Annual César Chávez and Dolores Huerta Latino Studies Lecture
The César Chávez and Dolores Huerta Latino Studies Lecture uplifts Latino/a/x scholars, artists, and activists who embody the legacies of our communities’ leaders. Celebrating the interdisciplinarity of Latino Studies and the diversity of our peoples, each lecture features different kinds of knowledge and forms of activism. Speakers visit our classes, meet with student groups, and offer vibrant lectures that are open to the public.
Past Lectures
Éxodo Hondureño: Central American Refugees, Asylees and Migration in the 21st Century
4th Annual César Chávez & Dolores Huerta Latino Studies Lecture
April 4, 2019
Speaker: Dr. Suyapa Portillo Villeda, Associate Professor in Chicana/o Latina/o Transnational Studies at Pitzer College
Dr. Portillo Villeda’s lecture explored recent migration to the US from the Central American Northern Triangle (Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala), in particular, an analysis of the recent caravans of women, children and LGBTI people from Honduras since the coup d’état of 2009. Her talk addressed these critical questions: “Is US society capable or willing to face the consequences of their foreign policy? Do narratives of US humanitarian generosity clash with lived realities for women, Trans women and youth? How do the caravans fit in the immigration reform discourse against the backdrop of a troubled history of US-Honduran relations, which is perhaps both context and culprit of migration and crack-down at the US-Mexico border? Most importantly, despite it all, how has Honduran agency and resilience, both in Honduras and on the migrant trail, continue to push nations and transnational actors toward finding solutions.”
Sponsored by the PLU Hispanic Studies Program and members of the Latino Studies Working Group. This event was made possible with special funding from the Mellon Foundation.
Diary of a Reluctant Dreamer: Undocumented Vignettes from a Pre-American Life
3rd Annual César Chávez & Dolores Huerta Latino Studies Lecture
March 19, 2018
This lecture featured author Alberto Ledesma. He is the author of the graphic memoir-comic book, Diary of a Reluctant Dreamer: Undocumented Vignettes from a Pre-American Life. This graphic memoir is a compilation of cartoons and essays that illustrate in an unconventional way the experience of a long-time undocumented immigrant living in the United States – an experience that is truly American.
Sponsored by the PLU Hispanic Studies Program and members of the Latino Studies Working Group. This event was made possible with special funding from the Mellon Foundation.
“The Pioneers: The Role of Public Policies and Mentors for First Generation Latino Professionals”
2nd Annual César Chávez & Dolores Huerta Latino Studies Lecture
April 6, 2017
Speaker: Dr. María Chávez, Associate Professor of Political Science
For this Latinos Studies Lecture, Dr. Chávez shared her latest research on the public policies & mentoring relationships that helped a generation of Latinos to pursue higher education and become professionals. Inspired by Chicana feminist methodologies, Dr. Chávez’s auto-ethnographic study weaves her own journey into her qualitative analysis of the struggles of 31 Latino professionals who eventually found pathways to success.
Sponsored by the PLU Hispanic Studies Program and the Department of Politics and Government
Latino Americans: 500 Years of History
1st Annual César Chávez and Dolores Huerta Latino Studies Lecture
October 13, 2015
As partners in the prestigious Latino Americans: 500 Years of History* grant, PLU joined universities and community organizations across the nation in the effort to celebrate and promote the untold stories of Latino/as in the United States.
Film screening and discussion about “The New Latinos (1946-1965)” from the documentary series The Latino Americans: 500 Years of History.
Panelists: Dr. María Chávez-Pringle, Dr. Emily F. Davidson, and Dr. Carmiña Palerm
Small-group Discussion Leaders: Members of Amigos Unidos