Photo courtesy ourstate.org.
During a nationwide tour, artist and Pulitzer Prize winner Jose Galvez will showcase his unique documentation of Latino daily life. On Wednesday, Sept. 18 Galvez will present at Elizabethtown College in the Brinser Lecture Room of Steinman Center, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The event will begin with a collection of black and white photographs outside the BLR, followed by a presentation and availability to ask questions.
A reoccurring theme in Galvez’s biographies is his passionate commitment to photographing the lives of Latinos. He has committed his life to accurately documenting Latino daily life. For sole dedication to his commitment, Galvez and his wife recently moved to North Carolina to film the Chicano movement. Through the support of the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture (NALAC), Ford Foundation and JP Morgan Chase, Galvez has been able to begin his work on “Land of Opportunity: Latino Entrepreneurs of North Carolina.”
It’s important for the College to provide educational opportunities reflective of real life experiences, which vary among citizens in a diverse society…” –Elliot
Diane Elliot, director of Diversity, spoke of Galvez’s commitment to capturing all aspects of Latino life. She said his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to service parallels the College’s motto, ‘Educate for Service.’
“It’s important for the College to provide educational opportunities reflective of real life experiences, which vary among citizens in a diverse society,” Elliot said.
Associate Professor of Spanish, Charla Lorenzen commented on the importance of interdisciplinary events. “We pursued Galvez because he’s versatile” Lorenzen said. “We didn’t want to select a specialist in 15th century Spanish poetry, who only interests Spanish majors. Instead students interested in photography can ask him about using old-fashioned film. Information about the Hispanic population in the U.S. will be beneficial to education majors who will encounter Hispanic students and families.” Lorenzen continued to say Galvez can relate to wide array of students, faculty and staff.
“[Galvez] can serve as a role model for Latino students,” Elliot said. “You cannot underestimate his potential to inspire and influence the next generation.”
Students and faculty and staff members also have the opportunity to meet Galvez in a smaller one-on-one environment. Galvez will have lunch and dinner in the Tower Room in the Marketplace the day of his presentation. Interested College members should contact Lorenzen at lorenzenc@etown.edu to reserve their spot. Twelve to 15 spots are available for each meal. Students are asked to contribute a meal swipe.
Galvez’s presentation takes place during Hispanic History Month. This honorary celebration is held nationwide annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.
“He happened to be in the area at the time,” Lorenzen said. “We would have wanted him any time of the year.”
The event is sponsored by the Modern Languages Department, Office of Diversity and Dean of Faculty. College members unable to attend the event or think of questions afterward are encouraged to visit his Facebook page.