Volume I, Issue I - February 2002

Frank Murphy Museum, Harbor Beach, MI Frank Murphy, Governor General of the Philippines, seated at the head of the table.

GINSBERG FELLOW STEPS TOWARDS HISTORY OF COLONIAL PHILIPPINES Who is Frank Murphy one might ask?  Few native Michigan residents, even in his hometown of Harbor Beach, MI, know the history of this distinguished University of Michigan alumnus. Frank Murphy, in his long career of public service served as a criminal court judge, Mayor of Detroit, Governor General of the Philippines, Governor of Michigan, and Justice of the United States Supreme Court.  While these accomplishments add to the intrigue of Gov. Murphy’s life, the issues he dealt with during his public career (1930-1950) are of significance to the Filipino community. As Mayor of Detroit,  Gov. Murphy oversaw a major city that was struck hard by the Great Depression and, during that time, he administered one of the more successful pre-runners of what were later called New Deal programs.  Gov. Murphy was a political star who rose quickly within the Democratic party.  By the 1930’s he had caught the attention of President Franklin D. Roosevelt who nominated him to serve as the governor-general of the Philippine Islands in 1933.  In this position Gov. Murphy negotiated the complicated terrain of American colonial politics.  He continued his service in the Philippines and oversaw the transformation from an American colonial property (1898-1934) into a commonwealth, though full independence would not come to the Philippines until July 4, 1946.  As a devout Catholic, Gov.  Murphy appealed to the mostly Catholic Philippine legislature.  His seemingly tender-hearted manner concealed his fierce resolve, ambition, and astute political instinct, which served him well in his long career in liberal politics. As Governor of Michigan, in the late 1930’s Murphy mediated the infamous General Motors sit-down strike and played a crucial role in helping organized labor gain respect in the American political system thus solidifying the entry of the Big Three in American politics.  Yet, with all these accomplishments, Frank Murphy still remains a relatively forgotten historical figure on the national level.   Most recently, there have been initiatives towards establishing a better understanding of Frank Murphy and his role in U.S. History, as well as in Philippine-American history.  Govenor Murphy’s former home in Harbor Beach, MI, was purchased by the City of Harbor Beach and converted into a small museum; the museum houses many artifacts and writings from Frank Murphy’s life of public service.  Filipino-American community members have tried for the last several years to obtain grants, which could be used to assist the Friends of Frank Murphy Museum for a better understanding of the colonial American influence in the Philippines.  These previous attempts have failed.  However, Annalissa Herbert, a graduate student from the University of Michigan, made a proposal to the Ginsberg Center for Community Service, which accounted for the use of grant money to head a volunteer project that would assist in creating a catalog of Murphy artifacts.  Herbert’s proposal was approved, and she is currently recruiting volunteers to assist with identification, research, catalog, and creation of teaching guides for the museum. Volunteers who are interested in researching the life of Frank Murphy, his impact on Philippine and American history,  or gaining experience in museum studies are highly encouraged to contact Herbert.

BRIEFLY SPEAKING The Second Annual Bailey Forum will be held in Webster Township on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2002.  The Forum will focus on ethnic diversity, understanding and appreciation with the title of the Forum being The American Stew:  Who Are U.S.?  The Forum will attempt to broaden the "Melting Pot" analogy from years past "to recognize that each culture, race, ethnicity and religion brings a distinct ingredient into the American cultural pot creating a stew that is...enriched by the many flavors, colors and spices of each group."  The Forum is open to children and adults of all ages, with workshops that will target specific age groups.  Lesly Burgamy (PSG Student Association) will be holding a workshop on Filipino culture, using a variety of Filipino costumes to illustrate the many flavors Filipinos contribute to the American Stew.  Contributors to Lesly's workshop include Ninfa and Robert Springer, Adelwisa Agas Weller, Annalissa Herbert, Romy and Neci Aquino, and other members of the Philippine Study Group Student Association.  For more information on the Forum and workshops, e-mail philippinestudygroup1@hotmail.com The FACES-Ann Arbor chapter is planning for Crizel Commemoration Week scheduled for February 18-22.  The Filipino/American Coalition on Environmental Solutions (FACES) is a nationwide organization that campaigns for the rights of toxic waste victims  in and around the former U.S. military bases in the Philippines.  Through speaking to various interest groups, writing letters to congressional members, and honoring those whose lives are affected, FACES raises awareness nationwide through the networks of six local chapters: New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, D.C., St. Paul, and most recently, Ann Arbor.   The month of February is Crizel Commemoration month; February will honor the life of Crizel Jane Valencia, a young girl who died from leukemia on Feb. 25, 2000 after Crizel's mother was exposed to contaminated air, water, and soil on a former U.S. Air Force base during pregnancy.   FACES-Ann Arbor is planning on holding a letter writing session on Sunday, Feb. 17 from 3-6pm.  A candle light vigil is tentatively scheduled for Monday, Feb. 18 at 7 pm, where the lives of the victims will be remembered through readings and music.  Location TBA.  During the week of 2/18-2/22, FACES members will be distributing green ribbons throughout the Ann Arbor campus.   For any further questions, contact Galatea King at galateak@umich.edu, Cynthia Marasig at cmarasig@umich.edu, or Annalissa Herbert at babaylan@umich.edu. Volume I, Issue II - March 2002 MSU Hosts a Successful Conference for the Midwest Association of Filipino Americans Second Annual Bailey Forum Fosters Ethnic Diversity, and Understanding Briefly Speaking Community Calendar UofM Guest Lecturer Will Focus on Media and Censorship in the Philippines

Survey to Assess and Illustrate Demand for Philippine Studies at UofM     In an effort to assess and portray the need for Philippine Studies Initiatives on the Ann Arbor campus, the Philippine Study Group Student Association (PSGSA) is administering a qualitative survey to faculty, students, and community members.  The survey will be modeled after the University of Hawaii Philippine Studies Survey, conducted in the 1970's, which led to the establishment of a Philippine Studies Program and Center at the University of Hawaii.  Adelwisa Agas Weller brought the University of Hawaii survey to PSGSA and explained that the Philippine Studies program was implemented in Hawaii because of their ability to assess the needs and demands for such a program.  PSGSA has, therefore, adapted the survey to target the University of Michigan Ann Arbor campus.       The objective of the survey is not only to assess the need for a Philippine Studies program, but also to understand how the University of Michigan would benefit from a more structured program.  While the University has long been home to rich resources on Philippine colonial times, the number of scholars and students working with this material has decreased over the years.   PSGSA believes that the survey will show reasons why the materials are not being used, and how a structured program will enrich and expand the resources available on campus.        The survey will also give administrators and legislators ideas on how a Philippine Studies program can be designed to fulfill the academic interests of program supporters.  The survey includes questions on possible areas of study, manner in which the courses should be offered, and aspects of Philippine history, culture, and language of most interest.  The goal is to have a better understanding of how best the Philippine Studies program can be instituted in the University of Michigan system.      PSGSA is still in the experimental stages with the survey and will be testing their first version during the months of February and March.  The first target participants will be from the Philippine Seminar (Asian Studies 492).  PSGSA will distribute the survey to students and community members, as well as the UofM faculty and visiting lecturers who are participating in the program.  To participate in the survey, inquirers may e-mail to philippinestudygroup1@hotmail.com for an electronic version of the survey.  Or, write to PSGSA at 44124 Richmond, Canton, MI, 48187. COMMUNITY CALENDAR Feb. 2 - Second Annual Bailey Forum at Webster Church.  9am-4pm, 5484 Webster Church Rd., Dexter, MI. Feb. 2 - Holy Mass (Mass will be said in Filipino) at St. Sylvester Church, 11200 Twelve Mile Rd., Warren, MI, 810.751.3636 Feb. 3 - Philippine American Cultural Center of Michigan (PACCM) Board Meeting, 4pm.  17356 Northland Park Ct Southfield, MI 48075 Feb. 17 - FACES-Ann Arbor Chapter will be holding a letter-writing session from 3-6pm, in order to gain support for the rights of toxic waste victims in and around the former U.S. Military bases in the Philippines.   Feb. 18 - FACES-Ann Arbor Chapter will hold a candle-light vigil for toxic waste victims in and around the former U.S. Military bases in the Philippines.  The vigil will commemorate the lives of victims through readings and music.  Location TBA. Feb. 18-22 - FACES-Ann Arbor Chapter members will be distributing green ribbons throughout the UofM Ann Arbor campus to raise awareness on toxic waste problems in the Philippines.     Feb. 22- MAFA 2002 conference at Michigan State University.  Register online at http://www.globus-inc.com/mafa/mafareg.htm Cost is $25, Deadline for reg. is Feb. 15, 2002