PBS Wisconsin Education’s ‘Wisconsin Biographies’ collection welcomes Roberto Hernández

October 3, 2024 Tawny Morrison Leave a Comment

PBS Wisconsin Education recently added a new story to the Wisconsin Biographies collection. Roberto Hernández: Working for La Comunidad shares the story of Roberto Hernández, who became an activist for better educational opportunities for his fellow Latino students in Milwaukee.

Hernández joins other Wisconsin community leaders in the collection, geared to students in grades 3-6. Wisconsin Biographies’ animated videos, historical image galleries, digital books and educator guides are designed to introduce learners to historical figures and make connections to our lives today.

Check out Hernández’s story below, along with other community builders from the collection. Then, head over to the Wisconsin Biographies webpage to learn about more influential Wisconsinites!

Roberto Hernández: Working for La Comunidad

Roberto Hernández’s family was part of the migrant labor workforce, doing agricultural work around the country. He eventually moved to Milwaukee where he attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. After attending his first meeting for the Latin American Union for Civil Rights, Hernández found his stride as an activist and community organizer. His work helps inform the larger story of Latino activism in the United States in the 1960s and ’70s.

Joe Bee Xiong: War to Peace

Joe Bee Xiong grew up in a village in Laos. After the Vietnam War, he moved to the U.S. as a refugee, finding a new home in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Xiong’s childhood experiences instilled a strong commitment to community, and over the years he served in various leadership positions, including Eau Claire City Council member.

Kate Pelham Newcomb: Doctor of the Northwoods

Despite her father’s disapproval, Kate Pelham Newcomb pursued her dream of becoming a doctor. After a family tragedy, she nearly abandoned medicine altogether, but the needs of her neighbors during a winter storm led her back to the profession. Pelham Newcomb went on to save many lives, deliver thousands of babies and build a much-needed hospital.

Electa Quinney: Mohican Teacher and Mentor

Known as Wisconsin’s first public school teacher, Electa Quinney believed in education for all, teaching both Native and non-Native students. Her story is part of the long history of the Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians, who were forced from their homes multiple times. As a teacher and community leader, Quinney helped bring Mohican traditions to Wisconsin and uplifted her Nation.

Explore the entire collection or browse by themes including Justice Seekers and Innovators of Industry on the Wisconsin Biographies webpage. You can also stream all of the stories on the PBS Wisconsin Education YouTube channel and on pbswisconsin.org.

PBS Wisconsin Education Hispanic Heritage Month Education Latino Americans Native American History Wisconsin history Hmong history Wisconsin Biographies