Carnegie Honors 20 ‘Great Immigrants,’ Including Composer Tania León, for 20th Anniversary

June 30, 2025

Tania León, a renowned composer and conductor who co-founded Dance Theatre of Harlem, was recently honored as part of Carnegie Corp. of New York's 20th class of Great Immigrants, Great Americans. Originally planning to emigrate from Cuba to Paris in 1967, León instead came to New York where she met Arthur Mitchell, leading to her influential career in American arts.

Who is affected

The 20 members of Carnegie Corp.'s 2024 class of Great Immigrants, Great Americans, including Tania León, Simon Johnson, and María Teresa Kumar
The broader immigrant community in the United States
American society that benefits from immigrants' contributions
Students and educators who will use the educational comic book resources
Immigrants potentially impacted by the current administration's deportation agenda

What action is being taken

Carnegie Corp. of New York is honoring its 20th class of Great Immigrants, Great Americans
Carnegie is releasing a free comic book celebrating previous honorees' lives for educational purposes
The National Council of Teachers of English is developing lesson plans based on the comic book
Voto Latino is directing resources toward keeping immigrants informed of their rights and offering advice regarding ICE raids
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is conducting operations targeting people in the country illegally

Why it matters

The initiative highlights immigrants' significant contributions to American society, culture, and economy
It serves as a counterpoint to anti-immigration sentiment during a politically contentious time
The recognition demonstrates how immigrants enrich "the very fabric of American life," as noted by Carnegie President Dame Louise Richardson
It showcases America's unique ability to integrate immigrants as full citizens compared to other countries
The educational materials help share immigrant success stories with younger generations

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint