Events By Quarter
MCC in IV
An Evening of Self Expression with Fong Tran
Biko Garage 6612 Sueno Rd, Isla Vista
The MCC hosts a quarterly open mic for anyone to artistically express themselves using all creative outlets including spoken word, poetry, music, and dance. All are welcome to attend and participate. The MCC is happy to welcome back Fong Tran, a spoken word poet, higher education professional, and youth development trainer, to act as this quarter’s MC. An enthusiastic orator whose master’s degree focuses on the experiences of youth of color in social media, Fong’s work has been featured by TEDx, Upworthy, Kollaboration, Angry Asian Man, California Council of Cultural Centers in Higher Education (CACCCHE) and Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA).
Children’s Event
Doun-Doun-Ba! Music & Dance from Guinea with Fara Tolno & Leida Tolentino
MCC Lounge
Would you like to meet Mrs. Dundounba? How about Mr. Sangban and the little Kenkeni? Together they form a family of West African drums, and they sound just like their names. West African dance is power. It is freedom in rhythmic expression, and it is also deeply healing. Come learn how to play these and other instruments, as well as dance to their beats, no matter what your age is! This high-energy community class will be led by Leida Tolentino, who grew up in the Cape Verde Islands and is a passionate student and performer of West African and African diaspora dance styles since 2002, and Fara Tolno who was born in Guinea, West Africa and spent his youth in the village of Kissidugu and Guinea’s capital city, Conakry. Playing djembe since the age of nine, he has traveled extensively performing and teaching both drumming and dance.
Cup of Culture
Our People Will Be Healed
MCC Theater
Alanis Obomsawin’s 50th film reveals how a Cree community in Manitoba has been enriched through the power of education. The Helen Betty Osborne Ininiw Education Resource Centre in Norway House receives a level of funding that few other Indigenous institutions enjoy. Its teachers help students to develop their abilities and sense of pride. This documentary conveys a message of hope: in an appropriate school environment, one that incorporates their people’s history, language, and culture, Indigenous youth can realize their dreams.
