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[ CURRENT ] [ ARCHIVE ]
e-culture: Indigenous Peoples and Environment, Teens on Sexism, Events and Forums
October 4, 2006
IN THIS ISSUE
-Teenagers Talking About Sexism
-The Digital Story Resource Center
-Indigenous Peoples and Environment
-Upcoming Cultural Events and Forums
-About this Email Newsletter
If you want to change the world, you have to change the future. We have all heard the adage, "Children are the future." But what does that mean? What will the future be like if kids are not empowered to make it better. There are tremendous negative influences on children making the course of their lives seem worse for them than it was for many of their parents.
Children are capable of developing important ideas they feel are valuable and that they feel are their own. When children develop ideas they can use as positive influences on the people around them, adults must be available to listen and support them.
One of our projects has provided a perfect example of the positive influence children can have and the future they can affect if people will support them.
Teenage girls from Lanier Middle School, who are in an after-school program at the Havens Center, have completed a 10 minute digital film by participating in our digital storytelling workshops. They chose sexism as the topic for their digital story, compiled their questions, and set out to interview Houston women about their subject, including Queen Mother Suma Diarra, an African storyteller from New Orleans, and Houston city councilwoman Sue Lovell. More than ten women gave their time for the interviews.
The girls, ages 13 and 14, learned a lot about the issues surrounding discrimination from the women they interviewed. They assembled an audio track for their film (that is also suitable to distribute as a podcast) and added images they researched from the Internet to reinforce the concepts presented in the dialogue. They debuted their film "Talking About Sexism" in September at the Havens Center. They formed a panel and spoke very eloquently about the subject of the film, impressing the audience with their knowledge and competence in discussing such a mature subject.
They were quickly asked to present their film for middle school students at Pasadena ISD. Arrangements are also being made for them to show their film in Houston middle schools. The audio will be played on radio and DVDs will be distributed for classroom use. The potential to interest students in this important topic, as well as others, is unlimited.
The girls initiate conversations about sexism at school and in their after-school program when they recognize the issue in magazines and television ads, or even in their peers' attitudes.
Stay tuned, you may be lucky enough to attend a screening of their film one day; they are planning to invite their interview subjects and the public to see the film they created and take part in their discussion. And if you really want the future to be better, you should be there for them as they develop positive ideas and believe in their own abilities to make the world better.
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The Digital Story Resource Center
Houston Institute for Culture will introduce the Digital Story Resource Center in late October to accommodate the digital storytelling workshops we present. It will make classroom and computer equipment donated by Affiliated Systems and the Department of Justice available to kids in the program. We will work to increase the funding and the reach of the program to offer more workshops locally and throughout the region.
We earlier identified limited distribution of ideas as an important social concern, being at the root of many problems, which is largely the basis for moving forward with this initiative. We have developed the following mission for the center:
The Digital Story Resource Center promotes community uses of digital technologies to express ideas, explore issues, tell family stories and bridge cultural divides. Youth initiatives through this important center will help children develop their ideas and communication skills.
The Digital Story Resource Center promotes positive uses of computers and software. By offering workshops for people of all ages and backgrounds, the center will collect and display hundreds of informative digital stories. The center will establish effective cross cultural communication as a result of broad interest in this highly accessible art form. Community members will also be able to access thousands of audio and video files representing historic events and diverse cultures, documentary films and photographs, and recorded speeches and forums for educational purposes through the center's archives.
Information about the center's current projects and workshops will be provided through its website, digitalstory.org. The site will introduce the uses of Digital Storytelling, including education, communication and historic preservation. Additional information resources will help people develop digital stories as movies, podcasts, and digital publications. It will present solutions for utilizing and archiving digital photographs, audio and video files, as well as frequently asked questions about digital technology.
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Indigenous Peoples and Environment
Houston Institute for Culture, the Havens Center and People of Earth on KPFT will present a series of films on indigenous peoples and environment from Friday, October 6 through Sunday, October 8. The films are free; screenings begin at 7:00pm, followed by audience discussion at 8:00pm.
Scheduled films include: Friday, October 6, Drumbeat for Mother Earth: Persistent Organic Pollutants Threatening Indigenous Peoples and Huicholes and Pesticides; Saturday, October 7, Pavements of Gold and Ecuador: The Indigenous Woman; and, Sunday, October 8, In the Light of Reverence: Protecting America's Sacred Lands.
Arrive early for free refreshments and conversation.
The Havens Center is located at 1827 W. Alabama St. Parking is available across the street and at the St Stephens Episcopal Church at the corner of Woodhead and Alabama.
The film descriptions are on line at:
http://www.houstonculture.org/film
Listen to People of Earth, Fridays, 11am - 12noon, on KPFT, 90.1FM.
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Upcoming Cultural Events and Forums
27th Annual Festival Chicano
October 5-7, 7:00pm
From conjunto to big band, mariachi to Tejano, this annual cultural celebration showcases outstanding Chicano artists from throughout the country.
Miller Outdoor Theatre
100 Concert Drive
Houston, TX 77030
281-373-3386
http://www.milleroutdoortheatre.com
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The Greek Festival
October 5-8
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Complex
3511 Yokum Blvd
Houston, TX 77006
http://www.greekfestival.org
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Spanish Ballet Folklorico
October 7, 11:00am
Vibrant, colorful, and artistic performances will unite the best of the old (Spain) and new world (Mexico) together through the art of dance.
Miller Outdoor Theatre
100 Concert Drive
Houston, TX 77030
281-373-3386
http://www.milleroutdoortheatre.com
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South Indian Dance Drama from the State of Karnatica
Featuring renown Yakshagana artist and his troupe
Saturday, October 7, 6:00pm
Meenakshi Temple
17130 McLean Road
Pearland, Texas
713 480-7821
The event is free.
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Houston Poetry Fest: 'Poetry Out of Bounds'
Sunday, October 8, 8:00pm
Houston poetry Fest, which happens October 13-15 at UofH Downtown has a preliminary open reading at the Artery. Hosted by Dee Ann Bongiovanni and Tina Cardona. Register to read when you arrive.
The Artery
5401 Jackson at Prospect
http://www.houstonpoetryfest.net
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Devout: Divas Everywhere Visualizing Our Unfolding Truths
October 8 - October 27
The Fourth Friday Divas announce their first group exhibition," Devout: Divas Everywhere Visualizing Our Unfolding Truths" There will be a closing reception on the fourth Friday of October, the 27th, from 7-10pm.
Super Happy Fun Land
2610 Ashland Street (at W. 27th Street in the Heights)
713-880-2100
http://www.superhappyfunland.com
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Forum on Immigration
Presented by the Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality
Monday, October 9, 7:00-8:30pm
The two speakers at the forum are David Bacon and Martha Ojeda. Bacon is a journalist, photographer, and author of NAFTA's Children and Communities without Borders. Ojeda is the Executive Director of the International Coalition for Justice in the Maquiladoras and the author of NAFTA From Below.
Building on Rice's Program for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality, the new Center brings together gender-related research groups and research initiatives, among them a postdoctoral fellowship program; the journal, Feminist Economics; and the Feminist Research Group, a longstanding faculty and graduate student workshop. The Center's first director, Professor Rosemary Hennessy, is the author of several publications including NAFTA From Below: Maquiladora Workers, Campesinos, and Indigenous Communities Speak Back (2006) and Profit and Pleasure: Sexual Identities in Late Capitalism (2000). She is currently working on a book on the cultures of transnational organizing, Fires on the Border.
Farnsworth Pavilion, Rice Memorial Center
Rice University
Open to the public.
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Minoo P. Bhandara, National Assembly of Pakistan Member
Presented by Asia Society Texas
Thursday, October 12, 7:30pm
A businessman, industrialist, politician and writer, M.P. Bhandara formerly served as Minister of Minorities Affairs and as Advisor to the President of Pakistan. He attended the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. He graduated from the Punjab University and Brasenose College, Oxford. Bhandara has written extensively, contributing op-ed pieces on regional and political issues to The New York Times, DAWN and many other leading English international dailies.
In Houston, Bhandara will discuss Musharraf's controversial accords with Pakistani tribal chiefs, actions that some claim have weakened the war on terror. According to The Christian Science Monitor, "When the US surveys the world, there are few more pivotal players in that war than Musharraf. But at home, Pakistan's moderate leader is embattled. To strengthen his position, he's recently struck deals with a hard-line Islamic political party that, analysts say, could undermine counterterrorism efforts." Bhandar draws his speaking topics from today's headlines and his President's world view as presented in Musharraf's just-published Simon & Shuster hot seller, In the Line of Fire: A Memoir. Of this book, the publisher says, "It is unprecedented for a sitting head of state to write a memoir as revelatory, detailed, and gripping... Here, for the first time, readers can get a firsthand view of the war on terror in its central theater."
Available for sale at the event will be In the Line of Fire: A Memoir and Bapsi Sidhwa's City of Sin and Splendour: Writings on Lahore, which contains an essay by Mr. Bhandara. Book sales will be facilitated by Brazos Bookstore.
J.W. Marriott Hotel Hidalgo Room
5150 Westheimer Road
The program is free and open to the public, although reservations are requested at 713-439-0265 and non-members are asked to consider a $10 donation to Asia Society.
http://www.asiasociety.org/tx
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Tango Fire
October 14, 8:00pm.
Estampas Portenas, the hottest tango company in Buenos Aires, in its North American debut tour. Top notch musicians and exquisite dancers re-create the passion of the music of the legendary Astor Piazzolla.
Miller Outdoor Theatre
100 Concert Drive
Houston, TX 77030
281-373-3386
http://www.milleroutdoortheatre.com
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Barbara Jordan: Texas Treasure
October 17, 11:00am
A one-woman play celebrating the life of the eminent Texas orator, legislator and teacher, from her early childhood in Houston through her election in 1966 to the Texas Steate Senate.
Miller Outdoor Theatre
100 Concert Drive
Houston, TX 77030
281-373-3386
http://www.milleroutdoortheatre.com
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Danceology 101
October 19, 11:00am
See history told through the dance of the decades. A blast of energy, music and movement loved by all.
Miller Outdoor Theatre
100 Concert Drive
Houston, TX 77030
281-373-3386
http://www.milleroutdoortheatre.com
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Benefit for The Artery featuring a screening from the Artery Media Project
Friday, October 20, 8:00-11:00pm
Donations accepted.
The Artery
5401 Jackson at Prospect
http://www.arteryhouston.org
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Golden Dragon Acrobats
Friday, October 20, 8:00pm
These talented performers truly define entertainment. Chinese acrobats have been performing for more than 27 centuries and the Golden Dragon Acrobats represent the best of this revered tradition, mixing award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes and ancient and contemporary theatrical techniques to present a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty. Young and old alike will be amazed by these talented actors, athletes and artists, a troupe of incredible tumblers, jugglers, acrobats and contortionists who prove that the impossible is not only achievable, but that it can be surpassed again and again. The production is a dazzling spectacle that will delight the entire family.
Miller Outdoor Theatre
100 Concert Drive
Houston, TX 77030
281-373-3386
http://www.milleroutdoortheatre.com
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Splendid Asia: Tour of China
Saturday, October 21, 8:00pm
Dance of Asian America presents Splendid Asia: Tour of China, a most unique collaboration of distinguished international, national and local artists. New and award winning choreography will be performed by guest artists Xing Sang and Song Jie, Gold and Silver Medalists of China's National Dance Competition. Also featured will be outstanding guest artists from New York and Houston's exceptional Mitsi Dancing School and Dance of Asian America. From the majestic Himalayas to the wide plains of Mongolia to the enchanting ladies of the Dia's Province, this Tour of China promises a delightful and enchanting evening of entertainment.
Miller Outdoor Theatre
100 Concert Drive
Houston, TX 77030
281-373-3386
http://www.milleroutdoortheatre.com
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Literary Voices from Iraq
Guest Lecturers: Dr. Sinan Antoon and Dunya Mikhail
Monday, October 23, 7:30pm
Dr. Sinan Antoon and Dunya Mikhail, renowned literary scholars from Iraq, will weave their experiences together to present the challenges writers and poets face both in Iraq and in exile.
The Rothko Chapel
1409 Sul Ross Street
Houston, TX 77006
713-524-9839
http://www.rothkochapel.org
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PartnershipWalk Houston
Sunday, October 29, 2006 10:00am - 3:00 pm
Partnership Walk is a national event to raise awareness about international development and to celebrate global diversity. It is a day for people in the United States to join together, in a spirit of global partnership, to raise resources that contribute to community-based programs overseas. Your participation in the walk demonstrates that hope is within walking distance. At the day-long Partnership Walk, participants:
-Walk and raise funds that help transform lives in Asian and African communities
-Experience village life in a developing country through interactive exhibits
-Enjoy entertainers, music and demonstrations celebrating the richness of world cultures
-Learn from leaders and citizens why global concerns are important to local communities in the U.S.
-Become part of an international network and take a step toward building a safer, more peaceful world.
Houston has been hosting the Partnership Walk since 1998. The first Walk in Houston attracted 15,000 people, a record for any city, as enthusiastic Texans raised more than a million dollars to support the alleviation of poverty. Link to last year walk with details:
http://www.partnershipwalk.org/usa/content/cities/houston.html
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About this Email Newsletter
The e-culture newsletter is provided to community members who have requested it, as well as Houston Institute for Culture volunteers and collaborators on beneficial programs. The newsletter features Houston Institute for Culture events and activities, as well as community and cultural activities throughout the region. We attempt to highlight events and organizations that resemble the educational mission of Houston Institute for Culture, as well as promote diverse interests.
If you would like to be added to the list. please send an email to info@houstonculture.org. To be removed from the list, please reply or send a message saying "remove" or "unsubscribe".
Please refer to the newsletter on line at: http://www.houstonculture.org/feature
Thank you for supporting great educational and cultural activities.
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M a r k @houstonculture.org
Houston Institute for Culture
Havens Center
1827 W. Alabama Street
Houston, Texas 77098
HOUSTON INSTITUTE FOR CULTURE SEARCH info@houstonculture.org