Michael A. Pina

Born in Phoenix, Arizona Michael Pina grew up in the Dupa Village Projects by a single mother. Born from a father who migrated from Nogales when he was 2, and a mother whose family came from New Mexico and lived there before New Mexico became a State. Michael like many Mexican Americans of his time, speaks the only language he knows, English. His family, although speaking fluent spanish, chose to not allow their children to speak the language to assure they could grow up in an America that perjured those who had strong Mexican accents. Michael does comedy in the Los Angeles area and often talks about how, his not being able to speak the language of his family, has as well created a point of prejudice in his life by Mexican immigrants. He often proclaims, "I am a Mexican with White Privilege". Michael and three of his brothers of a family of five, all graduated from Arizona State University, he with an engineering degree, and a degree in Physical Education. Mike also was a gymnast at ASU and helped coach the ASU Gymnastics Team to its only Mens NCAA Championship in 1986.