ROCLA
Rochester Committee on Latin America
Presents
My Journey as an Independentista
with
Henry Padron
Wednesday, June 1st, 7:00 PM
Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh St., Rochester
The program is free and open to the public; the church is handicapped accessible and looped for the hearing impaired.
Puerto Rico is the oldest colony on planet earth!
Henry Padron will present his development as a believer in Independence for Puerto Rico, and connect it to major events in the Puerto Rican struggle for sovereignty.
Henry has written, “Since the seed of Independence was planted when I was 10 years old, my existence as an American citizen in the USA has been one of critical reflection, theory, and practice. I will share some of my journey to highlight historical points, and through my story, provide some political education to those in attendance.”
Henry Padron has been a leading voice for Puerto Rican independence in Rochester for decades. He has taught in the Rochester City School District for 30 years. At present he teaches in the dual language bilingual program at School 12.
His work has included curriculum development and professional development for teachers in Puerto Rican history and culture, and incorporating theatre of the oppressed in teaching and parent workshops. He is a policy board member of the Rochester Teacher Center, and serves on the Legislative Committee of the Rochester Teachers Association. He works with agricultural workers through both the Geneseo and the Sodus Migrant Education Programs. He has also taught at Writers and Books, Freedom School, and the Nativity school at SUNY Brockport.
In 2005, ROCLA gave Henry our highest recognition by presenting him with the Local White Dove Award.