Semana Chicana
Opening Convocation: Mar 30, 2009
Semana Chicana Co-Programmers
Kimberly Arredondo `11
Rocio Rodarte `11
Semana Chicana 2009 will run from March 30th to April 4th. The theme we are exploring this year involves the diversity within the community and what it means to delineate a commonly homogeneous image.
We are examining and elucidating these varying identities through the following events:
monday, march 30
Pre-Convo Dinner
Faculty Fellow House, 5pm
Opening Convocation
Salomon 001, 7pm
featuring: first yr. & senior reflections, Joe Hernandez-Kolski Our opening convocation speaker is Joe Hernandez-Kolski, a spoken word poet from Chicago who has performed on HBO's Russel Simmons Presents Def Poetry. His performances are striking and energetic – they "challenge the audience while making them laugh," as his online biography describes.
tuesday, march 31
Screening of The Salt of the Earth with Professor Thomas Jundt
(tentative), co-sponsored by Women's History Month
Based on an actual strike against the Empire Zinc Mine in New Mexico, the film deals with the prejudice against the Mexican-American workers, who struck to attain wage parity with Anglo workers in other mines and to be treated with dignity by the bosses. The film is an early treatment of feminism, because the wives of the miners play a pivotal role in the strike, against their husbands wishes.
wednesday, april 1
"Authenticity" of Experiences: the Chican@, Mexican, Mexican-American, & Multiethnic Identities
Kassar-Foxboro Auditorium, 7p
An event closely tied to our theme, this forum with Professor Ralph Rodriguez, grad students, and undergrads will explore what it means to be authentic across different identities for people of Mexican heritage. Panelists will specifically discuss how identities overlap and interplay. With topics on: generation, language, color, class, sex, gender, sexuality, & heritage.
thursday, april 2
Noche de Cultura
TWC, 7p
We are continuing the tradition of Semana Chicana's Noche de Cultura, a night to honor Mexican heritage and culture. We are celebrating with lotería, music, and a tortilla-making station.
friday, april 3
Border Commemoration on the Main Green
(co-sponsored by MEChA)
MEChA will continue the tradition of honoring the lives lost crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.
friday, april 3
Lo Traemos en Las Venas: Latin Concert in Faunce
(co-sponsored by LHM), 10p
The Concert in Faunce will be a gathering of community to celebrate live music and culture. Soothing folk music, powerful Mariachi, and a dance-able Latin jazz band will suit every mood. With food and games, other Latino organizations will bring activity to the social dynamic. Performances by: La Tuza, Mariachi de Brown, & Infusion Experience.
saturday, april 4
BULAC Keynote Event with Irasema Garza: Latinos in Politics
Smith-Buannano 106, 3p; Reception, 4p
The Brown University Latino Alumni Council (BULAC) will have their annual keynote event on Saturday addressing Latinos and their current role in U.S. politics.