YWCA kicks off Diversity Dialogue Series January 18

The YWCA will kick off its Diversity Dialogue series on January 18 at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art with “Two Views: Our Mexican Heritage”. Featured will be YWCA staff members Aja Michael and Patty Liberto who will talk about their Mexican heritage, one from the standpoint of being born in Mexico and the other being born in the United States.

Those attending are invited to tour the Arte Caliente Exhibit immediately following

Persons wishing to receive email notification of the YWCA’s diversity programs should email Nancy McCammon-Hansen, community awareness manager, at nmccammonhansen@ywcaerew.org or call 260- 424-4908 ext 249.

All diversity programs are no charge and begin promptly at noon. Lunch is available for $9. Reservations are requested for attendance and lunch so that adequate seating is provided. Reservations are due by Tuesday, January 12 to Sue Hiatt, 260.424.4908 ext 254 or shiatt@ywcaerew.org.

For more than 100 years, the Fort Wayne YWCA has given voice to the concerns of women and provided services to meet the changing needs of women and their families. Pursuing the dual goals of eliminating racism and empowering women, the YWCA strives to offer programs that elevate individual lives, improve community well-being, and spur positive societal change. A nonprofit organization, the YWCA welcomes the interest and participation of both women and men committed to this vision, and it receives support from individuals, foundations, corporations, and other groups, as well as community funding through United Way of Allen County.

 

 

Mad Mel and the Maya

by EARL SHORRIS

On the Yucatán peninsula, where many of the Maya of Mexico live, there is an often-told story about people like Mel Gibson, whose bloody movie in the Yucatecan Maya language, Apocalypto, was released December 8. I first heard the story from Miguel Angel May May, a tall man among the Maya, handsome, now in his 40s, with a touch of gray in his hair. He speaks Yucatecan Maya so eloquently that when young people who have begun to lose their language and culture first hear him, they shed tears for what has been and what can be in the Yucatán.

 

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