This content was published: March 30, 2009. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Semana de la Raza celebrates Latino culture
Photos and story by James Hill
Portland Community College is hosting a weeklong festival “Semana de la Raza” (Translated as “Week of the People”) to celebrate Latino culture and heritage.
From April 27 to May 1, the Rock Creek Campus (17705 N.W. Springville Road) will honor Latino people, history and culture. Additionally, student art installations will be displayed for the week across the campus; Latino authors will be prominently featured in the campus’ library; and a Smithsonian traveling art show “Our Hispanic Neighbors” will be exhibited in Building 9. This event is free and open to the public.
The event will culminate in the Cesar Chavez Evening of Excellence Celebration at 6 p.m., Friday, May 1, in Room 114, Building 3. Festivities will include a celebration of service, recognizing individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the community through leadership, service and education. A performance by Latino theater group Teatro Milagro, featuring its new environmental play, “El Ultimo,” will follow the ceremony.
The Semana de la Raza highlights include:
- Noon, Monday, April 27, Event Center – An opening luncheon featuring artist Isaac Alonso and winners of the 2009 essay contest “Latinos, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” will be announced
- 6 p.m., Monday, April 27, Room 102, Building 3 and 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 29, Room 114, Building 3 – Organizers will show the Emmy-winning film “Made In L.A.” about three Latina sweatshop workers who organize against the unfair labor practices of the L.A. garment industry. A discussion with the filmmakers will follow.
- Noon, Wednesday, April 29, Building 3 Mall – Latin Beats featuring salsa, meringue, aztec and baile folklorico dances.
For more information, visit www.pcc.edu/events/semana
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »