All Events
Race Matters Series
Crack in Los Angeles: Policing the Crisis and the War on Drugs Donna Murch
MCC LOUNGE
This talk will explore the racial politics of the War on Drugs in Los Angeles, and reflect on how the state mobilized the 'crack crisis' to justify new and profoundly militarized forms of correctional control. Special attention will be given to the politics of racial backlash and the effects of the War on Drugs on communities of color in L.A. Dr. Murch is associate professor of History at Rutgers University and currently a Bunche Center Visiting Scholar at UCLA. Co-sponsored by UCSB Department of Chicana/o Studies
Cup of Culture
Anita
MCC THEATER
An entire country watched transfixed as a poised African-American woman in a blue dress sat before a Senate committee of 14 white men and with a clear, unwavering voice recounted the repeated acts of sexual harassment she had endured while working with U.S. Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas. Against a backdrop of sex, politics, and race, Anita Hill courageously speaks openly and intimately for the first time about her experiences that led her to testify before the Senate and the obstacles she faced in simply telling the truth. She also candidly discusses what happened to her life and work in the 22 years since. Freida Mock, 77 min., English, 2014, USA. Co-sponsored by UCSB Center for Black Studies Research
Cup of Culture
The Last Song Before the War
MCC THEATER
The Last Song Before the War captures the inspiring rise and uncertain future of Mali’s annual Festival in the Desert. Against the backdrop of stunning musical performances, the film subtly reveals the challenges and triumphs of creating an artistic event in dire economic and political circumstances. In 2012, the Festival in the Desert came to a halt when separatist rebels and Islamic militants seized control of Northern Mali. This award-winning documentary chronicles the 2011 Festival,—arguably the last edition that still captured its original goals—a global display of peace, reconciliation, and the healing power of music. Kiley Kraskouskas, 74 min., French with English subtitles, 2013, USA, Mali.
The Story of Salsa
MCC THEATER
An all-star panel discussion on the origin, cultural meaning, and current global boom of salsa music, hosted by UCSB professor of sociology William I. Robinson and featuring: in person, salsa legend Angel Lebron, the New York-based Puerto Rican salsa superstar; UCI social sciences professor and former Smithsonian Institute curator of Latin Jazz Raul Fernandez; and ethnomusicologist and curator of the Smithsonian traveling exhibit American Sabor: Latinos in US Popular Music, Marisol Berrios Miranda Co-sponsored by UCSB Sociology Department
