Cultural Awareness Week is April 6-10

A week of events that will promote cultural sensitivity at Carroll University is April 6-10, 2014. Cultural Awareness Week is presented by diversity student organizations, including Latin American Student Organization (LASO) and Allies/Questions and Answers. All events are free and open to the public.

Sunday, April 6, 7 p.m., “CRASH” film and discussion

Dorothy Goff Frisch Recital Hall, Shattuck Music Center, 218 N. East Ave., Waukesha

A showing of the Academy Award-winning film, “CRASH,” about Los Angeles citizens with vastly separate lives who collide in interweaving stories of race, loss and redemption. The talkback discussion will be facilitated by Carl Ervin, director of cultural diversity, and Elena DeCosta, associate professor of Spanish.

Monday, April 7, 7 p.m., Slam Poet Joaquin Zihuatanejo

Stackner Ballroom, Campus Center, 101 N. East Ave., Waukesha

LASO presents slam poet Zihuantanejo, who rhymes about white privilege, individuals with disabilities, diversity issues and the duality of Chicano culture. His poetry is presented with emotional expressions and body language, and enhanced by his personal experiences. He has been featured in TED Talks and HBO premier events. De Costa will lead a post-performance discussion.

Tuesday, April 8, 7:30 p.m., “Portraits of Courage – 50 Years On” performance

Humphrey Memorial Chapel, 238 N. East Ave., Waukesha

Portraits of Courage theater ensemble will present “50 Years On,” the struggles and suffrage that African Americans continue to experience 50 years after Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream” speech. They will share historical events and create awareness of real life issues happening today.

Wednesday, April 9, 7:30 p.m., “First Generation Diversity Students: Working for Success” by Dr. Nicolás Kanellos of the University of Houston

Center for Graduate Studies room LL14, 2140 Davidson Rd., Waukesha

Dr. Kanellos will discuss issues that affect first-generation college students, particularly those of Hispanic origin, and best practices to encourage a culturally diverse campus. He also will have books for sale to sign, published by the bilingual press he founded, Arte Público Press.

Thursday, April 10, 6:30 p.m., “Iranian Cinema: Women on Both Sides of the Camera” by Barbara Scharres of the Gene Siskel Film Center

Oak Room, Campus Center, 101 N. East Ave., Waukesha

Scharres is the director of the Gene Siskel Institute for the Study of Film at the Art Institute of Chicago. Iranian and Hong Kong cinema are her areas of expertise. Her presentation will include clips from contemporary female Iranian film directors and look at the roles played by women on both sides of the camera. This event is presented by the English department. For more information, contact Lori Kelly at lkelly@carrollu.edu.

Cultural Awareness Week is part of Carroll’s yearlong theme of Humanity, an exploration of how war, ethics, science, religion, hunger, abuse and lack of civility affect our humanity, both individually and collectively. For a complete list of Humanity events, visit www.carrollu.edu/events/humanity.

For more information about these events, contact De Costa at 262.524.7284 or edecosta@carrollu.edu.