University Park, Illinois –(ENEWSPF)—September 5, 2014. He’s sat down with Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez, Bolivia’s Evo Morales and Iran’s Mahmoud Ahmadinejad; authored three books and spent his more than 30-year career as a crusader for racial equality in journalism.
Governors State University is pleased to welcome the co-host of “Democracy Now” and “New York Daily News” columnist, Juan Gonzalez, to deliver the keynote address at the Midwest History Association Conference on September 26, 2014 at 7 p.m. This event, though part of the conference, is free and open to the public.
Gonzalez, one of the founding members of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) and UNITY: Journalists of Color contributes his vast knowledge on labor relations, the environment, race relations, urban policy and media from years of acclaimed investigative reporting, co-hosting and writing on some of the most prolific figures of our time. He has authored three books: the critically acclaimed “Harvest of Empire: A History of Latinos in America;” “Roll Down Your Window: Stories from a Forgotten America;” and “Fallout: The Environmental Consequences of the World Trade Center Collapse.”
Andrae Marak, Governors State University’s Chair of the Division of Humanities & Social Sciences and a Professor of History and Political Science, welcomes Gonzalez’s visit, citing “At a time when large numbers of unaccompanied child refugees from Central America are arriving at the United States’ doorstep seeking asylum, Gonzalez’s work on the causes and possible solutions to Latino migration to the United States could not be more timely.”
This month, Governors State University transitioned to a comprehensive four-year university, welcoming its first freshman class after years as a graduate and transfer institution. Mr. Gonzalez’s visit complements the vision and direction of the university.
The first freshman class will become part of a learning community that is focused on developing responsible global citizens; a tenet which translates into a cohort-based curriculum revolving around three study themes – Civic Engagement, Global Citizenship and Sustainability – with courses connected across colleges and departments. Mr. Gonzalez’s work in the Puerto Rican Civil Rights movement in the late 60s and early 70s, and his focus as an author, researcher and journalist are examples of these themes in action.
The community is welcome to attend his address in Sherman Hall at 7 p.m. RSVP’s are requested to reserve space by emailing [email protected]“>[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>.
Attendees are also welcomed at a themed Art Gallery Exhibit before the keynote event from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Visual Arts Gallery entitled I AMerican, curated by Sergio Gomez.
This multi-media exhibition explores what it means to be an “American” from the perspective of bi-cultural artists living in the United States. Heavy appetizers will be served. This event is free and no RSVP is required.
For more information on the Midwest History Association, visit http://www.mwwha.org.
For more information about Governors State University programs, admissions and events, visit www.govst.edu or call 708-534-5000.
Source: govst.edu
