto Diaz Rodriguez, Once Called a Man of Mystery, Leaves Behind a Prolific Legacy

    Sixto Diaz Rodriguez, Once Called a Man of Mystery, Leaves Behind a Prolific Legacy

    Teens engaged in activism become better critical thinkers, U-M study finds

    Teens engaged in activism become better critical thinkers, U-M study finds

  • Community
    State’s First Historical Marker Honoring Mexican Community to be Placed in Southwest Detroit September 29

    State’s First Historical Marker Honoring Mexican Community to be Placed in Southwest Detroit September 29

    Vince Murray, Godfather of Stanton Park, Honored

    The Godfrey Hotel Detroit & I/O Rooftop Lounge Opens

    The Godfrey Hotel Detroit & I/O Rooftop Lounge Opens

    Michigan Carpenters and Millwrights Unveil Schools to Tools Mobile Field Trip Trailer at Labor Day Event

    Michigan Carpenters and Millwrights Unveil Schools to Tools Mobile Field Trip Trailer at Labor Day Event

    Southwest Detroit Organizations Launch ‘Building a Healthy Future’ Campaign

    Southwest Detroit Organizations Launch ‘Building a Healthy Future’ Campaign

    Final Steps in Gordie Howe International Bridge Tower Construction Underway

    Final Steps in Gordie Howe International Bridge Tower Construction Underway

    Engaging Detroit:  Rep. Rashida Tlaib creates Youth Civic Engagement Fellowship

    Engaging Detroit: Rep. Rashida Tlaib creates Youth Civic Engagement Fellowship

    Copa Motor City Raises Nearly $10,000 for Clark Park Coalition in 8th Annual Soccer Tournament

    Copa Motor City Raises Nearly $10,000 for Clark Park Coalition in 8th Annual Soccer Tournament

    El Chinchorreo: Detroit’s Day Under the Caribbean Sun

    El Chinchorreo: Detroit’s Day Under the Caribbean Sun

  • Featured
    10 reasons to feel proud this Hispanic Heritage Month

    10 reasons to feel proud this Hispanic Heritage Month

    Chicano Fest: Celebrating History and Brown Pride

    Chicano Fest: Celebrating History and Brown Pride

    Muralist from Southwest Detroit Receives Prestigious Kresge Artist Fellowship

    Muralist from Southwest Detroit Receives Prestigious Kresge Artist Fellowship

    Sixto Diaz Rodriguez, Once Called a Man of Mystery, Leaves Behind a Prolific Legacy

    Sixto Diaz Rodriguez, Once Called a Man of Mystery, Leaves Behind a Prolific Legacy

    Your Guide to a Career in Green Mobility in Detroit

    Your Guide to a Career in Green Mobility in Detroit

    MANA de Metro Detroit Annual Brindis Luncheon Celebrates and Supports Area Latinas

    MANA de Metro Detroit Annual Brindis Luncheon Celebrates and Supports Area Latinas

    Southwest Detroit and Mexicantown –

    Southwest Detroit and Mexicantown –

    Beautifully Revamped Roosevelt Park Unites Corktown and Mexicantown

    Beautifully Revamped Roosevelt Park Unites Corktown and Mexicantown

    Renovations Transform Clark Park into First Class Neighborhood Recreation Hub

    Renovations Transform Clark Park into First Class Neighborhood Recreation Hub

  • Culture & Arts
    Approximately 1,200 people Shouted ¡Viva México! in Mexicantown, Detroit

    Approximately 1,200 people Shouted ¡Viva México! in Mexicantown, Detroit

    Beyond Fashion: Mexican Indigenous Clothing has become a symbol of Resistance and Identity

    Beyond Fashion: Mexican Indigenous Clothing has become a symbol of Resistance and Identity

    Chicano Spirit Celebrated at Third Annual Festival

    Chicano Spirit Celebrated at Third Annual Festival

    Chicano Fest: Celebrating History and Brown Pride

    Chicano Fest: Celebrating History and Brown Pride

    Amanda Almanzar in 4 Daughters Minus 1, 2000 A.D.

    Amanda Almanzar in 4 Daughters Minus 1, 2000 A.D.

    El Chinchorreo: Detroit’s Day Under the Caribbean Sun

    El Chinchorreo: Detroit’s Day Under the Caribbean Sun

    El Chinchorreo!

    El Chinchorreo!

    NALAC Announces Open Call for the 2024 NALAC Fund for the Arts (NFA) Grant Program

    NALAC Announces Open Call for the 2024 NALAC Fund for the Arts (NFA) Grant Program

    Muralist from Southwest Detroit Receives Prestigious Kresge Artist Fellowship

    Muralist from Southwest Detroit Receives Prestigious Kresge Artist Fellowship

  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
    • Throwbacks
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • en English
    • en English
    • es Spanish
No Result
View All Result
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
No Result
View All Result

Jose Alfaro

What A Legacy!

EL CENTRAL by EL CENTRAL
October 21, 2022
in Culture & Arts
Reading Time: 4 mins read
Home Culture & Arts
ShareShareTweetEmail to a friend

By Ozzie Rivera

I ask myself why when I was younger I did not spend more time with the many elders that I was surrounded by whom I knew had spent most of their lives organizing for our community rights and for a better life for their children and generations to follow. People like Dr. Lucy Arrellano-Gajec the historian and cultural activist, Rafael Picón, the mid-level auto executive who placated his inner soul as a cultural and community organizer, Jeff Stansbury, union newspaper manager and co-founder of Casa de Unidad, Angel Cornejo El Comité leader and radio personality, Gus Gaynett union organizer and co-founder of Latino En Marcha, Sixto Rodriguez famed musician and subject of the Oscar winning film Looking for Sugarman, among many others. It is in this class of top level and committed individuals that I must include the name of the great Jose Alfaro.

Though I knew Jose Alfaro and of his work I did not really get an idea of his greatness till during my days as the co-founder of Casa de Unidad in the early 80’s. Soon after its establishment Casa would become a membership-based organization and he would soon join. He quickly contributed to our efforts to advance the arts and political representation. He was considered a mentor to many of us. His history of activism dated back to the 1920’s, yet far too many in our community do not know of his storied career. I must say I regret never having interviewed him. Luckily others within the organization did! So, in addition to some of my recollections I am drawing upon a Casa de Unidad publication as well as a nationally syndicated 1988 PBS documentary “Rivera in American” filmed by Rick Tejada Flores, to flesh out some of his history. An article I found in the September-October 1982 edition of Casa’s community newspaper, El Barrio detailed most of his life’s experience.

He, like many of his countrymen/women of his time, left Mexico in 1917. In 1918 he found work on the Baltimore and Ohio railroad and Pennsylvania coal mines before returning to Mexico. In 1923 he returned to the U.S. stopping first in Texas before coming up to Detroit to work in the auto plants. He started as a sweeper but would eventually become a journeyman molder. Jose Alfaro immediately started contributing to the artistic and cultural life of Detroit’s Mexican and Mexican American community. He was a dancer, singer, actor, typesetter (printing) editor, storekeeper, and master of ceremonies at numerous community functions in addition to being a parent. He would actively promote the barrio’s culture from the 20’s by singing and dancing on stage and nightclubs throughout the area. The first nightclub where he performed at was the Harmonie Club.

When the internationally renowned Mexican muralist Diego Rivera, accompanied by his wife and fellow artist Frida Khalo, arrived in Detroit in 1932 to paint the Detroit Institute of Arts fresco mural they found a close friend in Jose Alfaro.

Jose Alfaro in front of Diego Rivera DIA Mural- source El Barrio (Casa de Unidad)

Detroit at this point was in the throes of not only the great depression but also significant labor unrest. It was a very critical period in the city’s history. Alfaro’s interactions with Rivera and Kayla would become part of the Detroit era story covered in the 1988 PBS documentary “Rivera in America”. In several segments of the film Jose Alfaro reminisces about their friendship and how at times Rivera would share his feelings about the controversy that would surround the painting of the mural. Diego Rivera, in turn, would have an impact on Detroit’s Mexican American community which at that time was suffering the infamous mid-30’s U.S. repatriation(deportation) campaign which would decimate our community. Diego Rivera, though powerless to stop this deportation effort, would donate funds to families and individual members of the barrio waiting at the train station to be repatriated in an effort to soften this grievous blow. It was noted that it is quite possible several thousand were helped by Rivera’s kindness. The documentary as well as the 1982 El Barrio article, referred to above, noted Mr. Alfaro’s organized and performed at an event held in Diego Rivera’s honor in the old Houghton School, the building located on Trumbull, on the I-75 service drive.

ose and Irene Alfaro in front of Alfaro Printing, circa 1940’s-Source-1995 Fiesta, Fe Y Cultura, published by Michigan State University with Casa de Unidad collaboration

Jose Alfaro during the 30’s and 40’s published the barrio’s first Spanish language newspapers while also producing a live radio program “Spanish Serenades” in which he sang and interviewed guests. He returned to radio between 1965 to 1980 when he hosted and produced the program “Mexico Musicale” on WQRS. During his lifetime he often served as master of ceremonies for numerous community events. He wrote about culture, history and social life when he published such newspapers as “El Átomo” and “Noticias” between 1934 and 1958. He was also a printer too, often handling the technical end!

In his later years, starting in 1973, he served as the director of the Latin American Senior Citizens Center for a number of years. At that time the center was located on 24th Street. No question he continued, way into his own senior years, serving our community. The article went on to say he celebrated his 85th birthday on August 25th 1982. What a legacy! If only I had spent more time talking to him. What else could I have discovered?

Ozzie Rivera, a retired social worker, is a cultural activist and musician who currently teaches on Afro-Latino History and Culture at Wayne State University and social work at the University of Michigan.

Previous Post

It’s time for more Hispanic Judges in Michigan

Next Post

Detroit Council member Gabriela Santiago-Romero

EL CENTRAL

EL CENTRAL

Related Posts

Approximately 1,200 people Shouted ¡Viva México! in Mexicantown, Detroit
Culture & Arts

Approximately 1,200 people Shouted ¡Viva México! in Mexicantown, Detroit

by EL CENTRAL
September 21, 2023
0

Español Abajo About 1,200 people gathered at the Mexicantown Plaza Market on September 15, 2023, to celebrate the 213th anniversary...

Read more
Beyond Fashion: Mexican Indigenous Clothing has become a symbol of Resistance and Identity
Culture & Arts

Beyond Fashion: Mexican Indigenous Clothing has become a symbol of Resistance and Identity

by EL CENTRAL
September 21, 2023
0

Wearing Mexican indigenous attire is more than a fashion statement. It is a complex form of expression, and each person...

Read more
Chicano Spirit Celebrated at Third Annual Festival
Culture & Arts

Chicano Spirit Celebrated at Third Annual Festival

by EL CENTRAL
September 14, 2023
0

Originally used as a pejorative term to describe Mexican Americans in the United States, "Chicano'' was reclaimed and evolved into...

Read more
Chicano Fest: Celebrating History and Brown Pride
Culture & Arts

Chicano Fest: Celebrating History and Brown Pride

by EL CENTRAL
September 7, 2023
0

Español Abajo On Saturday, September 9, the third annual Chicano Fest will be celebrated in Southwest Detroit. Having Chicano Fest...

Read more
Amanda Almanzar in 4 Daughters Minus 1, 2000 A.D.
Culture & Arts

Amanda Almanzar in 4 Daughters Minus 1, 2000 A.D.

by Ozzie Rivera
August 31, 2023
0

Amanda Almanzar will play a key role in the upcoming play 4 Daughters Minus 1, 2000 A.D. which will be...

Read more
El Chinchorreo: Detroit’s Day Under the Caribbean Sun
Community

El Chinchorreo: Detroit’s Day Under the Caribbean Sun

by EL CENTRAL
August 31, 2023
0

Afinales de agosto, en una tarde soleada de domingo, el oeste de la avenida McGraw se transformó. Vibrando con una...

Read more
Next Post
Detroit Council member Gabriela Santiago-Romero

Detroit Council member Gabriela Santiago-Romero

Leave Comment
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest

Cinco de Mayo 2023: 10 Parade & Fiesta Questions in 10 Minutes

March 23, 2023
Final Steps in Gordie Howe International Bridge Tower Construction Underway

Final Steps in Gordie Howe International Bridge Tower Construction Underway

September 7, 2023
Donut Villa in detroit

A hole in one: Donut Villa is getting a drive-thru

August 25, 2022

Cafecito Alvarez Brings Traditional Mexican Coffee Flavors to Southwest Detroit

August 18, 2022
Community and RuboFest 2022 

Community and RuboFest 2022 

0
“Vemos a México como un socio igualitario”

“Vemos a México como un socio igualitario”

0
Ford Hispanic and Latino Network Beautifies Clark Park

Ford Hispanic and Latino Network Beautifies Clark Park

0
Editorial Opinion “The Fifth, I take the Fifth”

Editorial Opinion “The Fifth, I take the Fifth”

0

Vince Murray, Godfather of Stanton Park, Honored

September 21, 2023
President Espy inaugurates Hispanic Heritage Month at Wayne State University

President Espy inaugurates Hispanic Heritage Month at Wayne State University

September 21, 2023
NAIAS Going On Through Sunday

NAIAS Going On Through Sunday

September 21, 2023
State’s First Historical Marker Honoring Mexican Community to be Placed in Southwest Detroit September 29

State’s First Historical Marker Honoring Mexican Community to be Placed in Southwest Detroit September 29

September 21, 2023

Recent News

Vince Murray, Godfather of Stanton Park, Honored

September 21, 2023
President Espy inaugurates Hispanic Heritage Month at Wayne State University

President Espy inaugurates Hispanic Heritage Month at Wayne State University

September 21, 2023
NAIAS Going On Through Sunday

NAIAS Going On Through Sunday

September 21, 2023
State’s First Historical Marker Honoring Mexican Community to be Placed in Southwest Detroit September 29

State’s First Historical Marker Honoring Mexican Community to be Placed in Southwest Detroit September 29

September 21, 2023
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News

Michigans #1. Oldest. Largest & Only
Bilingual Hispanic News for 33 Years.

Follow Us

Browse by Category

  • Business
  • Classifieds
  • Community
  • Culture & Arts
  • Education
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Español
  • Events
  • Featured
  • Finance
  • Food
  • Latest News
  • Local News
  • Local Small Business
  • Music
  • National News
  • Others
  • People
  • Politics
  • Restaurants
  • Sports
  • Throwbacks
  • World

Recent News

Approximately 1,200 people Shouted ¡Viva México! in Mexicantown, Detroit

Approximately 1,200 people Shouted ¡Viva México! in Mexicantown, Detroit

September 21, 2023

Vince Murray, Godfather of Stanton Park, Honored

September 21, 2023
  • Latest Issue
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Menu Item
  • Created with EyeBreatheDesign

© 2022 EL CENTRAL HISPANIC NEWS

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Catagories
    • Featured
    • Local News
    • Community
    • Culture & Arts
    • Español
    • Music
    • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues

© 2022 EL CENTRAL HISPANIC NEWS