THURSDAY 3/22
ROMERO: Set against the
bloody backdrop of a country ripped apart by civil upheaval, San Salvador
Archbishop Oscar Romero transforms from a government puppet to the
people's hero. Facing murder, torture and oppression, he stands firm
against social injustices until his 1980 assassination. With Raúl Julia
and Richard Jordan. Directed by John
Duigan. 1989. 105 minutes. Movie and discussion in English. This event
continues a series weekly bilingual educational video and discussions with
a built-in language exchange, enabling both native English and Spanish
speakers to teach and learn from one another. Most movies have subtitles,
so folks at every language level can participate. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Free.
Resource Center of the Americas, 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis. Come
early for dinner in our café, and stop by our letter-writing table to
contact government and corporate officials. 612-276-0788 (ext 18). Made
possible with funding from the Minnesota Humanities Commission in
cooperation with the National Endowment for the Humanities and the
Minnesota State Legislature. www.americas.org.
SATURDAY 3/24
ARMS FOR THE POOR: Instead of food,
schools and housing for poor people, the U.S. government provides them
with arms. Minneapolis-based Women
Against Military Madness presents the 25-minute Maryknoll World
Productions video Arms for the Poor
(1998), which explores the impact of the U.S. arms trade on developing
nations worldwide. Following the video, WAMM members lead a discussion.
This event continues the Resource Center of the Americas “coffeehour”
series, a presentation and discussion every Saturday, 10–11:30 a.m., at
3019 Minnehaha Ave., Mpls. $4 ($3 members). Free refills on fair-trade
coffee. Join us a half-hour before and after each coffeehour for our
activist letter-writing effort. kyanisch@americas.org, 612-276-0788 (ext.
13), www.americas.org.
SUNDAY 3/25
OSCAR ROMERO: A
commemoration on the day after the
21st anniversary of the assassination of the San Salvador archbishop,
assassinated by a death squad in dictatorial El Salvador. 6:30
p.m., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2730 E. 31st St., Minneapolis.
THURSDAY 3/29
CENTRAL STATION: A woman who writes
letters for the illiterate at Rio de Janeiro's central train station feels
obliged to help a 9-year-old boy whose mother has just been killed. The
two form an unlikely bond and journey to a remote area of Brazil to try to
find his father. In the process, she slowly rediscovers herself and finds
new meaning in her life. With Fernanda Montenegro and Vinicius de
Oliveira. Directed by Walter Salles. 1998. 110 minutes. Movie and discussion in
Portuguese. This event continues a series weekly bilingual educational
video and discussions with a built-in language exchange, enabling both
native English and Spanish speakers to teach and learn from one another.
Most movies have subtitles, so folks at every language level can
participate. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Free. Resource Center of the Americas, 3019
Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis. Come early for dinner in our café, and stop
by our letter-writing table to contact government and corporate officials.
612-276-0788 (ext 18). Made possible with funding from the Minnesota
Humanities Commission in cooperation with the National Endowment for the
Humanities and the Minnesota State Legislature. www.americas.org.
SATURDAY 3/31
EARTHQUAKE IN EL
SALVADOR: THE POLITICS OF DISASTER: Natural disasters
create opportunities both for the abuse of relief funds and for their
beneficial uses for future development. Karen Lehman, former director of the food and agriculture program at
the Minneapolis-based Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, was
visiting El Salvador on January 13, the day the first of three recent
earthquakes hit the country. She was staying with the coordinator of Bajo
Lempa Communities, an organization created to address natural disasters,
which has developed a progressive power base in the southeastern province
of Usulután. She speaks about her experiences there, the politics of
disaster relief, and how progressive U.S. organizations can help.
This event continues the Resource Center of the Americas “coffeehour”
series, a presentation and discussion every Saturday, 10–11:30 a.m., at
3019 Minnehaha Ave., Mpls. $4 ($3 members). Free refills on fair-trade
coffee. Join us a half-hour before and after each coffeehour for our
activist letter-writing effort. kyanisch@americas.org, 612-276-0788 (ext.
13), www.americas.org.
FRIDAY 3/30
A JESUIT TALE:
Author John Shekelton reads
from his new novel (Rutledge, 2000), in which a Guatemalan death squad
abducts a priest while two friends from his past (they met at a St. Paul
novitiate) rush to his aid. 7:30 p.m. Bookstore of the Americas, 3020 27th
Ave. S., Minneapolis. Free. 612-276-0801. www.americas.org.
WEDNESDAY 4/4
OUR LADY OF
SOLITUDE: The mysterious
disappearance of a famous Chilean writer leads an investigator to unravel
a woman's complicated past in hopes of finding an answer to the suspected
crime. By Marcela Serrano.
1999. Alfaguara. $16.95. Spanish. This program continues a series
of two monthly discussion groups. A group that reads in Spanish meets the
first Wednesday of the month; Antonio Martínez facilitates their
discussions, in Spanish (for more information, call 612-276-0788, ext.
23). The second group, reading in English, meets on the first Thursday of
the month; the participants facilitate the discussion, in English, on
their own (for more information, call 612-276-0801). Purchase books in
advance at the bookstore. 7 p.m. Bookstore of the Americas, 3020 27th Ave.
S., Minneapolis. Free. www.americas.org.
THURSDAY 4/5
THE FIGHT IN THE
FIELDS: The late César
Chávez was the most important Latino leader in U.S. history, inspiring
the Latino civil rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s. The film profiles
Chávez and the United Farm Workers, the union that won labor contracts
for California farmworkers by leading international grape and lettuce
boycotts. Produced, directed and written by Rick Tejada-Flores and Ray Telles. 1997. 120 minutes.
Movie and discussion in English. This event continues a series weekly
bilingual educational video and discussions with a built-in language
exchange, enabling both native English and Spanish speakers to teach and
learn from one another. Most movies have subtitles, so folks at every
language level can participate. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Free. Resource Center of
the Americas, 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis. Come early for dinner in
our café, and stop by our letter-writing table to contact government and
corporate officials. 612-276-0788 (ext 18). Made possible with funding
from the Minnesota Humanities Commission in cooperation with the National
Endowment for the Humanities and the Minnesota State Legislature.
www.americas.org.
SO FAR FROM GOD: In this wild and
wacky novel set in New Mexico, marvels abound. It includes all manner of
collisions between the past and the present, the real and the
supernatural, the comic and the horrific. By Ana Castillo. 1994. Plume/Penguin.
$12.95. English. This program continues a series of two monthly
discussion groups. A group that reads in Spanish meets the first Wednesday
of the month; Antonio Martínez facilitates their discussions, in Spanish
(for more information, call 612-276-0788, ext. 23). The second group,
reading in English, meets on the first Thursday of the month; the
participants facilitate the discussion, in English, on their own (for more
information, call 612-276-0801). Purchase books in advance at the
bookstore. 7 p.m. Bookstore of the Americas, 3020 27th Ave. S.,
Minneapolis. Free. www.americas.org.
FRIDAY 4/6
SOUTHERN
MESOAMERICAN ELITE: Most
Mesoamerican scholars have assumed that the main civilizations were quite
centralized, with political authority vested in the elite, with
supernatural access focused on the priestly elite, and with economic
control at the top of the society. Payson Sheets, professor of
anthropology at the University of Colorado, Boulder, speaks on research at
El Salvador’s Ceren site, which shows how much state centralization
affected commoners and how much they operated independently. Maya Society
of Minnesota. 7:30 p.m. Room 118, Drew Science Building, Hamline
University, St. Paul. 952-475-9149. www.angelfire.com/mn/mayamn2.
SATURDAY 4/7
SOUTHERN MESOAMERICAN ARCHAEOLOGY: A workshop
with Payson Sheets (see 4/6). Recommended reading: Internet sites: Sheets,
1992, The Ceren Site Book, Harcourt Brace. Tropical Time Capsule,
Archaeology magazine, July 1994. Web Site: http://ceren.colorado.edu . Maya
Society of Minnesota. 9 a.m.–noon. Giddens Learning Center, Anthropology
Lab (Room 65, downstairs), Hamline University, St. Paul. 952-475-9149.
www.angelfire.com/mn/mayamn2.
ZAPATISTA MARCH ON MEXICO CITY: Activists
from the Minnesota Alliance for the Indigenous Zapatistas (MAIZ) report on
their participation in the historic Zapatista National Liberation Army
"March for Peace With Dignity" in February and March. Two dozen
Zapatista leaders, including enigmatic spokesperson Subcomandante Marcos,
embarked February 25 from the southernmost Mexican state on a two-week
tour, accompanied by a host of national and international supporters and
greeted everywhere by enthusiastic Mexican communities. As many as 1
million people were expected to turn out in Mexico City to witness the
Zapatista arrival, the first time the leaders have left Chiapas since the
uprising began in 1994. They’re pushing an indigenous-rights bill in the
nation’s Congress. Whether it passes is a test of civil-society support
for the Zapatista cause and of President Vicente Fox’s willingness to
resolve the conflict. This event continues the Resource Center of the
Americas “coffeehour” series, a presentation and discussion every
Saturday, 10–11:30 a.m., at 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Mpls. $4 ($3 members).
Free refills on fair-trade coffee. Join us a half-hour before and after
each coffeehour for our activist letter-writing effort.
kyanisch@americas.org, 612-276-0788 (ext. 13), www.americas.org.
BILINGUAL STORYTIME: A presentation for
children and their parents. On the first Saturday of the month, a story
for ages 5–9 especially. On the third Saturday of the month, a story for
ages 2–6. All ages welcome. 10:30 a.m. Free. Bookstore of the Americas,
3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis. 612-276-0801. www.americas.org.
COLORFUL SPIRIT OF
MEXICO: Dawn Vogel opens her April 7-May 31 photo
display with a reception 5–9 p.m. Five percent of sales go to the
Resource Center of the Americas. Resource Center, 3019 Minnehaha Ave.,
Minneapolis. Lower level and second floor. 612-276-0788 (ext. 23).
www.americas.org.
SATURDAY 5/5
FROM CODEFOR
TO COLOMBIA: CONSEQUENCES OF THE DRUG WAR: What is the drug
war and why should we care? This one-day session examines the meaning and
consequences of one of the greatest fiscal and military undertakings of
our time. Explores how the drug war affects disenfranchised people in the
United States, people seeking substance-abuse treatment, and people in
drug-producing countries of Latin America, the Caribbean and elsewhere.
Covers a wide range of drug policy issues and activism options.
Participants not only learn, but share ideas and information, and begin
working together toward drug policy reform on all levels. Co-facilitated
by Suzanne Wilson, professor of sociology and anthropology at Gustavus
Adolphus College and co-author of “Cocaine, Commodity Chains, and Drug
Politics: A Transnational Approach,” a chapter in Commodity Chains and
Global Capitalism (Greenwood Press, 1994), and Kazi Staudte, a Resource
Center of the Americas intern from the University of Denver graduate
schools of social work and international studies. 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Stop
by the Resource Center of the Americas after April 15 for a packet of
recommended background readings. Register at www.americas.org or call
612-276-0788 for a registration form. $20 ($15 members). www.americas.org.
ICY HOT: A mid-winter art blast features new
acrylic action paintings by Alejandro Trujillo, new geo-expressionist
paintings and erotic drawings by Jim Grafsgaard, the debut of Haider
Al-Amery's colorful prismatic oils, Coyote Cuatro's performance art relics
with Juan Loxoorin's digital drawings, recent paintings by Meg Novak,
Leila Habashi and hip-hop graphic artist Little L, plus wall-INstructions
by the perspicacious P'e~e:AIRE. Through March 11. Gallery open most
afternoons and early evenings. ArTrujillo Studio Gallery, lower level of
the International Bazaar Minneapolis, 301 East Lake St., Minneapolis.
612-821-9076. www.artrujillo.com.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION: A tremendous slate of
Resource Center of the Americas classes begins the first week of April.
Preschool Spanish, Children’s Spanish, seven levels of Spanish for
adults, Advanced Portuguese, two levels of Latin Dance, “From CODEFOR to
Colombia: Consequences of the Drug War,” “Preservación del Medio
Ambiente Mundial,” “Looking at the World: Media and Foreign Affairs”
and “Many Faces of Mexico.” Members should receive a brochure mailed
March 6. Mail back the registration form or visit www.americas.org. The
classes fill up quickly, so don’t delay!
BANCROFT IN LATIN AMERICA: An photo exhibit
presents 29 images of the people and places Dick Bancroft has visited
during his decades of travel across the hemisphere. Through April 6.
Resource Center of the Americas, 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis. Lower
level and second floor. 612-276-0788 (ext. 23). www.americas.org.
COLORFUL SPIRIT OF MEXICO: Dawn Vogel opens
her April 7-May 31 photo display with a reception Saturday, April 7, 5–9
p.m. Five percent of sales go to the Resource Center of the Americas.
Resource Center, 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis. Lower level and second
floor. 612-276-0788 (ext. 23). www.americas.org.
WOMEN IN THE AMERICAS: There’s an ancient
saying that women hold up half the sky. This statement is certainly true
in this half of the world. Crucial to any understanding of a society is
recognition of the role of its women. In Latin America, women have made
crucial contributions and sacrifices to struggles for independence,
justice, equality and dignity. Often, women have had the double burden of
making the “revolution within the revolution,” fighting for their
equal rights within a male-dominated movement for social change.
International Women’s Day, March 8, honors them. Books on these themes
are 10 percent off through March 10 at Bookstore of the Americas, 3020
27th Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-276-0801. www.americas.org.
OSCAR ROMERO: March 24 is the 21st anniversary
of the assassination of the San Salvador archbishop. His death was one of
tens of thousands at the hands of a U.S.-backed death squad government.
His outspoken defense of the poor and oppressed led many to call him the
“voice of the voiceless.” His spirit lives on in the struggle for
justice and peace. Books on these themes are 10 percent off March 12-31 at
Bookstore of the Americas, 3020 27th Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-276-0801.
www.americas.org.
FARMWORKER CONTRIBUTIONS TO CHICANO HISTORY:
April is Chicano History Month, a time to honor the history, culture and
struggles of Mexican descendants born in the United States or living most
their lives here. A definitive element of the Chicano struggle has been a
farmworkers’ struggle that peaked in the 1960s and 1970s and continues
today. Anniversaries this month include Dolores Huerta’s birthday (April
10, 1930), César Chávez’s death (April 23, 1993), and the start of a
United Farm Workers strike (April 13, 1967) that they led. Books on these
themes are 10 percent off April 2-28 at Bookstore of the Americas, 3020
27th Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-276-0801. www.americas.org.
TWO WOMEN AND A PIANO: Nilo Cruz's drama, full
of romance, magic and tropical heat. Winner of the Kennedy Center's Award
for New American Plays. April 19–May 20. Eye of the Storm. Theater
Garage, Franklin and Lyndale, Minneapolis.
LOS RUMBALEROS: Minnesota's Rangel sisters
belt out their post-war mambos in a spirited Latino musical. April 21–May
27. Great American History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul.
651-292-4323.
SOLA EN LA OSCURIDAD (Wait Until Dark): The
classic spine-tingling thriller is presented in a bilingual production.
April 27–May 13. Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 4th St., Minneapolis.
612-338-6131.
PRESERVACIÓN DEL MEDIO AMBIENTE MUNDIAL:
(Taught in Spanish.) Las generaciones futuras, seres humanos como
nosotros, no pueden hoy defender su derecho a vivir en un medio ambiente
adecuado. La globalización de los mercados crea la necesidad de
prácticas de calidad en la industria para satisfacción del cliente,
además de la certificación de estandartes de respeto y protección del
medio ambiente. En este contexto, las industrias se deben plantear la
necesidad de mejorar las estrategias de planificación ambiental para
mejor satisfacer las necesidades de la sociedad. Esta clase, facilitada
por Wilson Araya Pérez, ingeniero civil mecánico visitante de Chile,
explorará las responsabilidades que las industrias tienen sobre el medio
ambiente en el contexto de la globalización. Además de que identificará
el proceso legal para asegurar el cumplimiento de las normas de
protección y los ejemplos de implementación de este proceso en las
Américas. Esta clase se enseña en español. Mondays, April 2–23, 6:30–8:30
p.m. Resource Center of the Americas. Register at www.americas.org or call
612-276-0788 for a registration form. $40 ($30 members).
LOOKING AT THE WORLD: MEDIA AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS:
Why is the Middle East peace process so confusing? In Colombia, is there a
war on drugs, or a war on democracy? Can I get any useful information from
newspapers? Where else can I look? Who decides what goes in the news? If
you ask yourself such questions, this five-week course is for you.
Facilitated by Jeff Nygaard, editor of Nygaard Notes, a weekly electronic
monitor of Twin Cities news coverage. Participants help shape the course
content (bring your ideas!). Possible subjects include race and class,
where to find good independent sources of information, the mass media’s
structure and function, and how to decode the news. The emphasis is class
participation and putting what we learn into action. Readings supplied by
the instructor and participants. Thursdays, May 3–31, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Resource Center of the Americas. Register at www.americas.org or call
612-276-0788 for a registration form. $40 ($30 members).
MANY FACES OF MEXICO/MANY FACES OF MINNESOTA:
Why has emigration from Mexico increased despite Minnesota’s cold
winters and the promises of the North American Free Trade Agreement? This
24-hour course examines contemporary Mexico and U.S.-Mexican relations by
studying their historical, economic, political, social and cultural
foundations. Sponsored by Hamline University and the Resource Center of
the Americas, the course includes a study tour of south Minneapolis
neighborhoods where many Mexican immigrants have settled. A rich variety
of course materials includes the 350-page Resource Center curriculum, Many
Faces of Mexico. The instructors are two of the book’s authors, Octavio
Ruiz and Meredith Sommers. Six afternoons, June 18–29, 1–5 p.m. For
two Hamline graduate semester credits, register for $393 at 651-523-2900.
Resource Center members not wanting credit register for $200 at
612-276-0788 (ext. 13). Prices include the course materials.
www.americas.org.
PRESCHOOL SPANISH: ¡Vamos a jugar! A
wonderful opportunity for preschoolers, ages 3–5, to learn Spanish in a
fun and supportive environment. Structured as a playgroup, the children
enjoy games, learn dances, sing songs and hear stories while using Spanish
and having fun playing with other children. Geared for both children who
have no previous exposure to Spanish and kids familiar with the language.
The instructor, Luisa Tuel, brings years of experience as an
early-childhood educator in Peru and Minnesota. Saturdays, April 7–28,
10–11:30 a.m. Parents are invited to participate in the class or attend
a Resource Center of the Americas coffeehour for free. On the registration
form, indicate your child’s age. $40. Register at www.americas.org or
call 612-276-0788 for a registration form.
CHILDREN’S SPANISH: ¡Aprendamos español! An exciting
opportunity for school-age children to learn Spanish in a relaxed and
creative environment. This class is interactive and activity-based, using
music, songs, games, stories and art projects to make learning the
language fun. Geared for both children who have no previous exposure to
Spanish and children familiar with the language. Saturdays, May 5–26, 10–11:30
a.m. While the children are in class, parents are invited to enjoy a cup
of fair-trade coffee at Café of the Americas or attend a coffeehour for
free. On the registration form, indicate the desired age group: 6–8 or 9–11.
$40. Saturdays, April 7–28, 10–11:30 a.m. Register at www.americas.org
or call 612-276-0788 for a registration form.
CLOSE THE SCHOOL OF ASSASSINS: Six days of
resistance to lobby, educate and agitate in the nation’s capital. Join
puppet parades, leafleting, street theater and direct action. Lobby
Congress and confront the Pentagon with the power of organized nonviolent
resistance. March 29–April 3. Washington, D.C. 202-234-2440.
www.soaw.org.
COLOMBIA ACTION NETWORK: CAN’s founding
conference includes talks by two activists from Colombia (representing the
human rights and labor sectors) and strategy sessions to determine
national actions and campaigns against U.S. military aid to Colombia.
April 7–8. University of Illinois, Chicago. 612-872-0944.
chicsc13@aol.com. www.freespeech.org/actioncolombia/.
INTER-AMERICAN COOPERATION BEYOND FREE TRADE: On the eve of the
Third Summit of the Americas, a conference explores facets of
international governance, the security of the environment and the human
right to health--all considered within context of economic integration.
April 17–19. Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada. 418-656-2131 (ext.
16031). http://www.ulaval.ca/iqhei/eng/Summit2001.html.
THE RESOURCE CENTER OF THE AMERICAS: The
Resource Center has permanent openings, internships and volunteers. Details
COALITION FOR JUSTICE IN THE MAQUILADORAS: A
trinational organization seeking justice for workers in maquiladora
industries seeks bilingual persons for two full-time positions:
communications coordinator and administrative coordinator. $25,000 with
benefits in San Antonio, Texas. Résumé by March 1 to CJM, 530 Bandera
Road, San Antonio, TX 78228. 210-732-8957.
LAMBI FUND OF HAITI: Development director for small, progressive,
innovative, grassroots foundation supporting the popular movement in Haiti
with economic development projects. Work with two U.S.-based staffers and
a Haiti-based director and staff from your home office. Grant experience,
strong writing and communication skills, knowledge of Haiti or Latin
America, and Creole or French. Biannual trips to Haiti. Full time.
Résumé, letter, writing sample to Neil Elliott, 651-488-1062 (fax),
lambi@igc.org.
CHILDREN'S LIBRARY: Founded by Wisconsin
native Ann Cameron, the library in Panajachel, Solola, Guatemala, has
burnt down, destroying years of work for literacy among Guatemalan
children. The library had grown to more than 8,000 books and tapes. By
last year, 1,847 Guatemalan children had taken out library cards and had
become more active readers. Donate to a collection box to help purchase
children's books in Spanish to be sent to Lake Atitlán Libraries, Inc. to
replenish the library. Stop by Bookstore of the Americas, 3020 27th Ave.
S., Minneapolis; 612-276-0801. www.americas.org.
YOUTH FOR UNDERSTANDING: Since its 1951
founding, more than 200,000 high school students have taken part in a
global experience. Program offerings in 37 countries include academic
year, semester and summer programs. Students live with a host family.
Nonprofit. Students interested in traveling, and adults interested in
hosting a YFU international student, call 1-800-872-0200.
www.youthforunderstanding.org.
LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS: The Resource Center of the
Americas’ Penny Lernoux Library needs help making duplicates of videos
unavailable for purchase anywhere. Mary Swenson, 612-276-0788 (ext. 12),
mswenson@americas.org.
ENCUENTRO LATINO: The Resource Center of the
Americas has revised its Encuentro Latino program, which introduces high
school and college students to the area’s rapidly growing
Spanish-speaking population, including talks with immigrant community
leaders. We especially recommend it for Spanish language classes. To
schedule an encuentro, contact Rosita, 612-276-0788 (ext. 10),
rbalch@americas.org. www.americas.org.
MINNESOTA MEN OF COLOR: The group celebrates
cultural and sexual identities, serving as a unified social and political
voice, and providing STD risk-reduction education, street and
environmental outreach, resource referrals, community-building resources,
and coordination of volunteer and internship efforts to men of color,
including Chicanos and Latinos, who have sex with men or identify as gay,
bisexual or transgender. To get involved, contact Ernesto Martínez,
612-871-1788, martinezmmc@aol.com.
APPLY FOR RESIDENCY: A recent change in
federal immigration law has reintroduced 245(i), a provision allowing
individuals who submit an Immigrant Relative Petition by April 30 to
obtain U.S. residency. Contact Central Legal,
jose-schimming@centro-legal.org.
TUTORS NEEDED: Minnesota Literacy Council.
Teach English to Spanish-speaking adults. Minneapolis or St. Paul.
Training provided. 1-800-222-1990.
EL COLEGIO: The new bilingual public high school in Minneapolis
focusing on arts and environment seeks donations of quality furniture,
equipment, books (Spanish and English) and garden tools. David Greenberg,
612-728-5466. |
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RCTA
programs are made possible in part with the support of the Minnesota
Humanities Commission, in cooperation with the National Endowment
for the Humanities and the Minnesota State Legislature.