Latino American History, Culture

AUGUSTA, GA (PR) – Georgia Regents University students and the greater Augusta community will get a glimpse into the history and culture of Latinos in America during a series of free events organized by the GRU Libraries during the 2015-2016 academic year.

The events were made possible through a $10,000 grant the GRU Libraries received from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association. The GRU Libraries are one of 203 recipients of the competitive “Latino Americans: 500 Years of History” grant selected from across the country.

“Latinos make up the largest minority group in the United States, and they have also been a part of our local community for generations,” said Erin Prentiss, GRU Libraries’ Latino Americans project director and reference/instruction librarian. “We look forward to exploring the rich national and local histories of Latinos with the entire Augusta community during our planned events.”

The Libraries’ planned programs include screenings and discussions of the award-winning documentary series “Latino Americans” as well as other events that complement the film screenings. Below is the fall 2015 schedule:

·       “Peril and Promise” Screening and Discussion

Learn about the challenges and triumphs of recent Latino history during the screening and discussion. Project scholars and GRU faculty Dr. Heather Abdelnur, associate professor of history, and Dr. Christopher Botero, assistant professor of Spanish, will lead the discussion following the screening.

When: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15

Where: Headquarters Library, 823 Telfair St., Augusta, GA, 30901

·       Latino Alumni Panel

This panel discussion features Latino alumni from area colleges and universities about their experiences in higher education. GRU assistant professor of Teacher Education, Dr. Juan Walker, will moderate the panel.

When: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29

Where: GRU Summerville Campus, Jaguar Student Activity Center Coffeehouse

·       “Empire of Dreams” Screening and Discussion

This screening focuses on the migration of different Latino groups beginning in the late 19th through the mid-20th century. Abdelnur will lead discussion following the film.

When: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20

Where: Columbia County Library, Greater Clarks Hill Regional Library System

·       Antonio Martinez: A Cuban Pioneer in Columbia County History Lecture

Abdelnur will lecture about the fascinating history of Antonio Martinez, a late-19th-century immigrant to the Augusta area and the founder of the town of Martinez.

When: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27

Where: Columbia County Library, Greater Clarks Hill Regional Library System

·       “War & Peace” Screening and Discussion

This screening focuses on the lasting effects World War II had on Latino American communities. Following the film, Abdelnur will lead a panel of Latino veterans who will discuss their experiences in the military.

When: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10

Where: GRU Summerville Campus, University Hall 170

“The Latino Americans: 500 Years of History grantees” represent 42 states and the District of Columbia, and include 78 public libraries, 68 college/university libraries and organizations, 19 community college libraries, 10 state humanities councils, 12 museums and a range of other nonprofit organizations.