Join us for the 2022 Diversity in Culture Festival this April. Oxnard College and Ventura College are collaborating to host online and in-person events. 

April 11 - Virtual and on-campus events at Oxnard College.
April 12 - Multicultural Day at Moorpark College with on-campus and virtual events.
April 13 - Virtual events and speakers.
April 14 - Diversity Festival at Ventura College with on-campus and virtual events.

For information about the Diversity in Culture Festival, contact:
Ventura College: mtfiumerodo@vcccd.edu 
Oxnard College: amparo_medina1@vcccd.edu

Please request disability accommodations for any event 72 hours in advance.  Oxnard College, Candice Wittkins 805-678-5830 or Ventura College, Lisa Simmons 805-289-6577.

monday April 11

DEI week welcome with photo of Greg gillespie

 

Welcome to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Week

Monday, April 11 - 9:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. via Zoom 

Join VCCCD Chancellor Greg Gillespie, Board of Trustees Chair Dianne McKay, Ventura College President Kim Hoffmans, Oxnard College President Luis Sanchez, and Moorpark College President Julius Sokenu as they open DEI events for the week. Captioning and ASL interpreting will be available. 

Register in Advance. 

 

shirley geok-lin lim photo and graphic

Asian American Poet: Shirley Geok-lin Lim

Monday, April 11 - 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. via Zoom 

Internationally recognized and award-winning poet, Shirley Geok-lin Lim will share poems from her forthcoming collection, In Praise of Limes, in which she “praises, rebukes, teases, and caresses her adopted California,” (LA Review of Books). A a native-born Malayan with a Chinese grandfather and an immigrant to the United States, Lim seeks to weave together, rather than separate the strands of her cultural identity. Hosted by VC English Professor Eric Martinsen.  Captioning will be available. 

Join the Zoom meeting

 

Afro fusion dance with Yaminah Legohn grpahic

Afro-Fusion Dance Presentation & Instruction

With Performer Yaminah Legohn 

Monday, April 11 - noon - 1 p.m. via Zoom 

Don't miss this cultural dance workshop that highlights African, Hip Hop and Caribbean styles. Learn dance history and culture along with a fun choreographed routine. Captioning will be available. 

Learn more about Yaminah Legohn.

Register in Advance.

 

The Chumash Way with Julie Tumamait

Meet Chumash Leader and Activist Julie Tumamait-Stenslie

Monday, April 11 - 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. via Zoom

Experience The Chumash Way in an in-depth discussion of indigenous culture and the issues being faced by the Chumash. Presented by The Ventura College Anthropology Club. Captioning  and ASL interpreting will be available. 

Register in Advance.

 

Student Stories: Celebrating the Journey to Success

Student Stories: Celebrating the Journey to Success

Monday, April 11 - 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. via Zoom

Listen to inspiring student success stories from Ventura College Foundation scholarship recipients.  Learn about students from various backgrounds and about their pathways to achieving their goals. Captioning  and ASL interpreting will be available. 

Register in Advance

 

Join a Discussion on Gender and Inclusion

Join a Discussion on Gender and Inclusion

Monday, April 11 - 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. via Zoom 

The VC Sociology Club will present a panel on the state of gender and inclusion in our society today. Captioning and ASL interpreting will be available. 

Join the Meeting.

 

Oxnard College Live Events

Bomba Puertorriquena and #BateyBuilding: Everyone has a part to play

Monday, April 11  - 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Live at the OC Outdoor Amphitheater

Learn about one of the oldest living cultural genres of the Americas, Puerto Rican Bomba, in a dynamic LIVE workshop and performance presented by Taller Bula, based in Tongva Land (Long Beach, California.) 

 

live music instone

INSTONE - Live Performance

Monday, April 11 - 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Live at the OC Outdoor Amphitheater

Enjoy live, outdoor music with the big sounds from Instone, one of Ventura County's most exciting bands. Formed in 2007, by Daniel Velasco and Antonio Guevara, Instone plays music from a variety of genres in both English and Spanish. Check them out on Instagram @instonelive


"Mujeres del Movimeinto" panel discussion
Monday, April 11 - 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. Live at the OC Outdoor Amphitheater 

The birth of the Chicano/a Student Movement & Chicano/a Studies.  A panel discussion with local Chicano/a Movement activists Diana Borrego-Martinez & Maria Elena Saladaña.
 

tuesday april 12

Moorpark College Multicultural Day

Visit the website for event details

wednesday april 15

Graphic Novelist Henry Barajas

Graphic Novelist Henry Barajas

Wednesday, April 13 - 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. via Zoom

Join us in meeting Latinx author Henry Barajas who is best known for his graphic memoir about his great-grandfather, titled La Voz De M.A.Y.O. Tata Rambo. He is also known for his Latinx fantasy Helm Greycastle. Recently, Barajas wrote the Marvel & SOMOS Healthcare AVENGERS #1 issue to inspire the people of New York City to get vaccinated. Captioning will be available. 

Register in Advance.

 

civil rights activist Dolores Huerta

Meet Civil Rights Activist Dolores Huerta 

Wednesday, April 13 - 10 a.m - 11 a.m. via Zoom

Don't miss the opportunity to see a legend in action. Meet the celebrated Latina labor leader, activist and community organizer, Dolores Huerta who founded the  United Farm Workers union with Cesar Chavez. She served as vice-president and played a critical role in many of the union’s accomplishments for four decades. Huerta is also the president and founder of the Dolores Huerta Foundation (DHF). Captioning and ASL interpreting will be available.

Register in Advance. 

 

 Human Rights Activist celia daniels

Refining Diversity and Inclusion with Celia Daniels

Wednesday, April 13 - 11 a.m. - noon via Zoom 

Take your seat at the table for this discussion on the intersectionality of gender identity with Celia Daniels, activist, founder and CEO of Rebekon Consulting LLC. Captioning will be available. 

Register in Advance. 

 

 

motivational speaker Sade Champagne

The Power of Self-Compassion & How to Cultivate Joy

Wednesday, April 13 - 11 a.m. to noon via Zoom

Motivational speaker and performer Sade Champagne will discuss how to cultivate joy and will share the importance of self-compassion.  Learn gentle and tangible tips on how to build resilience, patience and momentum, no matter where you are in life. Captioning will be available. 

Learn more about Sade Champagne. 

Register in Advance.

 

Project R Panel: Respect, Rethink, Reconsider

Project R Panel: Respect, Rethink, Reconsider 

Wednesday, April 13 - Noon - 1 p.m. via Zoom 

Project R is a campaign discouraging the use of the “R” word so that people with disabilities may be empowered and recognized as individuals with qualities and abilities who offer value and significance to our community. Project R is an initiative encouraging people to rethink and reconsider their use of the "R" word in their everyday language. We promote respect and cultural competence among all cultures and age groups in Ventura County. Eric Rodriguez from the ARC will join panelists from Project R. Captioning will be available. 

Register in Advance. 

 

professional development dr. G.T. Reyes

The Hope U Give

Professional Development Event With Dr. G.T. Reyes

Wednesday, April 13 - 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. via Zoom 

This interactive session explores how a critical praxis (Freire, 1970) framework that involves problematizing, visibilizing, reframing, and reimagining could help with the ongoing journey to rethink the community college as a transformative and liberatory space.  Examine how the intersections of culture and structure need to be problematized as well as reimagined in order to teach and learn towards The Hope U Give Little Infants Frees Everyone.  

Register in Advance. 

 

The Ausome Autism All-stars and Magician Cody Clark

The Ausome Autism All-stars and Magician Cody Clark

Wednesday, April 13 - 2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. via Zoom

Join in a panelist discussion from the community and VC campus. After the discussion, magician/autistic self-advocate Cody Clark will share the honest ins and outs of being autistic both in his shows and in his "magi-talks" given to educators, students, and corporations. Captioning  will be available.

Register in Advance.

 

A Virtual Showing of documentary “Somos” and Q & A

A Virtual Showing of “Somos” Followed by a Q & A

Wednesday, April 13 - 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. via Zoom

View a screening of the film "Somos" followed by a Q & A with Director Alan Manzo and Producer Genie Deez.

Alan Manzo, director of "Somos", was born in Mexico City and grew up in Los Angeles. He uses the artistic medium of filming as a tool for social change and hopes to encourage the younger generations to find and discover their light. Manzo received his MFA in Film and Television production from the School of Cinematic Arts at USC  and has worked for ABC, Netflix, Sony, Disney and most recently 20th Century Fox Television.

Genie Deez, producer of "Somos", is a scholar, writer, and producer located in Los Angeles. He has been recognized by the Television Academy Foundation for his contributions to educational media, and is a recipient of the Fred Rogers Memorial Grant.  Deez is currently completing his PhD at Claremont Graduate University and developing his first television program with PBS Kids centered on functional literacy.

Captioning will be available. 

Register in Advance.

 

Oxnard College Live Events


OC LIVE: WEspeak

Wednesday, April 13 - 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Oxnard College
WEspeak celebrates the unique voices of our student community.  Join us as Oxnard College students share stories about their lives on campus and beyond, giving insight into what it's like to meet life's challenges right here, right now.  Come for the stories, leave inspired and enlightened! ASL interpreting will be available.

thursday april 14

ceramics sale and live demonstration

Ceramics Sale & Live Demonstrations

Thursday, April 14 - 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Ventura College Gallery 2

Find unique and functional wares like cups, bowls, vases, plates and more for your everyday use or as gifts. All handmade ceramics are created by students from the Ventura College Ceramics Program. Don’t miss this opportunity to support our ceramics students and purchase amazing handmade pieces of functional and decorative art. 

 

Defining Your Identity  Understanding the Ancient Sun Stone of the Aztec Calendar

 

“Defining Your Identity”

Understanding the Ancient Sun Stone of the Aztec Calendar

Thursday, April 14 - 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. - Ventura College ASC 150 & Zoom 

Not many people realize the vital information that can be found in the sun stone calendar.  When used properly, the sun stone can help students realize their full potential in life as well as help them access career possibilities.  Jaime Vega will present and help participants learn about the day they were born, also known as “TonaLi." Captioning and ASL interpreting will be available. 

Register in Advance to attend via Zoom. 

 

 

VC Main Stage Events Live, On-Campus

 

vc mainstage live dance

Ballet Folklorico Bell Arts 

Thursday, April 14 - 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. - VC Main Stage

The vibrant spirit of traditional folklorico dance will open our live stage events. Ballet Folklorico Bell Arts is directed by Rebecca Duran. This live event will also be live streamed on YouTube and will have an ASL interpreter for stage.

 

Indigenous Hip Hop Artist Zero el vuh

Thursday, April 14 - 10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. - VC Main Stage

Zero is one the founding members of the Los Angeles indigenous hip-hop group "el vuh." Zero will perform his release, "Tonal y Nahual" and spread his message of unity, identity, and community.  This event will be live streamed on YouTube and will have an ASL interpreter for stage.

 

 

Traditional Aztec Dance - Danza Azteca Xochipilli

Thursday, April 14 -11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. - VC Main Stage

Don't miss this traditional Aztec dance performance presenting the culture, color, spirit and rhythms of native Meso-American cultures. Danza Azteca Xochipilil will explain the significance of their performance in a cultural context and will invite audience members to participate in a friendship dance. This event will be live streamed on YouTube and will have an ASL interpreter for stage.

 

 

live music mainstage VC jazz ensemble

VC Jazz Ensemble

Thursday, April 14 - Noon to 12:45 p.m. - VC Main Stage

Join Professor Fundi Legohn as he leads the Ventura College Jazz Ensemble for a lunchtime concert. This in-person, outdoor concert will be live streamed on YouTube and will have an ASL interpreter for stage. 

 

 

vc mainstage art contest winner

Announcement of Art Contest winner

Thursday, April 14 - 12:45 p.m. - 1 p.m. - VC Main Stage

The VC Art Department will announce the art contest winner for the 2023 Diversity in Culture Festival. The art work will be featured on the poster for next year’s event.  This will be live streamed on YouTube and will have an ASL interpreter for stage. 

 

Live Demonstration - Ulama Aztec Ball Game

Ulama Aztec Ball Game - Live Demo

Thursday, April 14 - 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.  - VC Main Stage

The California Ajupeme USA Mesoamerican Ballgame Delegation will present an educational and cultural presentation on Ulama, or Ullamaliztli, the traditional Aztec ball game. This will be live streamed on YouTube and will have an ASL  interpreter for stage. 

 

Live Music Local Band, Borderlands

Borderlands - Live Musical Performance

Thursday, April 14 - 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. - VC Main Stage

Borderlands as a band represents our multicultural, multilingual nation. We sing songs in English and Spanish from Latin America, North America, and from around the world. Our songs deal with real issues and strive to elevate the human spirit. This event will be live streamed on YouTube and will have an ASL interpreter for stage.

 

Ventura College Virtual Events 

 

 

bestselling author Jason Reynolds

Meet Best-Selling Author Jason Reynolds

Thursday, April 14 - 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. via Zoom & Showing in ASC 150

Jason Reynolds is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than a dozen books for young people, including: Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten BlocksAll American BoysLong Way Down and more. He also co-authored Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You (a Ventura College One Book One Campus selection for 2020-21).  Captioning and ASL interpreting provided. 

Register in Advance. 

 

Oxnard College Virtual Event

 

dr. kim k-pop culture

Becoming-Black: Korean Hip-hop at the Age of Hallyu

Thursday, April 14 - 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. via Zoom

Examine the emergence of hip-hop in contemporary South Korea with UC Irvine's Professor Kyung Hyun Kim, founding director of UCI's Center for Critical Korean Studies. Explore how hip-hop performers in South Korea draw on their experiences of social marginality in oppressed communities to create their work. Captioning will be available.

Join the Zoom Meeting.