The widespread migration of Latin American populations has profoundly shaped the United States and greatly enriched the culture. From political machinations to social movements to armed conflicts, they’ve left an indelible mark on the historical landscape. These defining events will be chronicled Thursday May 5th at 7 p.m. at the Brand Library & Art Center as part of a free public program entitled “Latino Americans: Empire of Dreams (1880-1942).” It will feature footage from the 2013 PBS documentary series Latino Americans and involve a discussion led by noteworthy CSUN professor and cultural historian Jorge N. Leal. Four-time Golden Mike® winner and Emmy nominee Palmira Perez of Mundo Max will contribute opening remarks to the program.
Referencing footage from Latino Americans pertaining to the history of Latinos in the United States, Leal will direct the discussion to the development of multi-ethnic communities in the United States and their interactions throughout the second half of the 20th century. An audience Q&A will close out the event.
Leal holds a Masters in History from CSUN where he teaches Urban History. He has served as a journalist covering culture and politics in Southern California, Mexico, and Spain and currently is a Ph.D candidate of UC San Diego’s History Department.
“Latino Americans: Empire of Dreams (1880-1942)” is made possible by the Glendale Library, Arts and Culture Department, Brand Library & Art Center, and Armenian American Museum, in cooperation with California State University Northridge and American Library Association. It is one program in a series of educational events taking place in conjunction with the exhibition Armenia: An Open Wound on view at Brand Library & Art Center through June 11, 2016.
Brand Library & Art Center is located at 1601 West Mountain Street, Glendale, CA, 91201 and can be reached by calling 818-548-2051.
View more upcoming Brand Library events here.