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Multicultural Day

Los Angeles Pierce College | https://lapc.edu

Schedule Spring '23

"Multicultural Day" was first organized at Pierce College in spring 2019 by the Diversity Committee with assistance from the ASO. The second Multicultural Day event took place during fall 2020 in an online format due to the pandemic closure. An expanded third Multicultural Day will take place in April 2023 in a variety of classrooms, auditoriums, and outdoor settings across campus. The event showcases the cultural, gender, and social diversity of the Pierce community in order to foster a more inclusive and equitable campus climate.

bit.ly/multiculturalpierce

Thursday, April 20th, 2023

9:35 - 11 am Session 1 of workshops related to diversity and inclusion presented by Pierce faculty and student groups; please see the 9:35am presentations below for more details. (Several workshops will be available via dual delivery (see below).
11:10 - 12 pm Session 2 of workshops related to diversity and inclusion presented by Pierce faculty and student groups; please see the 11:10 am presentations below for more details. (Several workshops will be available via dual delivery (see below).    
12 - 1pm Keynote presentation by Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, an indigenous hip hop artist and environmental activist | Location: Building 600 (Faculty & Staff Center) and via dual delivery (Zoom)
https://laccd.zoom.us/j/85472944760 
1:00 pm - 2:00 Boxed lunches served outdoors in front of the Performing Arts Center Theatre, with music performed by the Samba Percussion Group
1:30 - 2:30 pm Performing Arts concert, with Performance Workshop, Jazz Band, and excerpts from LAPC Theatre's spring musical production Rent (Performing Art Center)    
2:30 - 5pm

Screening of French film Gagarine (2021) in the Great Hall, followed by Q&A with Art & Architecture professor Patricio Gallegos. Part of the French Film Festival 

GAGARINE (2021) [95 min] 

Youri, 16, has lived all his life in Gagarine Cité, a vast red brick housing project on the outskirts of Paris. From the heights of his apartment, he dreams of becoming an astronaut. But when plans to demolish his community’s home are leaked, Youri joins the resistance. With his friends Diana and Houssam, he embarks on a mission to save Gagarine, transforming the estate into his own “starship” – before it disappears into space forever. The film was shot on the cusp of the actual demolition of the Cité Gagarine housing project in collaboration with its residents in Ivry-sur-Seine. 

   
       

If you require accommodations to attend this event, please contact Michael Habata (hatabamh@laccd.edu) at least 72 hours before the event.

Map of presentations

9:35 AM Presentations

 

Writing Literature for Marginalized Creators in Today’s Publishing World     

By English professor, Ashley Granillo

While the publishing industry has become more diverse in the recent years, marginalized creators still struggle with how to represent themselves and their readers wholly. In this discussion, we’ll explore the weight of representation on marginalized creators and why it’s important to continue to pursue your writerly passions in spite of it.

Location: ELM 1711

The Umoja Practices

This workshop offers the opportunity to learn more about the core practices that inform the Umoja program. The Umoja Practices are a collection of pedagogical, communication, and cultural practices that inform the classes, the way the program is designed, and the services offered.

Counselor & Umoja Coordinator, Professor Kalynda W. McLean
Location: ELM 1707

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English as a Second Language (ESL) 08 Class

E.S.L. 8 will host an open forum discussion on experiences of international students, immigrants, and non-native speakers of English as they navigate college in a new language and culture. Come listen to their experiences and perspectives. Come ask your questions! Some topics include:

  • perceptions of classroom culture in the US (group work, asking questions, office hours, etc.)
  • the affective filter and speaking up in class
  • mispronunciation of their names
  • challenges and successes of getting a degree in a second language

Location: Juniper 804 and via Zoom:  https://laccd.zoom.us/j/85051314202

Prof. Jamie Ray (English) and Prof. Abigail Sandico Watson (Counseling)

 

T'ai chi ch'uan workshop                           

by Prof. Shannon Rohrer, Kinesiology
Referred to as “meditation in motion”, Tai chi ch’uan is an effective practice for the health of the mind, body, and spirit. Join us to explore breath, alignment, and the peaceful movements of the Yang style form. Comfortable clothing is recommended.

Location: Rocky Young Park, between the Library and the Science buildings

Learn more about T'ai chi ch'uan here

Learn about T'ai chi here

HOUSING INSECURITY IN LOS ANGELES: WORKING IN ADVOCACY

A panel of professional advocates who work every day with people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles.  This event will explore the nature of their work, the challenges they face, and possible opportunities involved in advocacy.

Location: Building 600 (Faculty & Staff Center) or via Zoom:  https://laccd.zoom.us/j/2582881804

 

11:10 AM Presentations

The Equal Rights Amendment - Who Needs It?

The ERA was designed to guarantee equal legal rights for all United States citizens regardless of sex.  Why hasn't it been ratified as the 28th Amendment to the Constitution when 3/4th's of states have voted for it's approval?  Who would benefit from the ERA and how can we get Constitutional rights for everyone in this country?

professor Nomelli

   By History professor, Sheryl Nomelli
I have been a teaching history since 2003 specializing in U.S., Women's, and Southern history. My teaching experience includes undergrad and graduate courses at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), California Lutheran University, College of the Canyons, Moorpark College, and currently as tenured faculty at Los Angeles Pierce College. Making history come alive through various primary sources is a passion I enjoy sharing with my students.
    Location: ELM 1708

 

Representation and empathy: how literature helps readers see themselves and others

Location: Juniper 802  |  Time: 11:10am - 12pm


“The canon” of English literature has historically been dominated by stories of (or written by) white and/or middle class men. As calls for representation have gained traction in recent decades, many readers who do not identify as white or male have had more opportunities to “see themselves” in literature. In this session, participants will discuss their own experiences with literature and representation.

By Professor Christopher Corning, English department

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Discussing the importance of cross-cultural research in psychology

Cross-cultural psychology seeks to understand how culture influences many different aspects of human thought and behavior. This presentation will highlight some evidence-based examples that help us consider the universal vs. learned/experience-driven aspects of the human experience.

by Psychology professor, Brian Gendron

Location: Iris 916 or via Zoom:  
https://laccd.zoom.us/j/82466740842

 

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Newly emigrated and first-time college students

This student panel explores the experience of those who have newly arrived in this country and are adapting to a new educational system and culture.

by Communication Studies professors, Jennifer Rosenberg & Sally Kassamanian

Location: Iris 913 


 

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Zumba class                           

by Prof. Susan Armenta, Kinesiology
Participate in a fun Zumba class with Prof. Armenta from Pierce Kinesiology department.

Zumba is a fitness program that involves cardio and Latin-inspired dance. It was founded by Colombian dancer and choreographer Beto Pérez in 2001, It currently has 200,000 locations, with 15 million people taking classes weekly, and is located in 180 countries.

Location: Rocky Young Park, between the Library and the Science buildings

 

Taking care of your health: the importance of annual physical assessments                          

Houry Tanashian, RN, Director of the Student Health Center presents:  "Taking care of your health: the importance of annual physical assessments". Please join us as we discuss the importance of taking care of our health even if we do not have any symptoms. Learn about questions we need to ask our doctor, blood work and certain screening exams.


Location: Rocky Young Park, between the Library and the Science buildings

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