---
title: MCF Newsletter Hub
---

# Honoring Miguel Contreras: A Celebration of Legacy, Labor, and Learning 

September 17th, 2025

On September 17, The Miguel Contreras Foundation and The Miguel Contreras Learning Complex gathered as a community to celebrate the life and legacy of Miguel Contreras. Over 200 students came together for a day filled with music, culture, and community to **honor what would have been Miguel's 73rd birthday.**

Thank you to everyone who joined us in continuing to build the future of labor together. For those who couldn’t attend, here’s a quick recap:

**Who We Heard From**

To honor Miguel's legacy, leaders who knew him personally inspired us to continue to carry forward his vision of justice and worker power:

- **Yvonne Wheeler**, President of the LA County Federation of Labor, uplifted Miguel's organizing legacy and challenged students to carry the torch.
- **Dr. Rocio Rivas**, LAUSD Board Vice President, spoke on the power of education and celebrated the new MCF–LAUSD partnership.
- **Michael Contreras**, MCF Board President and Miguel's son, shared a heartfelt memory of his father and the influence of art and civic engagement.
- **Senator María Elena Durazo**, California Senate District 26, reflected on Miguel as a husband, mentor, and movement builder, urging students to see themselves as the future of labor and justice. 

![Bday Pic #2](https://47559224.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Bday%20Pic%20%232.png "Bday Pic #2")

**Why We Gathered**

Celebrating Miguel's birthday and the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, students filled the day with a vibrant showcase of culture and talent, from mariachi to folklórico, reminding us that Miguel's legacy lives on in every classroom.

We also proudly announced a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Miguel Contreras Foundation and LAUSD, deepening our shared commitment to empowering LAUSD  students and labor and immigrant communities.

![Bday Pic #1](https://47559224.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Bday%20Pic%20%231.png "Bday Pic #1")

**What’s Next**

Miguel’s spirit continues through collective action. Here’s how you can stay involved:

- **Support Deported MCLC Student Nory **with continuing her education (below)
- **Support youth leadership and labor education -> **donate here to help us empower the next generation of changemakers.
- **Carry forward Miguel’s legacy** in your school, family, and community by standing in solidarity with workers and advancing the labor movement.

[ DONATE HERE TO SUPPORT MCLC STUDENT NORY ](https://47559224.hs-sites.com/voice-of-libertad)

![MCF-1200x628-Hero-AUG25](https://47559224.hs-sites.com/hubfs/MCF-1200x628-Hero-AUG25.jpg "MCF-1200x628-Hero-AUG25")

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