“There [are] not a lot of activities about African American culture and arts,” said Ms. Lisa Byrd, Founder and Artistic Director of the Black Arts Movement performing arts festival. Black Arts Movement festival (BAM) is a celebration of African American artists in the new millennium. This three-week long event, she said, is “an opportunity to come out and focus on culture.” The goal is to spotlight the Black aesthetic of modern artists. Now in its’ fourth year, BAM invites artists of all … [Read more...]
El Buen Samaritano, helping low-income families get healthy
As lawmakers and First Lady Michelle Obama implement changes impacting health care and childhood obesity issues across the nation, a South Austin nonprofit continues to tackle these very issues on a local level, as it has been for quite some time now. El Buen Samaritano Episcopal Mission, a nonprofit committed to helping low-income families in need of help lead healthy and productive lives, has provided health care services and health and wellness programs to uninsured families living in … [Read more...]
Anthropos Arts: Bringing the benefits of music to all students
Tunes from Jazz to Meringue were heard in the Stubb’s Amphitheater on Sunday, May 16, as students from 12 different schools in the Austin area participated in the 11th Annual Student/Mentor Concert. Students participating in the Anthropos Arts program showed their skills as they improvised solos alongside their mentors at their end-of-the-year performance. The Anthropos Arts program organizes instructors from college professors to Grammy-winning performers to work with students on an … [Read more...]
Youth Voices = Social Justice + Hip Hop + Creative Youth
“Hip-hop is not just music, but a support system and a social structure that unifies youth culture.” – The Cipher, Austin’s Hip Hop Project In East Austin's Southwest Key Community Center over 100 people, diverse in age, race, and class, are bobbing their heads to the rhythm as youth from across Travis County "spit their truth". Amazing young poets and artists from The Cipher hip hop project, slam finalists from the Texas Youth Word Collective, and a new group called the Rhythm Writerz … [Read more...]
Eastside Memorial students get an education in construction industry
A Design and Construction Industry Fair will be held at Eastside Memorial (formerly Johnston High School) on May 14, 2010 with over 100 students expected to participate. Industry professionals will be on hand to extend their knowledge with an emphasis on keeping students in school. Pete Montoya, Johnston High School alum and retired general contractor, wants the students to explore all their options. “My forte is in construction,” said Montoya. “I want them to know that if they stay in … [Read more...]
Public input wanted on the National Museum of the American Latino
Members of the National Museum of the American Latino Commission (NMALC) will be in Austin this weekend to hold a public forum at the State Capitol Auditorium on Saturday, May 1, at 10am. This is the third in a series of public outreach sessions to seek input and feedback from the public on the development and design of a museum that would pay tribute to the art, history and culture of U.S. Hispanics; the potential impact on regional Latino museums and general interest in the creation of a … [Read more...]
Arráncame La Vida (Tear This Heart Out)
Mil gracias, truly a thousand thanks, to Cine Las Américas and the Consulate General of Mexico for the presentation of the Mexican movie Arráncame La Vida (Tear This Heart Out). Directed by Roberto Sneider and based on the highly acclaimed novel by Ángeles Mastretta, the movie was a phenomenal cultural treasure that honored Austin a few weeks ago. It is without a doubt our public role to invite, host, share, and support such international cultural gifts, and this unique jewel enriched … [Read more...]
Learning Fair stresses the value of bilingual education
Hispanic students account for approximately half of the Austin Independent School District (AISD) population, and about half of these students are English Language Learners (ELLs) that come from Spanish-speaking households. "As the fastest growing population in AISD, it is important that we help them succeed," said Sylvia Acevedo, event founder, former rocket scientist, ex-Dell executive, and CEO of Communicard. It is important to stress the value of getting an advanced education and … [Read more...]
AISD faces unprecedented growth in Spanish-speaking students
As a state, Texas is facing a unique challenge when it comes to education. The size, growth rate, and makeup of the state's population is "out of step with the rest of the country". Texas is seeing triple the growth in the number of school children versus the rest of the country. Travis, specifically, is one of the fastest growing counties in the state, especially in the pre-k and elementary school population, where a good grounding is required so that these kids don't start to have … [Read more...]
Learning fair set to make historical book giveaway
When Feria Para Aprender (The Learning Fair) takes place next month, it will not only be the state’s largest Spanish language educational event, but it will set a one-day record in Texas for the most number of educational books given away. More than 18,500 books will be given away free at this year’s event, which is expanding to a larger regional venue at the Travis County Expo on Saturday, February 6. The Feria centralizes nonprofit and college resources to help Spanish speaking parents … [Read more...]
