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Two years ago, Gil Rosenberg wrote an opinion piece for the Herald-Leader, sharing words that helped fuel his drive for helping others.
"I am but one voice among many," the migrant-worker advocate and college sociology teacher wrote in the 2010 article. "But in our country one voice can still count."
Mr. Rosenberg, 57, died Saturday in an automobile crash on Interstate 75 in Fayette County. His family and friends said he lived by those words as he advocated for farm workers, undocumented Hispanics, and others in the Bluegrass.
In the late 1990s, Mr. Rosenberg co-founded the Migrant Network Coalition a broadbased group of public and private organizations advocating for Hispanics.
Mr. Rosenberg believed "in the basic dignity of every person" and advocated for those who had little means of support, said his wife June Widman.
Mr. Rosenberg, who lived in Berea, taught sociology at Eastern Kentucky University's campuses in Manchester and Lancaster and Danville and at Bluegrass Community and Technical College.
In the 2010 Herald-Leader commentary, Mr. Rosenberg said he had been involved in issues of immigration and undocumented workers since 1976 when he worked in an orchard in Oregon during a college break.
Mr. Rosenberg said he worked in a labor camp with 30 undocumented workers from Mexico for four years, doing harvest and fruit-packing work. In Kentucky, he said he worked for UK's Cooperative Extension Service, educating farmers on migrant labor issues when the first migrant workers came to the state.
Mr. Rosenberg worked for migrant health clinics at the University of Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky University and taught English as a second language for EKU adult education.
"Gil always put the interests of the children and families of the migrant community as a priority. He encouraged the pursuit of education and he sought out opportunities to help those students who wanted to put forth the hard work to achieve their dreams," said Michael Hay, Director of the Migrant Education Program at EKU.
Mr. Rosenberg, in the Herald-Leader commentary, said he worked on a national research project examining immigrant farm-worker issues and wrote a report representing the situation in Kentucky in the 1990s.
More recently, he was supporting passage of the federal Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, known as the DREAM Act, which would allow illegal immigrants who arrived as children and graduated from U.S. high schools to go on to college.
In 2009 and 2010, Mr. Rosenberg also taught English as a second language to the Spanish-speaking ballplayers on the Lexington Legends minor-league baseball team.
"They, too, are migrant workers away from their families," he said at the time.
Wherever he taught, Mr. Rosenberg relayed to his students a message that he carried out in his advocacy work, said Widman.
He believed "every person deserves a chance and by telling their story'' their humanity comes through, she said.In addition to his wife, Mr. Rosenberg is survived by a son and a daughter.
A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Saint Clare Catholic Church in Berea. Visitation will begin at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Arrangements are being handled by Davis & Powell Funeral Home.
-- By Valarie Honeycutt Spears | [email protected]
10 Entries
June, you have my sympathy and my prayers. Your husband obviously shared your commitment to those who need an advocate in our society. I trust you will be encouraged and strengthened as you remember the ones he helped and whose lives will be better because Gil chose to stand up for them. May God bless.
Jack Whitaker
May 13, 2012
We have lost one the most dedicated advocates for migrant farm workers and new immigrants who began his work in the 1970s. And I have lost a great colleague and friend. He and I were founding co-directors of the Migrant Network Coalition. His light will shine on in the hearts of all who knew him and all he touched. Goodbye my friend. I will always remember you and forever miss you. My heart goes out to June, Jess and Greg. I know all our lives are richer having known Gil.
Kathryn Luchok
May 13, 2012
Our community has lost a great man who demanded we "think". Such a loss for the entire state of Kentucky. My prayer for the family is for strength to carry on the great work of this blessed man. He was a great witness for many and now is rewarded by our Heavenly Father.
Susan Thomason
May 13, 2012
Conrad Pfeiffer
May 9, 2012
I will never forget my sociology class my freshmen year of college. You truly were one of those professors who taught me to seize the day.
Thank you.
Chrissy Herren
May 9, 2012
For my friend Gil, You are one of a kind and I will miss you. For June, Jess and Greg -hugs all around from New Jersey to Kentucky
Lorraine Corsale
May 9, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as Gil's departure is a true and traumatic loss for all of us at EKU and Kentucky. My prayers are with you all.
Stephanie McSpirit
May 9, 2012
As a co-worker at BCTC I remember Mr. Rosenberg well. I am very sad at his passing. I wish peace and blessings for his family & friends.
Julie Williams
May 9, 2012
Gil was always such a bright light in our family, and a shining example of expressing his love for all of us. Through his death, I am seeing how many lives he touched, and know his spirit will always carry on in our hearts. To June, Jessy, and Greg, may all the love and wonderful lifetime memories hold you up and give you comfort during this most difficult time. I love you all, and I'll sure miss you, Gil!
Lois Widman Welch
May 8, 2012
Gil will be missed by all who knew this kind, caring soul. I extend my sincere sympathy to his family. He cherished you.
Jeanne Humble
May 8, 2012
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