Carnegie Celebrates 20th Year, Honors ‘Great Immigrants’

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    Celebrated composer and conductor Tania León, who helped establish the Dance Theatre of Harlem, originally had aspirations to settle in Paris rather than in the United States. In 1967, she seized an opportunity to leave Cuba and arrived in Miami on a resettlement flight, with dreams of joining the Conservatoire de Paris to pursue a career as a concert pianist. However, fate guided her to New York, where she met Arthur Mitchell of the New York City Ballet. Mitchell, known for being the first Black star in the Ballet circuit, profoundly influenced León’s career path.

    In a fortunate encounter, Mitchell shared his vision, which eventually led to the creation of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, drawing León into a transformative journey within the world of dance and music. Reflecting on her serendipitous path, León remarked, “You cannot predict the future.” Her notable achievements, including composing, conducting the New York Philharmonic, and her work on Broadway, culminated in the prestigious recognition she received from the Carnegie Corporation of New York as part of its 20th class of Great Immigrants, Great Americans.

    Emphasizing gratitude for the unexpected opportunities she encountered in the U.S., León expressed, “I am just overwhelmed with this latest recognition about what I have been able to contribute. I didn’t do it for awards but out of passion.” The Carnegie Corp. initiative highlights how immigrants have enriched the United States culturally and economically. They honor individuals who have contributed significantly to the fabric of American society. “Our Great Immigrants public awareness initiative has been a reminder that many of the most influential figures in our country have been distinguished naturalized citizens,” stated Carnegie President Dame Louise Richardson, herself a naturalized American citizen from Ireland.

    Simon Johnson, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sloan School of Management and another honoree, emphasized the economic contributions of immigrants. Johnson, who hails from the UK, shared the Nobel Prize in economics in 2024 with fellow immigrants. He remarked, “Immigrants work hard, seek productivity, and aim for their children’s brighter futures, contributing significantly to the nation’s dynamism.” This sentiment resonated with his fellow honoree Maria Teresa Kumar, president of Voto Latino, who sees America’s multiculturalism as an unparalleled strength.

    In today’s climate where immigration policies evoke passionate debates, Voto Latino has been an advocate against anti-immigration sentiment, focusing on educating and empowering immigrant communities. Kumar, who emigrated from Colombia at the age of four, explained, “A multicultural America is our secret superpower. The diversity of thought and experience enhances our national strength.”

    Geri Mannion, managing director of Carnegie’s Strengthening U.S. Democracy Program, affirmed that honoring immigrants remains essential because they continue to play diverse and crucial roles in developing the nation. Carnegie also celebrates these stories with a free comic book highlighting previous honorees like rock legend David Byrne and comedian Mo Amer.

    The 2025 class of honorees includes notable figures from various backgrounds: Tope Awotona from Nigeria, Moungi Bawendi from France, Helen M. Blau from England, and Maria Teresa Kumar from Colombia, among others. These individuals showcase the wide array of talents and contributions immigrants offer and underline the richness they bring to America.