The Third Annual “Diversity Week” at the College of Charleston will commence on October 22, 2012.

This year’s opening ceremony will feature a screening of the film, Harvest of Empire: The Untold Story of Latinos in America,” followed by a post-screening discussion to be facilitated by the film director Eduardo Lopez. This documentary was adapted from journalist Juan Gonzalez’s book “Harvest of Empire: A History of Latinos in America.” The film, directed by Eduardo Lopez and Peter Getzels, tells the story of an epic human saga that is largely unknown to many United States citizens.

“This documentary exposes the direct connection between the long history of U.S. intervention in Latin America and the immigration crisis we face today. From the territorial expansionist policies that decimated the young economies of Mexico, Puerto Rico and Cuba, to the covert operations that imposed oppressive military regimes in the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador, Harvest of Empire provides an unflinching look at the origins of the growing Latino presence in the United States,” says Lopez.

“The film opens yet another window into the complexity of U.S. immigration policies and how such policies are intertwined with the immigration history of this country, according to Dr. John O. Bello-Ogunu, Sr., Associate Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer. “This is a must see documentary, especially for those who are interested in learning more about the rich history of Latinos and Latinas in America. It is also an excellent learning opportunity for all students, particularly those majoring in history, political science, Hispanic studies, and international studies.”

This event will be held in Beatty Center’s Wells Fargo Auditorium (5 Liberty Street) at 5:30 p.m. The kick-off reception for the week-long celebration will immediately follow the conclusion of the event.

The purpose of “Diversity Week” [also known as The WEEK] at the College of Charleston is four-fold:

  • to provide the College community with an opportunity to explore the different dimensions of human diversity, while celebrating its richness and beauty
  • to recognize the centrality of diversity to achieving inclusive institutional excellence;
  • to promote the immeasurable benefits of domestic and global diversity
  • to foster “a culture of collective responsibility” for diversity on campus

This year’s theme is: Embrace Difference, Share Strengths, Create Community”.

 The WEEK will feature educational, cultural, social, and outreach diversity events sponsored by various departments throughout the College, including a Hip Hop Thursday Block Party and the unveiling of a “Diversity Mural,” followed by related discussions.

The WEEK will conclude with an event entitled, “A Red, White and Blue Affair” featuring Jeff Johnson (originally known as BET’s “Cousin Jeff”).

Johnson is an award-winning investigative journalist, social activist, political commentator, and author, who has established himself as an authentic voice for change and a trailblazing social entrepreneur.

All events are open to the public.

The Third Annual Diversity Week Program is made possible in part, by a generous grant from the C.A. Dufford, Jr. Estate for the promotion of Diversity at the College of Charleston.