Discussing Colombia

The Latin American Studies Program of Grand Valley State University announces its upcoming Colombia Week, with activities scheduled March 17-19 for students and the public to learn about events and conflicts in the South American country.

Highlights of Colombia Week, both held on Tuesday, March 18, are a keynote speech by noted Latin American scholar Mary Roldan and an evening performance by Colombian singer/songwriter Claudia Gomez. Both events are also part of the WGS Festival (Women and Gender Studies), taking place during the same days. All events are open to the public free of charge.

Visiting scholar Mary Roldan
Mary Roldan, a historian at Cornell University, will give the keynote address from 2:30-4 p.m. on March 18 in the Cook-DeWitt Center, Allendale Campus. Her speech, 'Women, Work and Colombia's La Violencia in Historical Perspective,' offers an analysis of contemporary conflicts in South America.

A Colombia native, Roldan is a foremost authority on the region's historical and social events. Last fall Duke University Press published her book, 'Blood and Fire: La Violencia in Antioquia, Colombia, 1946-53' ¿ the culmination of years spent gathering information and interviewing guerilla and government leaders. Her talk at Grand Valley will focus on the roots of the current civil war in Colombia in regard to geographical division and race, gender and class oppression.

Musical performance and panel discussion, 7-10 p.m. Tuesday
A performance by Colombian singer and guitarist Claudia Gomez begins at 7 p.m. March 18 at the Loosemore Auditorium on Grand Valley's Pew Grand Rapids Campus, 401 W. Fulton St. Gomez' performance,'Women, Voices of the Land,' speaks of the creativity and resilience of Colombians caught up in a cycle of violence. Gomez teaches at various Colombian universities.

Following the performance is a panel discussion featuring Roldan, Gomez, and other speakers discussing possible solutions to the civil war in Colombia.

Claudia Gomez can also be heard on Wednesday, 1-2 p.m., in the Van Solkema Recital Hall, Performing Arts Center, Allendale Campus, where she will present a workshop on Latin American music.