12th Unity Conference, 2007
Nuestra Época: Valuing Latinos in the American Tapestry
April 12-13, 2007

Workshops

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Sessions are listed alphabetically. Click name of presenter to view biography.

A Look at Minnesota’s Latinos Through the State Demographer's Eyes
This session covers current data and trends that demonstrate the role Hispanic/Latinos play in Minnesota’s future.  Mr. Gillaspy provides insight into what this information means to growth, jobs, colleges, churches, and other groups.  Tom Gillaspy

About Immigration: the Changing Face of Minnesota
The news headlines tell a story of various proposals under consideration by lawmakers. Attorney Gloria Contreras will discuss the most urgent issues affecting immigrants, including proposed legislation, employment, access to education, and changing demographics. Her information is peppered by real life examples, such as the recent raid by agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Worthington. Gloria Contreras

An Evening with Maria Isa, a Concert
Maria Isa will perform selections based on tropical forms as well as hip hop, and other styles in between. Join us. Maria Isa

The Catholic Church and Migrant Ministry in the Red River Valley (1937-1965)
The Catholic Diocese of Crookston, MN has a long history of migrant ministry in the Red River Valley. The Order of Saint Benedict and the Catholic Diocese of Crookston met the needs of migrants through catechism lessons, educational instruction, and Spanish language Mass throughout twenty-eight years of service. The Catholic Diocese operated boarding schools in various communities in the Red River Valley. Without a model but guided by a deep conviction, the Church blazed a path that others would follow.
Yolanda Arauza

The Dawning of a Civil Rights Movement
What started as a battle for educational equality became the struggle for civil rights known as the Chicano Movement. Ms. Lara was an eye-witness and leader in events that set the stage for a national effort to energize Mexican Americans in the fight for educational equality and, eventually, political empowerment. Severita Lara

Distinct Uniqueness of Latino Cultures
The 42.7 million United States Latinos are not a homogeneous Spanish-speaking group. On the contrary, Latinos are a diverse population who vary by national origin, racial background, cultural heritage, and language preference. There are distinct differences as well as similarities in the language, music, attitudes, food, culture and other areas. Mr. Lozano (Argentinean) and Mr. Correa (Puerto Rican) illustrate this point with examples from their own background. If you do business or hire Latinos or teach them, you will want to attend this session. Omar Correa and Nelson Lozano

From Bomba to Hip Hop
Dr. Riviére traces a socio-historical trajectory of traditional Puerto Rican bomba as reflected in the history of Latin Hip-Hop and Reggaeton in the island. The session includes a power point presentation on the development of all three genres as they relate to each other. Maria Isa offers vocal performances that illustrate the musical forms discussed. Dr. Melisa Riviére and Maria Isa

In Their Own Words: Why Are Hispanic Girls Dropping Out?
Mas Que Sueños

Making a Difference in Your Community
These organizations provide unique services to populations of color in the Fargo-Moorhead community: after-school programs, empowerment activities, leadership skills, development, opportunities for cultural interaction, and more. Learn more about these groups involved in advocating for full citizen participation in the community. Centro Cultural, Cultural Diversity Resources, Daughters of the Earth, Mujeres Unidas, People's Diversity Forum, Sweet Medicine.

San Ce Tojuan: We Are One -- Nosotros Somos Uno, a documentary
A discussion will follow this trilingual documentary which focuses on the origins and migrations of the Uto-Nahuatl people (a language family extending from Canada to Nicaragua) and the connections with other Natives of the continent and their relationship to the continent itself. The documentary is a chronicle of many stories that challenge 512 years of history. The documentary also features the music of Grammy Award winner Joanne Shenandoah, Michael Heralda, Conjunto Aztlan, and Irma Cuicui Rangel. Monica Trevi
ño and Miguel Balderas

The Significance of Mexico's 201st Fighter Squadron in World War II
Mexico's contribution to the World War II effort was a squadron of pilots who flew bombing and ground support missions in the Philippines during the final months of the war. Their contributions and sacrifice are little known but significant to the overall Allied victory. Mario Longoria

Son de Alas
Dr. Riviére discusses the role of hip-hop as a tool for social change in both Cuba and Puerto Rico. The presentation includes audio clips, music videos, and documentary shorts made in both locations. This session also showcases some of the first musical collaborations in hip-hop history between artists from both islands.  Dr. Melisa Riviére

State of Students of Color
Dr. Lopez will discuss the major findings and implications of the new "State of Students of Color Report," and will suggest ways in which institutions can respond to the issues and challenges raised by the information provided in the report. Dr. Mike Lopez

Strangers in the League: Latinas in the All American Girls Professional Baseball League
The presentation examines the two Chicanas and nine Cubanas who played in the AAGPBL and how they responded to the pressures to learn to speak English while playing baseball in the only Women's professional baseball league organized during the WWII years. Mario Longoria 

We Won’t Back Down 
Ms. Lara offers a first person narrative of factors and events that lead to the dawning of the Chicano Civil Rights Movement, and what happened next. She will talk about events that shaped the emerging thought that bloomed into a political movement embodied by La Raza Unida Party. As an educator of almost 30 years, Severita Lara shares views on the role that the struggle for educational equality played in this moment in history. Severita Lara

What I Wish I Had Known About College in High School
A panel of students currently enrolled at MSU Moorhead will share their experiences in college. They will address your questions and such topics as: What I wish I knew then that I know now. How we are doing it.  What could I have done to better prepare myself? What really is expected of me in college? Is my ethnic culture important in college? MSU Moorhead student panel

 

| Schedule | Workshops | Presenters | Register Here | Volunteer |
| Directions | Map | Parking | Hotels |
Unity Conference Main Page |