MHA - Founded in 1969

In 1969 a group of Mexican women had the vision of sharing our cultural heritage with the community at large by installing a display, representative of the Mexican Independence Day celebration, at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Among them was Mrs. Maurila Blakely Ortiz, who was often involved as an organizer with the traditional kermess that evolved to become today's Fiesta Mexicana. 

Her restless efforts to keep our heritage alive with dignity; allows us to harvest the fruits of people like her, who invested their lives to guarantee a brighter future for generations to come. Thanks to Mrs. Blakely Ortiz and the many that have planted the seed for the past 35 years, we can see beyond the struggle for validating the richness of our culture in the mainstream mindset.

Nowadays, we set our gaze at a more ambitious vision. One that attempts to emulate social change, wellness and unity for all; through learning from other cultures, while sharing our Mexican Heritage. Like this, we pay tribute to the founders who have passed away. We celebrate the life and achievements of Mrs. Maurilia Blakely and we dedicate our efforts to the ones who will inevitably take our place tomorrow.