2023-2024 Global Grants Events and Projects
Professor Hari Vishwanadha, English
London resident Leye Adenle is an award-winning Nigerian born author of gripping and suspenful crime thrillers that explore the darker side of human nature. His writing presents vivid descriptions of Nigerian society with a gritty realism, capturing the complexity of life in a country often misunderstood by outsiders. His debut novel, Easy Motion Tourist, won the prestigious Prix Marianne in France. The audience included students, staff and faculty.
Professor Alejandro Lee, Department of Modern Languages and Cultures
As a highlight of the SMC Social Justice series and Environmental Awareness month, Ms. Ann Kaneko presented her award-winning documentary to an engaged audience of 42 participants on 14 September 2023. The documentary offered an eye-opening exploration of how environmental issues created by the city of Los Angeles impact three communities. It also delves into the collaborative efforts of Native Americans, Japanese-Americans WWII incarcerees and environmentalists as they form an alliance to preserve in Payahuunadu (Owens Valley), known "the land of flowing water." The film was well-received and sparked thoughtful discussions during the subsequent Q&A session.
What SMC students said:
"Loved her choice to highlight the intersection of communities across history and within the context of water as the essential resource that it is. This provides a more complete picture of history and creates a much greater understanding for viewers and especially for college students."
"Great storytelling and very informational. I love how the indigenous community shared their own experience of what had happened to them and what was happening to Japanese Americans."
"It was a very interesting documentary, especially not knowing much about it and how the water issues affect the citizens of Los Angeles."
Professor Alejandro Lee, Department of Modern Languages and Cultures
Dr. Ábrego's presentation, "Communists, Criminals, and Caravans: Central Americans Seeking Refuge in the United States," drew the interest of 26 participants, including faculty and students. During the session, she elucidated on the multifaceted reasons behind the exodus of Central American citizens to the United States.
"This talk was incredibly motivating, insightful, and helped reinforce my passions in pursuing a major of Political Science with a focus on Central American studies. Thank you so much!" - Helio Martinez, SMC student
"Her lecture on the plight of Central American immigrants was extremely informative. I have no doubt that the knowledge she shared will be used to help better educate both myself and my students, especially those in my 'Latine' themed literature classes." - Andrew Espinosa, SMC English faculty
Professor Alejandro Lee, Department of Modern Languages and Cultures
To celebrate Hispanic Heritage month, Zapotec artist, Maestro Porfirio Gutierrez, was invited to discuss "The Relationship to Climate and Artist Material" from an indigenous perspective.
Maestro Porfirio addressed the traditional natural dyes used from pre-Hispanic times: "Natural materials have long been used to produce colorants. The cochineal insect is among the oldest used in Oaxaca, Mexico, and its color is an important symbolic element associated with gods, the sun, blood, and rituals. For Gutierrez, the colors are sacred, and creating color from nature reflects his deeply spiritual relationship with this divine aspect. His work is a living memory, a map of a moment in history and the climate of the time when the materials were harvested."
The talk was well received and sparked thoughtful discussions during the Q & A session, which continued during lunch.
"I really enjoyed the recent Porfirio Gutierrez talk. It was my favorite of the season. I enjoyed learning about the natural materials and techniques he uses, as well as his family and Zapotec history." - Stephen McKay, SMC student
