Human rights in Burma.
Civil rights in America.
Economic issues in Central and South America.
These are just some of the diverse topics Sonoma State University's Intercultural Center is tackling in its annual "Conversation Peace: Heritage Month Lecture Series."The lectures aim to provide a forum for cultural diversity on campus. The free programs take place at 5:15 p.m. in the Cooperage.
Monday, February 10: Meet Mary Ellen Pleasant, Susheel Bibbs
Susheel Bibbs dramatizes the life of Mary Ellen Pleasant, known as the mother of civil rights in California, in the unique "chautauqua" style of the 19th century. Bibbs is considered the foremost scholar on Mary Ellen Pleasant. She has written a book and is working on a television documentary of Pleasant's life.
Monday, March 10: Pocahontas: America's First Lady, Paula Gunn Allen
Allen, a poet, novelist, and critic is a scholar of Native American studies, and has spent most of her life analyzing concepts of sexuality and gender within the culture. She has also published a novel and several books of poetry and non-fiction, all with Native American themes.
Monday, March 24: Environmentalism, and the Human Rights Tragedy, Ka Hsaw Wa, Burma
Wa is a native of Burma who has dedicated his life to documenting environmental and human rights abuses by Burma's military. He will discuss his personal treatment at the hands of the Burma military, and provide insight on how outside corporations are starting to influence the country. Other discussion topics include: government ideologies, human rights abuses, and environmental impact that connects a wide variety of topics.
Monday, April 14: Plan Puebla Panama, Xiomara Castro
Essentially a plan to transform much of southern Mexico and Central America into a network of transit corridors and maquiladora zones, the Plan Puebla Panama literally paves the way for implementation of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), expected to be passed in the coming year. Discussion topics include globalization, corporations, and their impact on the world.
Monday, May 12: Radical Visions for Transformation, Gloria Anzaldua
Anzaldua is a poet, writer, feminist and cultural theorist. Through a combination of history and personal narrative, Anzaldua allows the reader both a close-up and distanced view into a life of alienation and isolation as a prisoner in the borderlands between cultures.
For further information on the series, contact Darius Spearman, (707) 664-2710.
