Leticia Roa Nixon advocates for the Hispanic community
By Jay Nachman
Leticia Roa Nixon, 71, learned about social justice while studying communications at the Jesuit “Universidad Iberoamericana” (Ibero-American University) in Mexico City. “It is very important that you give back to the community after you study. You can’t remain silent or turn a blind eye when you see a situation,” said Nixon, who worked as an editor and reporter in Mexico City.
After moving to Philadelphia in 1985, Nixon became an activist on behalf of the local Hispanic community. She also began working as a news reporter for Philadelphia’s Hispanic newspapers in 1988. She currently reports for “Atrévete” (I Dare You), a bilingual online television program, and is a news director for Philatinos Radio, where she has hosted the weekly program “La Noticia con Leticia” (The News with Leticia) since 2013.
In 1999, Nixon co-founded “Casa Monarca” (Monarch House), a community center dedicated to preserving Mexican art and culture in South Philadelphia. She self-published “Aquí Estamos/Here We Are,” a bilingual book documenting oral stories of Mexican immigrants residing in South Philadelphia.
Nixon served as an official court reporter for the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, retiring in 2018 after 28 years. But with battles still to be fought (and won), she hasn’t retired from her activist ways.
“These vulnerable communities need support and the voice of someone else,” said Nixon, who became a U.S. citizen in 1990.
No longer fearful of being deported because of her previous status, Nixon stepped up her advocacy activities. She joined “Juntos” (together), a community-led, Latino immigrant organization in South Philadelphia fighting for human rights for workers, parents, youths and immigrants. (For more information: 215-218-9079 | VamosJuntos.org)
“Juntos” successfully advocated for Philadelphia to end its data-sharing agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which gave ICE officials access to Philadelphia’s arrest database to target immigrants suspected of being in the country illegally. This allowed the Latino community to feel safer, Nixon said.
The organization also helped bring awareness of the rights of immigrants through the coalition of groups that form the New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia, which works to end injustice against immigrants regardless of their immigration status. (For more information: 215-279-7060 | SanctuaryPhiladelphia.org)
Another accomplishment, Nixon said, has been the establishment of Latino business associations. The Dominican Grocers Association (215-223-3809 | DominicanGrocersAssociation.org) has grown from 300 members to nearly 2,000. Mexican entrepreneurs have recently formed the Association of Mexican Business Owners in Philadelphia (es-la.facebook.com/aemphilly). The Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (215-845-5456 | PhilaHispanicChamber.org) provides workshops and resources that allow the community to prosper.
“When people are informed, they gain power,” Nixon said. “I think it’s a great achievement.”
Some of the most emotional moments for Nixon occurred when three families who had been living in sanctuary in churches received visas and were notified that they would be free from arrest or deportation.
Despite the successes, challenges remain for the Latino immigrant community. One is the traumatic experience of immigration, with the cultural shock and language barriers for newcomers. The lack of an easy pathway to citizenship is also an obstacle.
Gentrification remains a threat, particularly for the Puerto Rican community, Nixon said. She recounted how members are being uprooted from longtime enclaves in the Spring Garden and Norris Square neighborhoods.
Because of these challenges Nixon will continue to work for free as a translator, as well as march and protest on behalf of Philadelphia’s immigrant communities. This commitment to advocacy, she said, “It all stems from the simple teaching of help your fellow human beings.”
Jay Nachman is a freelance writer in Philadelphia who tells stories for a variety of clients.
