56 °f
Detroit
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
  • Home
  • About
    • Introducing the partnership with the Race and Justice reporting Initiative
    • Resources
  • Español
    “Equipando Padres” Empowers Hispanic Families with Tools for College Success

    “Equipando Padres” Empowers Hispanic Families with Tools for College Success

    Paraguay

    Paraguay

    Defensores de los derechos de los inmigrantes piden a legisladores de Michigan que condenen la detención de un estudiante de Detroit por parte de ICE

    Joven de Detroit detenido por ICE ha sido deportado a Colombia

    No Kings and No Crowns, Thousands Rally Against Trump Policies in Southwest Detroit

    No Kings and No Crowns, Thousands Rally Against Trump Policies in Southwest Detroit

    Defensores de los derechos de los inmigrantes piden a legisladores de Michigan que condenen la detención de un estudiante de Detroit por parte de ICE

    Defensores de los derechos de los inmigrantes piden a legisladores de Michigan que condenen la detención de un estudiante de Detroit por parte de ICE

    Panamá

    Panamá

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Fifteen-year old kidney transplant patient Genesis wished for a Quincenera party

    Make-A-Wish Michigan Needs Spanish-speaking Volunteers

    El Salvador

    El Salvador

  • Community
    Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

    Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

    “Equipando Padres” Empowers Hispanic Families with Tools for College Success

    “Equipando Padres” Empowers Hispanic Families with Tools for College Success

    MHCC’s Tercer Jueves June Networking Event Draws Enthusiastic Turnout

    MHCC’s Tercer Jueves June Networking Event Draws Enthusiastic Turnout

    Michigan Legislative Latino Caucus Honors Legislative Latino Advocacy Day

    Michigan Legislative Latino Caucus Honors Legislative Latino Advocacy Day

    Defensores de los derechos de los inmigrantes piden a legisladores de Michigan que condenen la detención de un estudiante de Detroit por parte de ICE

    Joven de Detroit detenido por ICE ha sido deportado a Colombia

    Bagley Arts Alley Celebrates Detroit’s Multicultural Roots, Opens June 28

    Bagley Arts Alley Celebrates Detroit’s Multicultural Roots, Opens June 28

    Sam Allen

    Tigers vs. Reds Negro Leagues Day

    No Kings and No Crowns, Thousands Rally Against Trump Policies in Southwest Detroit

    No Kings and No Crowns, Thousands Rally Against Trump Policies in Southwest Detroit

    The Nuevo Comienzo Class of 2025.

    Wayne State’s 2025 El Nuevo Comienzo Celebration

  • Featured
    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Pope Leo XIV, the former Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, waves from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican after his election as pope May 8, 2025. The new pope was born in Chicago. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

    Pope Leo XIV a ‘man of many gifts’ who will lead Church with grace

    Southwest Detroit’s Cinco de Mayo Parade Prevails Over “Rain and Rumors” to the Enjoyment of Thousands

    Southwest Detroit’s Cinco de Mayo Parade Prevails Over “Rain and Rumors” to the Enjoyment of Thousands

    Caesar Chavez Academy’s Robotics Team Represents Southwest Detroit at World Robotics Championship

    Caesar Chavez Academy’s Robotics Team Represents Southwest Detroit at World Robotics Championship

    El Arzobispo Edward J. Weisenburger dirige las oraciones durante una Misa en memoria del papa Francisco el 21 de abril en la Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament en Detroit. El papa Francisco, quien ha liderado la Iglesia católica desde 2013, murió la madrugada del lunes, el día después del Domingo de Pascua. (Foto de Valaurian Waller | Detroit Catholic)

    Archbishop Weisenburger leads Detroit faithful in mourning Pope Francis’ death

    Photo of Cesar Chavez Academy’s High School Robotics team, the AzTech Eagles, after their successful performance at the FIRST State Robotics Competition. Photo taken by the AzTech Eagles robotics team.

    Southwest Detroit Robotics Teams Earn Recognition at District, State and World Competitions

    Attendees of Youth In Action for Immigration’s conference gather together for a group photo. Photo by Ixel Garcia and Evelyn Garcia

    Immigration Conference Inspires Catholic High School Students to Take Action

    Co-writer and lead actor Alex Ruiz anticipates production of the film Love & Detroit during a recent Investor's Pitch. El co-guionista y actor principal Alex Ruiz anticipa la producción de la pelicula Love & Detroit durante un reciente Investor's Pitch

    Filmmakers Return Home to Challenge Hollywood’s Lens

    La Basilica of Ste. Anne, un emblemático templo de 139 añosserá completamente restaurada gracias a una alianza transformadora con The Catholic Initiative. The 139-year-old Basilica of Ste. Anne will undergo a $30 million “complete rehabilitation” thanks to a “transforma- tive partnership” with The Catholic Initiative. (Foto de / Photo by James Silvestri | Special to Detroit Catholic)

    ‘Innovative partnership’ will secure future of Ste. Anne, preserve basilica for generations

  • Opinion
  • Culture & Arts
    • All
    • World Cultures
    Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

    Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

    Paraguay

    Paraguay

    Bagley Arts Alley Celebrates Detroit’s Multicultural Roots, Opens June 28

    Bagley Arts Alley Celebrates Detroit’s Multicultural Roots, Opens June 28

    Kikapú

    Kikapú

    Nicaragua

    Nicaragua

    Panamá

    Panamá

    Movement Detroit 2025

    Movement Detroit 2025

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” Tour Makes Memorable Stop in Detroit

    “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” Tour Makes Memorable Stop in Detroit

    • World Cultures
  • 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
    • Resources
  • Español
    “Equipando Padres” Empowers Hispanic Families with Tools for College Success

    “Equipando Padres” Empowers Hispanic Families with Tools for College Success

    Paraguay

    Paraguay

    Defensores de los derechos de los inmigrantes piden a legisladores de Michigan que condenen la detención de un estudiante de Detroit por parte de ICE

    Joven de Detroit detenido por ICE ha sido deportado a Colombia

    No Kings and No Crowns, Thousands Rally Against Trump Policies in Southwest Detroit

    No Kings and No Crowns, Thousands Rally Against Trump Policies in Southwest Detroit

    Defensores de los derechos de los inmigrantes piden a legisladores de Michigan que condenen la detención de un estudiante de Detroit por parte de ICE

    Defensores de los derechos de los inmigrantes piden a legisladores de Michigan que condenen la detención de un estudiante de Detroit por parte de ICE

    Panamá

    Panamá

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Fifteen-year old kidney transplant patient Genesis wished for a Quincenera party

    Make-A-Wish Michigan Needs Spanish-speaking Volunteers

    El Salvador

    El Salvador

  • Community
    Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

    Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

    “Equipando Padres” Empowers Hispanic Families with Tools for College Success

    “Equipando Padres” Empowers Hispanic Families with Tools for College Success

    MHCC’s Tercer Jueves June Networking Event Draws Enthusiastic Turnout

    MHCC’s Tercer Jueves June Networking Event Draws Enthusiastic Turnout

    Michigan Legislative Latino Caucus Honors Legislative Latino Advocacy Day

    Michigan Legislative Latino Caucus Honors Legislative Latino Advocacy Day

    Defensores de los derechos de los inmigrantes piden a legisladores de Michigan que condenen la detención de un estudiante de Detroit por parte de ICE

    Joven de Detroit detenido por ICE ha sido deportado a Colombia

    Bagley Arts Alley Celebrates Detroit’s Multicultural Roots, Opens June 28

    Bagley Arts Alley Celebrates Detroit’s Multicultural Roots, Opens June 28

    Sam Allen

    Tigers vs. Reds Negro Leagues Day

    No Kings and No Crowns, Thousands Rally Against Trump Policies in Southwest Detroit

    No Kings and No Crowns, Thousands Rally Against Trump Policies in Southwest Detroit

    The Nuevo Comienzo Class of 2025.

    Wayne State’s 2025 El Nuevo Comienzo Celebration

  • Featured
    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Pope Leo XIV, the former Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, waves from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican after his election as pope May 8, 2025. The new pope was born in Chicago. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

    Pope Leo XIV a ‘man of many gifts’ who will lead Church with grace

    Southwest Detroit’s Cinco de Mayo Parade Prevails Over “Rain and Rumors” to the Enjoyment of Thousands

    Southwest Detroit’s Cinco de Mayo Parade Prevails Over “Rain and Rumors” to the Enjoyment of Thousands

    Caesar Chavez Academy’s Robotics Team Represents Southwest Detroit at World Robotics Championship

    Caesar Chavez Academy’s Robotics Team Represents Southwest Detroit at World Robotics Championship

    El Arzobispo Edward J. Weisenburger dirige las oraciones durante una Misa en memoria del papa Francisco el 21 de abril en la Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament en Detroit. El papa Francisco, quien ha liderado la Iglesia católica desde 2013, murió la madrugada del lunes, el día después del Domingo de Pascua. (Foto de Valaurian Waller | Detroit Catholic)

    Archbishop Weisenburger leads Detroit faithful in mourning Pope Francis’ death

    Photo of Cesar Chavez Academy’s High School Robotics team, the AzTech Eagles, after their successful performance at the FIRST State Robotics Competition. Photo taken by the AzTech Eagles robotics team.

    Southwest Detroit Robotics Teams Earn Recognition at District, State and World Competitions

    Attendees of Youth In Action for Immigration’s conference gather together for a group photo. Photo by Ixel Garcia and Evelyn Garcia

    Immigration Conference Inspires Catholic High School Students to Take Action

    Co-writer and lead actor Alex Ruiz anticipates production of the film Love & Detroit during a recent Investor's Pitch. El co-guionista y actor principal Alex Ruiz anticipa la producción de la pelicula Love & Detroit durante un reciente Investor's Pitch

    Filmmakers Return Home to Challenge Hollywood’s Lens

    La Basilica of Ste. Anne, un emblemático templo de 139 añosserá completamente restaurada gracias a una alianza transformadora con The Catholic Initiative. The 139-year-old Basilica of Ste. Anne will undergo a $30 million “complete rehabilitation” thanks to a “transforma- tive partnership” with The Catholic Initiative. (Foto de / Photo by James Silvestri | Special to Detroit Catholic)

    ‘Innovative partnership’ will secure future of Ste. Anne, preserve basilica for generations

  • Opinion
  • Culture & Arts
    • All
    • World Cultures
    Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

    Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

    Paraguay

    Paraguay

    Bagley Arts Alley Celebrates Detroit’s Multicultural Roots, Opens June 28

    Bagley Arts Alley Celebrates Detroit’s Multicultural Roots, Opens June 28

    Kikapú

    Kikapú

    Nicaragua

    Nicaragua

    Panamá

    Panamá

    Movement Detroit 2025

    Movement Detroit 2025

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” Tour Makes Memorable Stop in Detroit

    “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” Tour Makes Memorable Stop in Detroit

    • World Cultures
  • 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

Remembering Juanita Hernandez

February 08, 1927 - November 23, 2023

EL CENTRAL by EL CENTRAL
November 30, 2023
in Community, People
Reading Time: 3 mins read
Home Community
ShareShareTweetEmail to a friend

On February 8, 1927, Antonio and Francisca Martinez welcomed their fourth child, Juanita Martinez, who was the first in the family to be born in Detroit. Growing up during the Great Depression in Detroit’s Corktown community, Juanita remembers this tumultuous period with great fondness. The entire family was so proud of the older sons serving in the military – Lino in the Air Force, Eloy in the Marines and Margo in the Army. Juanita recalls how she, her older sister (Rosa) and younger brother (George) grew up seeing her parents helping feed the neighbors, housing the homeless, and somehow always being able to provide for everyone.

Education was of paramount importance and as a result, Juanita excelled academically and graduated from Western High School at the age of 16. College was an almost impossible dream for girls at that time, but she helped at home, worked, and then met a debonair man while doing volunteer work at the church feeding the homeless. She did not know at the time that Sebastian Hernandez had seen her walking to and from work every day and had announced to his friends that that beautiful lady was going to be his wife.

On March 17, 1952, Juanita and Sebastian married and in May 1953, their first child (Donna) was born. The following year their second child (Gary) was born but unfortunately passed away a few months later from Crib Death. The death of Gary was devastating, but hope was renewed when their third child (Michael) was born in November 1955.

In 1958 Juanita became the first Hispanic and the first woman to become employed with the City of Detroit’s Department of Buildings and Safety. Eventually she became the first Hispanic and first woman to rise to the position of Housing Inspector, a position she held until her retirement in 1989.

After their children had grown and left home, Juanita and her husband joined forces to try to improve life for others in the community. They worked to create programs and organizations, and supported politicians who shared their vision of equality for minority peoples.

Personal monuments in her life that brought her enormous joy included seeing her daughter give birth to two daughters – April in 1977 and Carol in 1978. Her son brought into the family Sebastian’s pride, aka Anthony in 1981.

To Sebastian’s great joy, Juanita acquired her Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities from Wayne State University in 1987.

The year prior to her retirement, her beloved husband Sebastian passed away from cancer, which slowed Juanita’s work for a short time, but her work never stopped.

As Juanita’s work continued, many began to recognize her contributions to the dramatic changes she was helping to bring about, many of the youth were encouraged and inspired by her to also become active and involved. Where barriers once existed, she was one of the many that worked to build bridges and relationships in the political and corporate arenas (primarily for women, Hispanics, and Native Americans).

Juanita received recognition from numerous agencies and organizations, but two of the highlighted items include being named as one of the Michigan’s 150 First Lady’s, the Spirit of Frida Freedom Award for Grass Roots Community Advocate.

After over 50 years of service and inspiration, and at the age of 94, Juanita finally stepped down from her community work. Struggling with failing health, her son (Michael) walked away from his home and life in Washington State to help her. Her daughter (Donna) helped with legal and administrative work.

On Thanksgiving Day (November 23, 2023), at the age of 96, Juanita peacefully walked into the Spirit World. We believe that she is once again able to dance with her beloved husband and is now able to hear clearly, move easily, and laugh readily once again.

Tags: Detroitwomen
Previous Post

Governor Whitmer Signs Historic Protections for Domestic Violence Survivors

Next Post

Quinceañeras are a big and booming business in Southeast Michigan

EL CENTRAL

EL CENTRAL

Related Posts

Concert of Colors in Mexicantown
Community

Concert of Colors in Mexicantown

by EL CENTRAL
July 3, 2025
0

Experience the rhythm of culture! The 2025 Concert of Colors in Mexicantown brought salsa, mariachi & Tejano music to life...

Read moreDetails
John Leguizamo’s ‘Leguizamo Does America’ Renewed for Season 2 at MSNBC
National News

John Leguizamo’s ‘Leguizamo Does America’ Renewed for Season 2 at MSNBC

by EL CENTRAL
July 3, 2025
0

John Leguizamo returns for Season 2 of Leguizamo Does America, spotlighting Latino culture, food, and stories in cities across the...

Read moreDetails
AAA Warns Homeowners of Common July 4th Holiday Hazards
Community

AAA Warns Homeowners of Common July 4th Holiday Hazards

by EL CENTRAL
July 3, 2025
0

Stay safe this July 4th! AAA shares essential grilling, fireworks, and pool safety tips to help homeowners prevent injuries and...

Read moreDetails
Kim Partee (left) with the Michigan Department of State celebrates with Alicia Kelley of Pontiac (right). Kelley left the Southwest Detroit clinic with her driver’s license fully reinstated. Photo provided Michigan Secretary of State
Community

Road to Restoration program returns to Southwest Detroit, helps over 270 local residents learn their path to safe driving

by EL CENTRAL
July 3, 2025
0

Over 270 Michiganders got help restoring their driver’s licenses at Detroit’s Road to Restoration clinic, thanks to MDOS experts and...

Read moreDetails
Members of the Southwest Detroit Business Association gather for their Annual Membership Meeting at Candela Detroit
Community

New Leadership, Renewed Vision: SDBA Charts New Path for Growth

by Amber Ogden
July 3, 2025
0

Southwest Detroit's business future is bright as SDBA seeks a new CEO, expands programs, and champions equity, growth, and community...

Read moreDetails
George Carrillo speaks to attendees at the Real Talk series about his immigration policy recommendations for the construction industry, titled "Building America Stronger." Photo: Juan Carlos Dueweke-Perez, Featherstone.
Community

“This Is Our Moment”: National Latino Construction Leader Visits Detroit to Highlight Labor Crisis and Policy Solutions

by Martina Guzman
July 3, 2025
0

Latinos are vital to America's construction future. George Carrillo urges immigration reform to fix labor shortages and empower Detroit's workforce....

Read moreDetails
Next Post
Quinceañeras are a big and booming business in Southeast Michigan

Quinceañeras are a big and booming business in Southeast Michigan

Leave Comment
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Volunteers Needed for Refugee Resettlement in Michigan

Volunteers Needed for Refugee Resettlement in Michigan

February 14, 2024
Southwest Celebrates Cinco de Mayo

Why We Celebrate “CINCO DE MAYO, THE 5TH OF MAY”

May 2, 2024
MSHDA Opens $60 Million MI Neighborhood Applications

MSHDA Opens $60 Million MI Neighborhood Applications

April 4, 2024
Infamous Highwaymen Motorcycle Club Leader Pursues a Second Chance at Life

Infamous Highwaymen Motorcycle Club Leader Pursues a Second Chance at Life

February 1, 2024
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
Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

June 26, 2025
Left-Right) Akindele Akinyemi, Global African Business Association; Mario Tapia-Preza of TechTown; Dr. Theodore Jones of Global Detroit; Mayte Penman of TechTown; Rachapa Lau of Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce; Anita Zavala of Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation; and Bilal Hammoud of American Arab Chamber of Commerce

Legacy Across Borders: Celebrating Immigrant Heritage and Entrepreneurial Spirit in Detroit

June 26, 2025
“Equipando Padres” Empowers Hispanic Families with Tools for College Success

“Equipando Padres” Empowers Hispanic Families with Tools for College Success

June 26, 2025
MHCC’s Tercer Jueves June Networking Event Draws Enthusiastic Turnout

MHCC’s Tercer Jueves June Networking Event Draws Enthusiastic Turnout

June 26, 2025

Recent News

Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

June 26, 2025
Left-Right) Akindele Akinyemi, Global African Business Association; Mario Tapia-Preza of TechTown; Dr. Theodore Jones of Global Detroit; Mayte Penman of TechTown; Rachapa Lau of Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce; Anita Zavala of Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation; and Bilal Hammoud of American Arab Chamber of Commerce

Legacy Across Borders: Celebrating Immigrant Heritage and Entrepreneurial Spirit in Detroit

June 26, 2025
“Equipando Padres” Empowers Hispanic Families with Tools for College Success

“Equipando Padres” Empowers Hispanic Families with Tools for College Success

June 26, 2025
MHCC’s Tercer Jueves June Networking Event Draws Enthusiastic Turnout

MHCC’s Tercer Jueves June Networking Event Draws Enthusiastic Turnout

June 26, 2025
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
  • Opinion
  • Others
  • People
  • Politics
  • Resources
  • Restaurants
  • Sports
  • Throwbacks
  • World
  • World Cultures

Recent News

Left-Right) Akindele Akinyemi, Global African Business Association; Mario Tapia-Preza of TechTown; Dr. Theodore Jones of Global Detroit; Mayte Penman of TechTown; Rachapa Lau of Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce; Anita Zavala of Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation; and Bilal Hammoud of American Arab Chamber of Commerce

Legacy Across Borders: Celebrating Immigrant Heritage and Entrepreneurial Spirit in Detroit

June 26, 2025
Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

June 26, 2025
  • Latest Issue
  • About
  • Newsletter
  • 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
  • Events
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Contact
  • Advertise

© 2022 EL CENTRAL HISPANIC NEWS