e-culture: Mexico Melting Pot, Makeover, See The Edukators Free, More Houston Events
August 15, 2005


IN THIS ISSUE

The Other Melting Pot
Hispanic Heritage Month
A Virtual New Look
Free, The Edukators
Open House Success
Upcoming Houston Events
Educational Adventures


A little praise can go a long way. In Bea McFeaters' case, her enthusiasm for our Mexican history materials on line led her to write a flattering note and contribute her cultural expertise in an article for all of our readers, and the many students who use our site during the school year.


From Bea McFeaters:

Working for a corporation that hosts annual conferences in Houston, and being that Houston is so international, I thought it would be interesting to highlight different cultures each year as a theme for our special event dinners. Thus was my first exposure to Houston Institute for Culture. How lucky, I thought, to find such a tool that would help me make my function true to authenticity. After all, many times I'd hear someone from out of state rant and rave about the Mexican food at a chain restaurant and think, "I suppose if you don't know what it is supposed to taste like, it's OK."

But the real surprise that caught me off guard was its accuracy in documentation of historical issues. Growing up in south coastal Texas in the 60s, I was taught, well... what I call "the John Wayne version" of Texas history. Not what I'd call a lie - but not the entire picture. The HIFC web site, through Richard D. Vogel's writings, helped fill in many of the holes in history that were left out. An example: The St. Patrick's Brigade - an Irish battalion that fought with the Mexicans because of the pledge they made when they accepted the Mexicans invitation to Catholic Europeans to come and settle in Tejas (during the time when many Irish, Czechs and Italians settled in Texas).

Vogel essay, "Stolen Birthright: The U.S. Conquest and Exploitation of the Mexican People"
http://www.houstonculture.org/hispanic/conquest.html

It wasn't until I was an adult and was doing some genealogy research that Texas history was revealed to me in a different perspective. A local resident had suggested I read a book called The Stolen Heritage, by Abel G. Rubio which spoke about many of the families I had grown up with. It reads almost like a mystery novel. As oratory history goes, my mother had told me a story about a family that had gone to a dance one evening, which was a common practice after a long week of cotton picking. Traveling there, they were hit by a car on the bay bridge in Port Lavaca and the entire family perished... but two boys who had stayed behind. Can you imagine my shock to open the book and begin to read about the very same story. The author was one of the boys. As a child, you hear many things that don't make much sense until you are an adult. This book, which spoke of many events I had heard in my parent's time, could never be published without repercussions during that time; thus many of us thought they were just tales.

At the time, I felt cheated and lied to and it angered me to think of some people I knew who were poor, whose ancestors had once been wealthy landowners and how their destiny changed so drastically because of certain events. But at the same time, being of Hispanic descent, I recognized how very fortunate I had been to be just at the right age to benefit from the civil rights movement and can honestly say I don't feel I have been discriminated against but a very few times. I had the best of both worlds. I could turn one way and see the discrimination my older sister and parents had to deal with, and I could turn the other way and appreciate everything that was now available to me.

Unfortunately, I think some people use what happened in the past as an excuse for their lack of success or even for the want of trying to succeed -- a crutch. I know first-hand you can advance and virtually be anything you really want to through education if you put your mind to it these days. I can also understand that some may say "digging up bones" is not always a good thing and can open up old wounds, but it is important to know the truth. For me, it helped me to understand my elders better; to know why they taught us what they did -- which made me who I am today. We do or say so many things subconsciously or traditionally sometimes and don't even know why. Examples: Why do Hispanic people leave food at the cemetery on Dia de los Muertos? Why does Tejano music vary so much from tropical to "oompapa" music? Do you have any idea where the term "hacalera" came from?

How can people expect someone of another race to understand how we think and act if we don't know it completely ourselves?

So... what do you do when you find out the truth? Regardless of what culture you come from, listen to what your elders taught you and learn from it. Understand why they taught those things to you -- so you won't make the same mistakes. If you can understand yourself better, you can become a better person by improving and acting on what you know is and isn't. Honor them by using your knowledge for something positive instead of just grumbling about injustices.

As for myself, I chose to channel my energy to promote education -- because that is the true way out of poverty and injustice. I started a non-profit folklorico group to do three things: 1) keep kids off the streets; 2) market a cultural education program to educate and promote cultural understanding; and 3) reward children for making honorable grades. We would perform at schools, nursing homes, and festivals. Special effort for authenticity was a must, so information and training came from Mexican maestros. Each performance would provide information on the state, geography, customs, and history of the dance, music and culture, and highlight ties to Texas culture.

Offering the commitment of a dedicated cultural advocate, Bea McFeaters provides us with this informative article about the traditions of ballet folklorico in Mexico: The Other Melting Pot.
http://www.houstonculture.org/mexico/ballet.html

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Hispanic Heritage Month

September is Hispanic Heritage Month. For many the celebration really begins on September 15, the anniversaries of Guatemala's, El Salvador's, Honduras', Nicaragua's, and Costa Rica's independence. Hispanic Heritage Month is most celebrated in the U.S. on September 16, known as Diez y Seis, the anniversary of Mexico's independence from Spain.

Celebrations culminate in many Latin American nations on October 12 with Dia de la Raza (Day of the People, or Race) or Dia de las Culturas (Day of the Cultures). These Columbus Day events are said to mark the European "impression" left on the Americas. Here is a list of events celebrating Hispanic heritage, and featuring the rich tradition of ballet folklorico, at Miller Outdoor Theater:

BALLET FOLKLORICO MEXICO
September 3, 11:00am
Celebrate Fiestas Patrias and enjoy a cultural and educational experience that demonstrates the beauty and splendor of Mexico.
Ambassadors International
http://www.aiballetfolklorico.org

LA NOCHE DEL GRITO
September 15, 6:00pm
A Mexican celebration featuring artists from Mexico, mariachis, folkloric dances, and more. Comite Patriotico Mexicano

BALLET FOLKLORICO ECUADOR
October 1, 11:00am
Take a cultural and educational voyage to the country of Ecuador. Explore its treasures through music and dance.
Ambassadors International
http://www.aiballetfolklorico.org

26th ANNUAL FESTIVAL CHICANO
October 6-8, 7:00pm
From conjunto to big band and mariachi to Tejano, this annual celebration showcases outstanding Chicano artists.
Festival Chicano

CORAZON ESPANOL
DEL ESPADIN BAILE ESPANOL
October 11, 11:00am
This exciting program explores the history and evolution of the three categories of Spanish dance: folk, classical, and flamenco.
Young Audiences of Houston
http://www.yahouston.org

DIA DE LA HISPANIDAD
October 14, 6:30pm
A festival of all Latin American countries and Spain, commemorating the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas.
Institute of Hispanic Culture


Miller Outdoor Theatre is located in Hermann Park.

100 Concert Drive
Houston, Texas 77030
713-284-8350
http://www.milleroutdoortheater.org

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A Virtual New Look

Today we updated our home page. Please have a look:
http://www.houstonculture.org

Many sections of our site will soon undergo a makeover. None of the pages you are used to seeing will disappear; they will just get better -- clean design, more informative, and better organized. There are many things to look forward to, including: better navigation; more coverage of issues; xml updates for those who prefer to receive reminders for events; and, MP3 distribution of some of our most interesting audio features.

We hope you will be inclined to make houstonculture.org your start up page. It looks good; it's appropriate for every home, work and academic setting; it supports positive interests; it even has the last links you really need to traffic and weather (placed handily in the lower right corner) before you leave you computer screen.


Newsletter Contributors

Even our newsletter will benefit from this makeover, and from the greatly increased readership the website is experiencing. Keep these dates in mind for upcoming newsletter submission and provide information at least a week in advance:

September 15
October 10
November 15
December 10

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Free, The Edukators

THE EDUKATORS: Advance Film Screening
Thursday, August 18, 2005
(Film officially opens in Houston August 19)

Greenway 3 Theatre
5 Greenway Plaza
Houston, TX 77046
713-866-8881

In this sharp and funny social satire, two young German men, Jan (Daniel Bruhl, Goodbye, Lenin!) and Peter (Stipe Erceg), set out to make a rebellious political statement by breaking into expensive homes of the wealthy, rearranging their furniture, and leaving cryptic notes like "Your days of plenty are numbered." When Peter's girlfriend Jule (Julia Jentsch) gets involved, the situation rapidly escalates out of control, and the three friends find themselves with a sympathetic hostage on their hands. The Edukators is a surprising, unpredictable film with plenty of plot twists.

Director/Co-writer: Hans Weingartner
Rated "R"
Subtitled


Free passes to The Edukators

There will be a free screening of The Edukators on Thursday, August 18 at Greenway 3 Theatre.

Passes are available to be picked up at our Rice Village office on Tuesday and Wednesday, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm while they last. We are located at 5555 Morningside, Suite 204, upstairs from Brian O'Neill's Restaurant, next door to the Gingerman.


For more information, please visit: http://www.theedukators.com

You can view the trailer of the film using QuickTime.

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Open House Success

We had a successful Open House at the end of July. Thanks to everyone who came by and all of the volunteers who made it possible.

The turnout was excellent. We stayed busy throughout the full four hours talking with visitors, with only about five minutes to catch a breath of air sometime around 5 o' clock.

People came for many of the reasons that we established the space. We were able to show people some of our current projects, as well as the office space in the kind of multi-functional condition that makes it possible for others to hold meetings or work with us on programs.

Students from St. Thomas University came by to plan meetings for their new organization about Latin American culture, as well as others who need space to meet and organize their activities.

Bea McFeaters, a contributor to this newsletter, donated CDs of traditional Mexican music and videos of ballet folklorico events for our archives. Other volunteers came by to talk, and brought family members and spouses.

Some visitors were interested in our travel program, and others in our upcoming activities, like the educational Day of the Dead exhibit and donations for colonias in Texas and Mexico.

We met many other interesting people who will make valuable connections for us over time. Several congratulatory emails came from people who were impressed and particularly interested in the examples of digital storytelling, one of the educational programs we will develop in the near future.

A reporter from the Houston Chronicle This Week section came to learn more about Houston Institute for Culture, and the classes we are offering in the facility for our Camp Dos Cabezas participants.

Two of our volunteers, Lee Taylor and Soo Kim, provided great food and refreshments. The space was in order and looking sharp for the Open House due to the efforts of Lee Taylor, Scott Eastman, Ashley Streetman, Chad McMillan, Sonia Patel, and Ann Wang (our newsletter editor).

Several organizations are now holding meetings at our location and we have a series of educational presentations planned. We look forward to seeing you at some of them. Stay tuned for the next newsletter for details.

To learn more about occasions to visit us, please see:
http://www.cultural-crossroads.com

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Upcoming Houston Events

Globalization Forum presents Dr. Kris Petersen
Wednesday, August 17, 7:30pm

Mary Knoll House, Olive Branch Room
2160 Rice Blvd.
Houston, Texas 77005

Dr. Kris Petersen, U. Michigan, recent Rice graduate, will talk about her ongoing research in Nigeria. She has found that the human costs of the U.S. forcing proprietary drugs, partly due to intellectual property insistence of the W.T.O., means that health services can even be "wiped out." The Globalization Forum is held at 7:30pm at 2160 Rice Blvd in the rear garage apartment (four doors west of Greenbriar). For more information, contact Joan Denkler at 713-467-2996.

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The 43rd Ann Arbor Film Festival Tour
Saturday, August 20, 2005 at 8pm (16mm Program)
Sunday, August 21, 2005 at 3pm (Digital Program)

Aurora Picture Show
800 Aurora Street
Houston, Texas 77009
713-868-2101
http://www.aurorapictureshow.org

The oldest touring experimental film festival in the country comes to Houston with two international programs of award-winning short films:

-16mm Program-
HARMONY - Jim Trainor Chicago, IL (animation)
KOSMOS - Thorsten Fleisch Berlin, Germany (experimental)
THE WAITING TIME - Sasha Waters Iowa City, IA (experimental documentary)
ERRATA - Alexander Stewart Chicago, IL (experimental animation)
T. S. H. - Jesse Lerner Los Angeles, CA (experimental)
ASPECT - Emily Richardson London, UK (experimental)
THREADING THE NEEDLE - Andaleeb Firdosy Los Angeles, CA (experimental documentary)
FUGUE - Trish Van Huesen Prescott, Ontario (experimental)
BOHEMIAN TOWN - Helen Hill New Orleans, LA (animation)

-Digital Program -
DEFINITIONS OF ART - Yuri A, Zuerich, Switzerland experimental)
PRESERVING CULTURAL TRADITIONS IN A PERIOD OF INSTABILITY - John and Henry Ford, (experimental)
USO JUSTO - Scott Coleman Miller, Minneapolis, MN (narrative)
MAGDA - Chel White, Portland, OR (animation)
BRITTON, S. DAKOTA - Venessa Renwick, Portland, OR (experimental)
STUMBLE THEN RISE ON SOME AWKWARD MORNING - Kurtis Hough, Almont, MI (animation)
AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL - John Cannizzero, Tarzana, CA (animation)
BIG SCHTICK - Courtney Egan, New Orleans, LA (experimental)
SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM STORY - Bill Daniel, Portland, OR (documentary)
LIFESAVORS - Shaun Williams, Ann Arbor, MI (animation)
DETAIL - Avi Mograbi, Tel Aviv, Israel (documentary)
DONšT CALL ME CRAZY ON THE 4TH OF JULY - Richard Pell, Ann Arbor, MI (documentary)
FISH DONšT TALK - Rick Raxlen, Victoria, BC (animation)

For more information please visit: http://www.aafilmfest.org/tour/program/

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Music Beyond Borders Showcase
Featuring four bands from four different cultural origins - Emman LeGran (Congo), Coradi (Colombia), Vani (India), and Kasama (Philippines)

Sunday, August 21, 2:30 to 6:00pm
Miller Outdoor Theater
100 Concert Drive
Houston, Texas 77030
713-284-8350
http://www.milleroutdoortheater.org


For more information on KPFT's Music Beyond Borders world music collective: http://www.kpft.org

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Mahatma Gandhi Tribute
Saturday, September 10 through Sunday, October 2

The Mahatma Gandhi Library will sponsor a three week tribute for Gandhi's birthday, October 2. Activities include field trips to area Hindu temples, story telling, a Darshan exhibition at three area libraries, screenings of the movie "Gandhi" and the video "A Force More Powerful", speech and essay contests, and more. For more details, visit http://www.gandhilibrary.org or call 832-265-7936.

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The End of Suburbia, with Matthew Simmons at MFAH
Wednesday, September 14, 7:00pm
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
1001 Bissonnet

The presentation of the film The End of Suburbia, one in a long procession of screenings of the film, will include something different -- a presentation by Matthew Simmons, CEO of the world's largest Energy Investment Bank, Simmons & Co. International, who is interviewed in the documentary. Simmons' clients including Halliburton and the World Bank. he is a member of the US Council on Foreign Relations and the National Petroleum Council's Natural Gas Task Force.

Sponsored by the Sierra Club
$6; $5.00 for museum members, seniors and students


For more information about the film, please see our July 8, 2005 review:
http://www.houstonculture.org/archive/e050708.html#suburb

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As we all look forward to cooler weather in Houston, here are some future events taking place for free at Miller Outdoor Theater.

DANCE AROUND THE WORLD
September 24, 11:00am
Dance traditions from around the globe, presented by Houston Dance Coalition and Dance Source Houston.
http://www.houstondance.org


6th ANNUAL HOUSTON GRAND TAIKO FESTIVAL
September 30 and October 1, 7:30pm
Massive tremors of traditional and contemporary Taiko drumming and the refined movements of classical Japanese dance, presented by Kaminari Taiko of Houston.
http://www.kaminaritaiko.com


Miller Outdoor Theatre is located in Hermann Park.

100 Concert Drive
Houston, Texas 77030
713-284-8350
http://www.milleroutdoortheater.org


Stay tuned to the calendar for more upcoming events.
http://www.houstonculture.org/events

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Educational Adventures

2005-06 Travel Series Schedule

El dia de los muertos (The Day of the Dead)
Sunday, October 30 - Saturday, November 5, 2005
Tucson, Arizona and Nogales, Sonora, Mexico

Mexico's Copper Canyon
Friday, November 18 - Sunday, November 27, 2005
Batopilas, Chihuahua, Mexico

A Southwest Christmas
Friday, December 23 - Thursday, December 29, 2005
Santa Fe, New Mexico

Camp Dos Cabezas
Saturday, March 11 - Sunday, March 19, 2006
Saturday, May 27 - Sunday, June 4, 2006
Cochise County, Arizona.
A Volunteer Meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 20, 2005. Send an email to info@houstonculture.org for more information.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Friday, June 30 - Wednesday, July 5, 2006
Wednesday, July 5 - Monday, July 10, 2006
Washington, DC

The Land of Enchantment
Saturday, August 5 - Sunday, August 13, 2006
Gallup, New Mexico

El dia de los muertos (The Day of the Dead)
Monday, October 30 - Sunday, November 5, 2005
Taxco, Mexico



Thank you for supporting great educational and cultural activities.

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A  n  n @houstonculture.org

Ann Wang, Editor

Contributors:
Mark Lacy
Bea McFeaters


Houston Institute for Culture
5555 Morningside #204
Houston, Texas 77005

http://www.cultural-crossroads.com