Politics, culture of Americas explored

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.--While many Americans wonder what the future holds after the 2001 terrorist attacks and the war on Iraq, most are unaware that radical shifts in events are already taking place just south of the border. Complex changes affecting all the Americas will be the subject of daylong workshops and presentations at the seventh Conference on the Americas, presented by Grand Valley State University's Latin American Studies Program.

The conference, 'Charting the Future: Culture and Politics in Latin America,' takes place 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, at Grand Valley's Eberhard Center, 301 W. Fulton St. Main events include a keynote speech by Alma Guillermoprieto, Latin America correspondent for the New Yorker and the New York Review of Books; numerous panels, presentations and displays; a daylong film festival; and an evening performance by South American tango and folklore troupe Paisajes Argentinos.

The conference is open to the public. Students with ID are admitted free. A sliding scale donation of $5 to $40 is asked of all others, payable at the door or in advance by calling (616) 331-3018. On-site registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and continues throughout the day. For more information or to register online, see the Latin American Studies website at www4.gvsu.edu/las. (Admittance to the evening musical performance is a separate fee, detailed below.)

Hundreds are expected to attend the Conference on the Americas, which features scholars from GVSU, Washington, D.C., University of Chicago, Ohio State University, Hope College, and other universities and colleges. Also joining the program are Latin American educators, activists, and service providers from Kent and Ottawa counties. Altogether, about 60 experts on Latino and Latin American life will meet in 16 sessions to discuss such topics as local abuses of migrants, 'health brigades,' media images of crime in the Latino community, protest art, and many others.

Keynote speech: Dispatches from Latin America -- 1 p.m.
At 1 p.m., Alma Guillermoprieto will give the keynote speech, 'Dispatches from Latin America,' in which she offers insights into socio-political trends and the future of Latin America. Born in Mexico, Guillermoprieto has lived in the United States, Colombia, Brazil, and currently lives in Mexico. Her first book, 'Samba,' was nominated for the National Book Critics Circle Award. In 1995, she was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship and her book, 'The Heart That Bleeds,' received excellent reviews. Her latest book, 'Looking for History: Dispatches from Latin America' (2002), presents a collection of recent essays focusing on Colombia, Cuba, and Mexico.

Evening Performance by Paisajes Argentinos
8 p.m., Louis Armstrong Theatre, Performing Arts Center
Allendale Campus
The conference continues into the evening on Grand Valley's Allendale Campus with a performance by Paisajes Argentinos. Featuring Argentine singer Irene Guiser, the troupe draws upon many South American musical traditions including chacarera, malambo, huayno, zamba, and tango.

Tickets for the performance are $15, or $12 in advance. Reserve tickets by contacting Khedija Gadhoum at (616) 331-3463 or visiting the website at www4.gvsu.edu/las.