Grand Valley State University celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with events through mid-October, highlighted by a lecture on U.S. policies and Latin America, a visit from an Hispanic American astronaut, songs of celebrated poet Pablo Neruda, and a performance by a gay activist.
Hispanic Heritage Month runs September 10-October 14. Events are open to the public and free unless indicated. Below is a schedule of Grand Valley events with contact information:
Enlace: Festival of Contemporary Latin American Art Exhibit
West Gallery and Room 215-H, Eberhard Center
Opening Reception: Monday, September 13, at 6 p.m.
Discover Hispanic voices and ideas through the beauty of the arts. The exhibit highlights more than 50 pieces of art by artists from West Michigan, Mexico and Venezuela. Sponsors: Latin American Studies Program, LAZO Cultural; Contact: Erick Pichardo, 616-776-2609 ([email protected]) or LAS Program Coordinator Russell Rhoads, 616-331-3018 ([email protected])
Multicultural Student Reception
250 Kirkhof Center, 5-7 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to meet and greet faculty, staff, students, and student organizations at this annual event. Sponsors: Office of Multicultural Affairs, EXCEL Program, Housing and Residence Life Office, Office of Student Life, Admissions Office, Career Services, Womens Center, Pew Campus Student Services, Counseling and Career Development Center. Contact Information: Office of Multicultural Affairs at 616-331-2177 or Bobby Springer at [email protected].
Film: City of God/ Cidade de Deus
Kirkhof Center Movie Theater
Daily show times: 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 10 p.m.
A photographer named Buscape narrates short stories to recall his childhood growing up in one of the most crime-ridden areas of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The film introduces many characters, including a boyhood friend on the path to becoming a drug dealer in what was one of the worlds most dangerous areas from the late 60s to the early 80s.
Cultural Caf¿ Open Mic Nite
Kleiner Commons Lounge, 7 p.m.
The Cultural Caf¿ series showcases student talent and provides an outlet and cultural space for expression, reflection and cultural affirmation of the past and present. Sponsors: Sigma Lambda Beta, Office of Multicultural Affairs; Contact: Stacy Stout, [email protected] or 616-331-2177
Americanos: Faces of Latin America
204 Kirkhof Center, noon-1 p.m.
Join the Padnos International Center in celebrating the diversity of the Southern Americas. A variety of racial, linguistic and religious influences create a complex region far from its depiction in the media. Contact: Meaghann Myers, Padnos International Center, 616-331-3898
Lecture: U.S. Policies and Latin America: Towards Human Rights, Social Justice, and Development for the People, by Washington Office on Latin America Deputy Director Kimberly Stanton
204 Kirkhof Center, 4-5:30 p.m.
Stanton's talk will highlight the impact of U.S. policies on our neighbors to the south, and propose an alternative policy based on a foundation of human rights and social justice. Stanton will also show how the November presidential elections will impact the people of Latin America. Sponsor: Latin American Studies; Contact: Russell Rhoads, 616-331-3018
Music and Songs of Latin America: Special Tribute to Pablo Neruda
Cook DeWitt Auditorium, 7 p.m.
Celebrate a musical homage with the rhythms and colors of the traditional music of Latin America and the magical poetry of Pablo Neruda of Chile. This event celebrates the 100th anniversary of the poet with original music compositions that have found in Nerudas poetry inspiration. Sponsors: Office of Multicultural Affairs, La Tertulia, Sigma Lambda Gamma; Contact: Stacy Stout, [email protected]
Rethinking Columbus Day
204 Kirkhof Center, 6 p.m.
Speaker and discussion about the impact of Christopher Columbus on the indigenous people of the Americas. Sponsors: Native American Student Association, Latino Student Union; Contact: Tasha Smith, [email protected]
The Magic of the Milagros Workshop
Two-part series, both begin at 6 p.m.; 161 Kirkhof Center
Tiny metal feet, hands, heads, hearts: these traditional Mexican healing talismans (milagros) can help manifest "little miracles in our lives." Typically, in Mexico the use of milagros or small religious charms are associated with asking a favor or thanking for a miracle that has taken place. Participants can make a milagros altar. Limited enrollment, call the Women's Center at 616-331-2748. Cost: Community Members & GVSU Staff/Faculty $45, Students $20
Sponsors: Womens Center, Alumni Association, Gildas Club, School of Social Work
Lagrimas de Cocodrilo/Crocodile Tears, Presentation by Ingrid Rivera
204 Kirkhof Center, 7 p.m.
Ingrid Rivera is a gay, Black Boricua, lecturer, poet and spoken-word performance artist. Rivera has focused her work on race, economic justice and gay issues. Her work, "L¿grimas de Crocodilo/ Crocodile Tears," is an experience into spoken-word performance art and tale of survival via poetic monologues. Sponsors: Office of Multicultural Affairs, Womens Center, Out NAbout, Latino Student Union, Multicultural Assistants of Housing and Residence Life.
Contact: Stacy Stout, [email protected], Office of Multicultural Affairs, 616-331-2177
Franklin Chang-D¿az, NASA astronaut, first Hispanic American in Space
250 Kirkhof Center, 6-7 p.m.
The Office of Multicultural Affairs Professionals of Color Lecture Series presents Franklin R. Chang-D¿az. He is a NASA astronaut and director of the Advanced Spaced Propulsion Laboratory at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. Chang-D¿az is a veteran of seven space flights and has logged over 1,600 hours in space, including 19 hours and 31 minutes in three spacewalks.
Sponsor: Office of Multicultural Affairs; Contact: Eduardo S¿nchez, 616-331-2177
