Latinos Unidos, a student group, is the primary sponsor and will partner with the Ethnic Studies Speakers Series on several events. The Ethnic Studies Speakers Series, in its inaugural year, hopes to team with all student groups as they celebrate various history months.
Events, free and open the public, include:
- Monday, Sept. 15: Opening Ceremonies at 8 p.m. in the Williams Center Multipurpose Room
- On Friday, Sept. 19, there will be a presentation on, “Capoeira: The Art of Resistance,” by Dr. Barbara Browning of the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University at noon in Williams Center Room G103ABC. Dr. Browning specializes in Brazil and the African Diaspora and dance ethnography. Her many publications include, “Infectious Rhythm: Metaphors of Contagion and the Spread of African Culture,” and “Samba: Resistance in Motion.” She will introduce the audience to the history and culture of capoeira, a dance form that draws significantly on the martial arts, with its emphasis on its role as a form of resistance. Light refreshments will be served.
- Thursday, Sept. 20: “La Tomatina” (rain date Sept. 27), Dods Picnic Grove.
- Monday, Sept. 22: the movie, “Innocent Voices,” 7 p.m., McEwen Hall Room G24.
- Thursday, Sept. 25: Visiting Poets, 7 p.m., McEwen Hall Room 209.
- On Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 5 p.m. in McEwen Hall Room 202 there will be a panel discussion about the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act at the state and national level. Co-sponsored by Latinos Unidos and the Ethnic Studies Speakers Series, the panel seeks both to inform and to elicit feedback from members of the community. The purpose of the DREAM Act is to halt the deportation of undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children. The provisions of the act include “immediate protection” for high school graduates as well as an opportunity to “apply for permanent residence – and eventually citizenship – for those who serve in the military or attain a certain level of higher education,” according to Department of Politics and International Affairs Professor Alex Caviedes. He noted that the DREAM Act, under consideration since 2001, remains unpassed “despite positive perceptions of the act and political support from both parties.” Individuals interested in learning more about the DREAM Act are encouraged to visit the National Immigration Law Center’s website. New York is also considering its own version of the federal act, which would allow undocumented students access to state financial aid scholarships so that they can pursue higher education. To learn more about the New York State version of the DREAM Act, please visit the NYSYLC’s website: http://www.nydreamact.org/. Fredonia’s panelists hope to inform and elicit discussion about the DREAM Act at the state and federal level. Student Mark Cruz of Latinos Unidos will introduce the topic, discussing his experiences with the Act in New York City and Fredonia and seeking commentary from the audience. Dr. Caviedes will then present a brief introduction to and history of the DREAM Act, Dr. Carmen Rivera of the Department of World Languages and Cultures will discuss its impact on women, children, and especially, families; Dr. Eric Meringer of the Department of History will share some of his experiences with members of the local community who have been affected by their undocumented status or the status of a loved one; and Chief Diversity Officer Bill Boerner will address the ways that the DREAM Act could affect the Fredonia campus. Cruz will then facilitate a discussion during which all in attendance are welcome to ask questions, share comments, or address concerns. Light refreshments will be served.
- Thursday, Oct. 2: Dance Class – Rumba, from 8-10 p.m., Williams Center Multipurpose Room.
- Saturday, Oct. 4: Dance Class – Salsa, from 2-4 p.m., Williams Center Multipurpose Room.
- Tuesday, Oct. 7: Comedian Maria Costa, 7 p.m., McEwen Hall Room G26.
- Wednesday, Oct. 15: Closing Ceremonies, Williams Center Multipurpose Room.
