Civil right issues are still prominent in today’s society and recent legislation highlighting the Latino and Latino-American populations in Arizona have awakened many to this truth. U.S. citizens now face ramifications from these legal changes, which facilitate racial discrimination and encourage prejudice. Imagine walking through campus and suddenly being asked for proof of citizenship because of your race. What kind of anxiety would you feel if you did not have this documentation; if you were accused of being a criminal or treated as a second-class citizen? This is a dilemma that will be potentially facing many American citizens if we resign ourselves to apathy and regression.
We must strive to remind our community that our country from its inception has been nation of immigrants and these individuals have significantly contributed to the progression of our nation. The preamble to the United States Constitution, written by our Founding Fathers who were also immigrants, calls for domestic tranquility and the blessings of liberty, both of which will be in jeopardy if prejudice and discrimination continue to be incorporated into institutions and the legal system. As we further explore the issues surrounding these topics, it will help us build a better understanding of Latino- American citizens as well as immigrants, and their contributions to society.
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September 22nd
Panel Discussion
Driving While…Well Any Color!
6 p.m., Lee Hall, 411
Individuals of all ethnicities have encountered prejudice or racism at some point in their lifetime, whether it is perceived or intentional. Join University of Mary Washington students as they discuss their personal experiences with such issues and how it has affected their lives and perceptions of other races. FOOD AND DRINKS WILL BE AVAILABLE! For more information, please contact the James Farmer Multicultural Center at .
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September 24th
Latino Identities Month Keynote Performance
hereandnow Theatre Company & Teatro Nueva Alma present Sin Titulo
7 p.m., Dodd Auditorium, George Washington Hall
Sin Título lunges deep into motives of the mind and spirit of young Latinos. Thrusting sights and sounds of Latino passions, this production offers inspiration to anyone who is searching for strength and peace within their culture. Bound to the beauty of their language and experiences audiences leave with a lasting poetic rhythm after experiencing a Teatro show.
The dilution caused by the casual cultural clumping of the growing number of Latinos in Southern California obscures true nationality. “We are not all Mexicans,” is a statement that has perhaps been said too often in a yielding manner. Argentines, Chileans, Cubans, Puerto Ricans and the many other Latino nationalities should have an equally fervid voice. “Sin Título” delicately exposes the opposing differences that exist among this intensifying hybrid of Latino culture in America while still acknowledging…WE ARE ALL STILL AMERICANS.
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October 1st
“Soulmenco”
Featuring Ebony Tay and Carlos Revollar
8 p.m., The Underground
Experience “Soulmenco” with global soul guitarist and songstress Ebony Tay and world-renowned Flamenco guitarist, Carlos Revollar. Combining the passion-filled rhythms of the gypsy (Flamenco) with the soulful hymns of African slaves, this cool new twist on Flamenco will give you an exciting night of hands, feet, and guitar, while uniting elements of various cultures to enhance the true essence of one love through music. For more information, contact the James Farmer Multicultural Center at .
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October 4th
A Day in the Life of an Immigrant
6-8 p.m., Great Hall, Woodard Campus Center
Visiting a different country can be fun and exciting for a short-term traveler, especially when you know that you’ll soon return home to a familiar life. But for immigrants, they must quickly find a job, a place to live, and settle into a routine as they adapt to life in their new country where everything seems different. A Day in the Life of An Immigrant is an interactive experience where participants will gain first-hand insights into many of the struggles and challenges that recent immigrants face. This event is co-sponsored by LUCHA Ministries, Inc. For more information, please contact the James Farmer Multicultural Center at .
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October 5th
Pass the Test
6 p.m., Lee Hall 411
One of the most important tests an individual will take during their lifetime will be that to grant citizenship into the Unites States; however, the contents of this test are unknown to many nor are the several other steps of the naturalization process; a process that continues to remain a barrier for many immigrants to overcome. Please join the Latino Student Association and Professor Jessica Locke, Assistant Professor of Modern Foreign Languages, as they test your knowledge of this process and critical test! Do you have what it takes to pass the test? FOOD AND DRINKS WILL BE AVAILABLE! For more information, please contact the James Farmer Multicultural Center at (540) 654-1044.
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October 6th
Resolved? A Melting Pot No More
7 p.m., Lee Hall 411
Recent changes to U.S. immigration reform policies have contributed to heated debates across the country, and while emotions run high and opinions vary, the once perceived “melting pot” is quickly becoming unwelcoming territory for a large population of U.S. citizens. Join the members of the UMW Debate Program debate U.S. immigration policy for the 21st century.For more information, please contact Dr. Timothy O’Donnell at todonnel@umw.edu.
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October 7th
The Story of Esperanza:
An African Woman in Colonial Mexico
7 p.m., Red Room, Woodard Campus Center
Dr. Joan C. Bristol is the author of a variety of books and articles and her new project explores the intersection of gender and racial ideologies in Colonial Spanish America. Event cosponsored by Women’s and Gender Studies and the Department of History and American Studies
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October 15th
Feria de UMW Festival
5 – 7 p.m., Ball Circle; (Rain Location: Great Hall, Woodard Campus Center)
UMW comes alive in celebration of Latino culture through dance, music, and food! Festivities include live entertainment, traditional Latino foods, and raffles with countless prizes. Games, crafts, and activities will round out this evening of fun! This program is geared toward promoting understanding, equality, and acceptance of Latino culture and heritage. For more information, contact umwlsa@gmail.com
All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
For more information, contact the James Farmer Multicultural
Center at ; Lee Hall, 211 or at www.umw.edu/multicultural
About Brynn Boyer