Race Conference Educates and Inspires
"Dr. Moore forced me to shake up my thinking in a very entertaining way."
Over 200 people enjoyed the expertise of nationally renowned speakers john powell (Executive Director) of the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity) and Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr. (Director of Diversity at The Bush School in Seattle) at a conference titled "Exploring Race: Building an Inclusive Community" on August 19. The conference was organized by Diversity Council staff and other community leaders to build on the momentum created by the RACE exhibit on display at the Rochester Public Library.
Professor powell's keynote address made the point that dialogue about race is necessary because of our differences, and it is possible because of our common ground.
"His [Professor powell's] examples in community building and scientifically backed works were fascinating and very enlightening."
Thank you to everyone who attended. We hope that the lessons learned at the conference will assist us all as we work together to build a welcoming and inclusive community.
"I teach 7th and 8th grade... and garnered new knowledge to share with my students and to expand my world vision."
Coming Soon... Our 2nd Annual Non-Event!
It's not an auction... it's not a banquet... it doesn't require a babysitter or a tie or the sacrifice of a Saturday evening at home. It's a Non-Event! Coming in October.
Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15 - October 15
"Speak English or go home" is a common slogan whenever controversy over immigration takes center stage. Next time you hear those words, you could point out that the first permanent settlement in America--St. Augustine, Florida--was founded by Spaniards. Whose home is this anyway? Or that as many as 10,000 words have found their way into English through Spanish. What language are YOU speaking?
Without our Hispanic heritage, America would be a very different place. Who can imagine our country without J-Lo and A-Rod, Martin Sheen and Ricky Martin, Rita Hayworth, Joan Baez, Christina Aguilera, Lynda Carter, Oscar de la Hoya, and all the other Latinos we claim as our All-American own?
So let's celebrate Hispanic Heritage month! Read a good book, like the classic "The House on Mango Street," or get some variety with "The Latino Reader: An American Literary Tradition from 1542 to Present." Looking for something for your kids? Try a book from the bilingual Pepita series, like Pepita Thinks Pink. (All these books are available at the Rochester Public Library)
Or how about putting some Hispanic flair on your Netflix list, like the Argentine murder mystery "The Secret in Their Eyes," which won the 2009 Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. Or maybe "La Bamba," the classic biopic of Latino singing superstar Ritchie Valens who died in a plane crash at the age of 17, inspiring the song “American Pie”..."the day the music died."
And just for fun, see how much you know about Latin entertainers with this quiz. Prefer academics to pop culture? Here's another quiz about the countries of Latin America.
Efficacy Training for Iraqis
In August the Diversity Council reached out to the Iraqi refugee community by providing training in Arabic on the Efficacy Institute's "Get Smart" Mindset training. The "Get Smart" Mindset helps students of all backgrounds and abilities achieve their potential in school.
Multicultural Entertainment Sought
Your culturally-specific performance group is invited to perform at any or all of the Multicultural Quinceanera/Bridal Expos being held around Minnesota. Cash prizes awarded to the top three performances. Expos will be held in Rochester, Faribault, St. Paul, Mankato, St. Cloud, and Shakopee throughout the coming year. For more information, contact Larry Thompson by email or at 507-951-7658.
Diversity Jobs: IMAA Seeks Bilingual Case Manager
The Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association is seeking an Arabic-speaking individual who is also fluent in English to serve as a case manager. Flyer
Olmsted County Youth Commission Seeks Board Members
The Olmsted County Youth Commission is looking for 8 adults and 10 youth to join them for a 2-year term. The Commission meets monthly from September through May. More information
Upcoming Events & Holidays
International Speakers Lunch series starts up, Jewish New Year, Ramadan ends with the Eid-ul-Fitr festival, "Race Manners for the 21st Century," interfaith book discussion at Assisi Heights, Oktoberfest, Harvest Moon Festival, and much more!
Diversity Council Featured on NBC Today Show
(Note: Video may not play on Netscape browsers.)
Learn more about Spark (formerly Prejudice Reduction Workshops)
