Monday, November 13, 2017
Ventura County Community Foundation, 4001 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo
Networking 5:15, Introductions & Announcements 5:40, Program 5:50 – 7:00 pm
Members Free, Non-members $10 suggested donation. Annual membership $15 for individuals,
$25 for organizations
A Queerly Joyful Noise: Choral Musicking for Social Justice
Meaningful and lasting social movement requires changes to the hearts and minds of people. These movements can take a deeper hold when presented through some often overlooked, but absolutely necessary, artistic avenues. Julia Balén will read selections from her book, A Queerly Joyful Noise as she explains the important relationship between the art of joyful pleasure and social justice work.
Dr. Julia “Jules” Balén is a Professor of English at the California State University Channel Islands (CI). Since 2003, she has participated in developing a number of programs beyond English, including Sociology, Chicano/a Studies, Philosophy and Freedom and Justice Studies. Jules was an active member of the President’s Commission for Human Relations, Equity, and Diversity for 10 years.
Xicana ARTivism
Xicana visual artist, traditional Aztec Dancer, activist, and educator, Veronica Xochitl Valadez uses art and dance as mediums to expose the realities of the intersectionalities faced by Xicanas, to heal wounds and to empower women of color. She will discuss how visual and performing arts helped her decolonize her identity and taught her to embrace her indigenous cultural roots.
Veronica Xochitl Valadez, born to Mexican immigrants, is the first in her family to attend a four-year university. She has earned Bachelor’s and Masters Degrees in Chicana/o Studies as well as a multiple-subject teaching credential. As an educator, Veronica has dedicated herself to teaching culturally relevant curriculum that promotes social justice in elementary school, community college, and university classrooms.