Participation for all programs is free and open to the public.
Contact bvelazquez@mccneb.edu or 531-622-2253 for more information.
VIRTUAL Lecture: Latinos & The Environment
by Isaias Hernandez, Content Creator, QueerBrownVegan, Public Speaker, Consultant
Only 6.2% of Latinos/Hispanics receive their degrees in Environmental Science. And yet, according to multiple national polls, they are disproportionately affected by climate-driven extreme weather and are generally more concerned about climate change. For decades, Latin folks have made large contributions to the environmental movement, such as farm labor rights, environmental policy and the continued expansion of the links between climate and immigration policy. Isaias Hernandez is a queer Latin environmentalist that resides in Los Angeles, where his cultural experiences shaped the way he navigated the world. His parents, who were born in Mexico, were forcibly displaced by the climate and economic crisis from their farmlands. In this talk, Isaias seeks to diversify the environmental movement by showcasing to young Latin environmentalists that they, too, have a voice in the movement. He shares the history and contributions Latin communities play in advocating for environmental justice and empowering the Latinidad community.
Date: Tuesday, September 19
Time: 12:30 - 1:45 p.m. CDT
Register for Zoom at this link: Latinos & The Environment
VIRTUAL FILM & DISCUSSION: Missing in Brooks County
Discussion led by Eduardo Canales, South Texas Human Rights Center
70 miles north of the U.S./Mexico border lied Brooks County, Texas, a haunted, inhospitable place where hundreds of migrants go missing every year attempting to circumvent the local Border Patrol checkpoint. Missing in Brooks County follows the journey of two families who arrive in Brooks County to look for their loved ones, only to find a mystery that deepens at every turn. A gripping drama, it is also a deeply humane portrait of the human rights workers, activists and law enforcement agents who confront the life-and-death consequences of a broken immigration system.
Date: Thursday, September 28
Time: 10:15 - 11:50 a.m. CDT
Register for Zoom at this link: Mission in Brooks County
HYBRID LECTURE: Standing Up
by Javier Avila, Ph.D., Professor of English, Northhamptom Community College, 2021 American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education William Aguilar Cultural Award, 2015 Pennsylvania Professor of the Year
Standing Up is guided by the critical question, “When representation is scarce, where do we turn?” To address this question, Ávila relies on his signature style of blending storytelling with his original poetry—only this time, he offers his most personal reflection yet. Ávila recounts his journey from a boy learning to speak English in his native Puerto Rico to becoming an award-winning author, a beloved English professor, and the only Latino ever to be named Pennsylvania’s Professor of the Year. He invites audiences to consider the unlikely, overlooked elements needed to write one’s own narrative when grander, more visible alternatives seem out of reach. At its core, Standing Up is a heartwarming tribute to the power of education, family, and community.
Date: Monday, October 9
Location: Elkhorn Valley Campus 114
Time: 12:15 - 1:30 p.m. CDT
Register for Zoom at this link: Standing Up
TWO HYBRID PERFORMANCES: Hispanic Flamenco Ballet from Miami Beach, Florida
Latin Iberian Show is an immersive journey through the soul of Latin America and Spain! Commence with the captivating energy of Mexico, featuring pieces inspired by Frida Kahlo. Be enthralled by classic Spanish dances and the vibrancy of Brazilian samba.
Experience the lively rhythm of Valencia’s Pasodoble and a stirring pop Latino musical medley. Feel the pulse of Spain through “Elementos”, a classic Spanish performance using abanicos (fans), manton (shawl), and castañuelas (castanets).
Lose yourself in the passionate zapateado dance styles, and join us in celebrating Puerto Rican culture with plena tambores and popular hits.
Date: Wednesday, October 11
Location: SOC CAM 120
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 11:35 a.m. CDT
Register for Zoom at this link: Hispanic Flamenco Ballet Latin Iberian Show
The Arts & Dance Experience is an educational journey through the pulsating world of Latin and Spanish music and dance where audience members become part of the performance blending fun and education. Starting with a stirring blend of Latino-Flamenco rhythms, the performance then moves to ‘Suite Latina’, a vibrant showcase of legendary Latin songs. ‘Suite Española’ leads deeper into Spanish musical traditions, concluding with an exciting ‘Interactividad Musical’ – an opportunity to take part in a professionally choreographed dance. Standing distinct from the Latin Iberian show, ‘The Arts & Dance Experience’ places an emphasis on education, turning spectators into participants.
Engage with the vibrant cultures of Latin America and Spain in an unprecedented way – learn, dance, and celebrate in a show where you become the star.
Date: Wednesday, October 11
Location South Omaha Campus CAM 120
Time: Noon-1:05 p.m. CDT
Register for Zoom at this link: Hispanic Famenco Ballet The Arts & Dance Experience
Storytelling: Carolina Andrea Quiroga H.
Bilingual Performer, Writer, Teacher Artist
In collaboration with the Mexican American Historical Society of the Midlands
Born and raised in Cali, Colombia, South America, Carolina earned degrees in industrial engineering, social communications and journalism before graduating with a master's in Storytelling from East Tennessee State University. She continues to explore different storytelling formats visiting schools, libraries, and universities where she shares bilingual stories that explore the myths, legends, folktales, historical narratives and literature of Latin America and other Hispanic cultures. She also writes and shares whimsical tales from her Colombian childhood and her life in the U.S. as an immigrant.
Date: Wednesday, October 25
Location: South Omaha Campus CAM 120
Time: 10:30 a.m. CDT
ACCOMMODATIONS: Audience members requiring accommodations due to a disability must contact Barbara Velazquez, bvelazquez@mccneb.edu, 531-622-2253 at least two weeks prior to the program.
