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MEXICAN AMERICAN STUDIES CONFERENCE FOCUSES ON LITERATURE, ART Chicano literature will take center stage at the fourth biennial Mexican American Studies Conference hosted by Boise State University Tuesday, March 13, and Wednesday, March 14, in the Student Union. Titled "Unity of the People: Equality, Dignity and Respect," the free conference features several noted Hispanic authors, including Helena Maria Viramontes, Leo Chavez and Dagoberto Gilb. In addition, Cesar Martinez, considered to be one of the most important Chicano artists of the 20th century, will speak and exhibit his work; Carmen Tafolla will present her one-woman performance of barrio voices; Merrie R. Siegal will present "Flute Music of the Americas" and the comic/guerilla theater group CHUSMA will perform. In all, the conference features more than 25 different workshops and performances, addressing issues ranging from Latina role models to minimum wage for farm workers. The conference is focusing on literature as a way to increase appreciation for, and understanding of, another culture. As part of the conference, all public school teachers who attend will have the opportunity to select a set of Chicano literature anthologies for their classrooms. "Not very many people have exposure to Chicano literature," said Richard Baker, ethnic studies professor at Boise State and event organizer. "They don’t know how vibrant it is, or how important it is for people in the state to know about it." The conference will culminate with a dance sponsored by the Organizacion de Esutdiantes Latino-Americanos (OELA) at 9:30 p.m. March 14. Event sponsors include the Council of Hispanic Education, Girl Scouts Silver Sage Council, Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs, Idaho Migrant Council, Log Cabin Literary Center, the Idaho Department of Education and Boise State University’s Student Programs Board, and modern languages and literature, sociology and history departments. A complete schedule of events can be found at news.boisestate.edu by clicking on the Mexican American Studies Conference banner. Contact: Media Contact:
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