Diversity in Culture Festival 2023 Events

Sacred Sites of the Comanche and Chumash Cultures with Pete Zavalla

Wednesday, April 12 - 8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. – Ventura College Main Campus - MCE 226 & Zoom – Pete Zavalla

Pete “Crow Heart” Zavalla is a Comanche Native, and through his 50-plus year affiliation with the Santa Ynez Reservation in Santa Barbara County, remains the Indigenous Liaison for Los Padres National Forest. With the late S’amala Chumash Elder Antonio Romero, Pete was one of the original members of the Chumash Dolphin Dancers. In this presentation, Pete will draw upon his experiences, and cultures to share about the importance of preserving local and regional sacred sites of which there are many that remain threatened. Crow Heart will also share his work and that of his children with the Santa Ynez Reservation and other organizations, regarding cultural preservation. Hosted by Professor Michael Ward. 

Join Pete Zavalla via Zoom

Meeting ID: 869 9105 3420

Passcode: 777119

 

Project "R": Rethink Reconsider Respect – Presentations by the ARC of Ventura County and VC students

Wednesday, April 12 - 10 a.m. - 11:15 via Zoom and in person at VC Main Campus - LRC 136

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. The focus of this presentation will be on inclusion, access and dignity and to encourage people to rethink and reconsider their use of the "R" word in their everyday dialect.

Hosted by Professor Steve Turner. 

Attend via Zoom

 

“Defining Your Identity”

Understanding the Ancient Sun Stone of the Aztec Calendar

Wednesday, April 12 - 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. - VC Main Campus - MCE 226 & Zoom 

Maestro Jaime Vega will discuss the Aztec sun stone calendar. Not many people realize the vital information that can be received from the sun stone calendar.   When used properly, the sun stone can be used to help students realize their full potential in life and access their career possibilities.  Participants will learn about the day they were born, also known as “TonaLi” and receive a handout. Hosted by the Department Chair of Ethnic Studies, Professor Rubisela Gamboa. 

Attend via Zoom with Jaime Vega

Meeting ID: 814 9990 6119

Passcode: 579968

 

Refining Diversity and Inclusion with Celia Daniels

Wednesday, April 12 - 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. via Zoom 

Take your seat at the table for this discussion on the intersectionality of gender and identity with Celia Daniels, activist, founder and CEO of Rebekon Consulting LLC. Captioning will be available. Hosted by Anthropology professor, Maria Teresa (Gigi) Fiumerodo.

Join Celina Daniels via Zoom

Meeting ID: 848 6080 8214

Passcode: 303195

The Path of the Witch - Intro to Witchcraft with Griffin Ced

Wednesday, April 12 from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.  

Griffin Ced looks into the history of traditional Witchcraft. 

Attend via zoom with Griffen Ced for The Path of the Witch

Meeting ID: 870 7886 7107

Passcode: 428953

 

 

"The Power in You" with Sade Champagne

Wednesday, April 12 - 1 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. via Zoom

Join Sade Champagne in a motivational presentation as she provides guidance to redefine and rediscover the winner in you. She will discuss how to cultivate and build resilience, hopefulness, and the power of a fresh start. Learn more about Sade Champagne. 

Join Sade Champagne via Zoom

Meeting ID: 864 4893 8317

Passcode: 718593

 

Mindfulness, Creativity, and Identity with Tina Doley Carlson

Wednesday, April 12 - 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. via Zoom

Discover how mindfulness and creativity can loosen labels and ideas we may have of others and ourselves. Tina Doley Carlson is a mindfulness teacher at UCLA’s Mindful Awareness Research Center, consultant for Random House’s upcoming The Cat on the Mat, and creator of family programs at the Hammer Museum. Tina’s workshop will address how both mindfulness and creativity can give us insights, a sense of appreciation, and a chance to explore how we navigate the world, with greater awareness of our senses, emotions, and thought patterns. We will observe our typical responses, recognize, and work with our inner critic, let go of expectations, see things in a new way, tap into creativity and flow, and connect with community. This session is hosted by the Ventura College Anthropology Club.

Join Meditation with Tina Carlson via Zoom

Meeting ID: 823 3928 3139

Passcode: 949627

 

Poetry Slam with Carlos Andres Gomez

Wednesday, April 12 - 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Oxnard College Conference Center
Students will perform their original poetry and complete for prizes sponsored by the Associated Students of Ventura and Oxnard Colleges. Special guest Carlos Andres Gomez will perform and emcee. 

 

Look for this symbol for events that focus on health and wellness. These will be held in Guthrie Hall.

 

View the Live Stream of Events on the VC YouTube Channel. 

 

Traditional Aztec Dance - Danza Azteca Xochipilli

Thursday, April 13 - 8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m. - VC Main Stage

Traditional Aztec dance performance presenting the culture, color, spirit and rhythms of native MesoAmerican cultures. Danza Azteca Xochipilli will introduce our special guest, Dolores Huerta.

 

Meet Civil Rights Activist Dolores Huerta 

Thursday, April 13 - 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. VC Main Campus - Main Stage

Ventura College celebrates labor leader, activist and community organizer, Dolores Huerta who founded the  United Farm Workers union with Cesar Chavez. Ventura College will present Ms. Huerta with The Ventura County Community College District resolution honoring her. Huerta is also the president and founder of the Dolores Huerta Foundation. A short talk and Q & A will follow. Danza Azteca Xochipilli will close out the Dolores Huerta event with a special performance.

  

Porfirio Gutiérrez, Zapotec Textile Artist

Thursday, April 13, 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. - VC Main Campus -  ASC 150

Porfirio Gutierrez is a California-based Zapotec textile artist and natural dyer, born and raised in the richly historic Zapotec textile community of Teotitlán del Valle in Oaxaca, Mexico. His life’s work has been revitalizing and preserving traditional Zapotec natural dye techniques with a focus on reinterpreting traditional textiles and materials to reflect his distinct creative vision. He will share his knowledge and provide a demonstration.

 

Geo Cultural lecture with Professor Philip Clinton

Thursday, April 13, 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. - VC Main Campus - MCE 226

Professor Clinton will share his first hand experience in Turkey or Türkiye: The Crossroads of Europe and Asia!

Ceramics Sale & Demonstrations

Thursday, April 13 - 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. - VC Main Campus - LRC East Entrance

All handmade ceramics are created by students from the Ventura College Ceramics Program. You can find unique functional wares like cups, bowls, vases, plates and more for your everyday use or as gift for your loved ones. Don’t miss this opportunity to support VC ceramics students and get some amazing handmade pieces of functional and decorative art.

  

"The Gift of Self Love and Affirmations" with Sade Champagne

Thursday, April 13 - 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. VC Main Campus - Guthrie Hall

Performer and Motivational Speaker Sade Champagne will lead a workshop in how to build personal resilience and cultivate hopefulness. She will tap into the power of a fresh start.  

 

Ancient Homelands with Native Musician Martin Espino

Thursday, April 13 - 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. - VC Main Stage

Learn the history and culture of the Indigenous music of North, Central and South America. Learn to sing ancient songs in native languages of the Americas with a large selection of native instruments.

  

Tai Chi for Body/Mind Health

Thursday, April 13 - 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. - VC Main Campus - Guthrie Hall

Learn Tai Chi and mindfulness from Maki Fujisaki Guelcher, Certified Elements of Tai Chi Instructor, as well as a founder and owner of Studio Mazen Tai Chi in Ventura. Maki has been teaching Tai Chi and mindfulness for a decade at places like the Ventura Buddhist Center and Ventura Community Memorial Hospital. Tai Chi is often called "moving meditation," but those who practice it consistently often refer to it as "moving medication." A traditional Chinese martial art that has been practiced over centuries for self-development, Tai Chi is a great mindfulness exercise. Tai Chi comprises a sequence of slow movements that gracefully flow from one to another. These movements are low impact on your body, but continued practicing helps tone muscles and improve balance. Likewise, slow movements increase consciousness of your own breathing and body movements, which lead to relaxation and stress relief. Other great benefits include increased flexibility and improvement in posture, circulation, sleep quality, digestive system, hormonal balance, and blood pressure.

  

Irish Culture and Music with Dennis Doyle

Thursday, April 13, 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 a.m. - VC Main Campus - ASC 130

Dennis plays the Celtic harp beautifully while he sings and tells stories about Irish culture. More than just a harp concert, this presentation is an entertaining glimpse into Ireland’s history and people. Dennis is a tenured Glendale Community College professor of Humanities who teaches a course in Irish History and Literature. Hosted by Political Science professor, Dr. Robert Porter.

  

“Feel the Beat” Japanese Taiko Drum Ensemble "Drumspeak"

Thursday, April 13 - 12 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. - VC Main Stage

Taiko instructor Isaku Kageyama, along with Yuta Kato and Fred Visaya will showcase contemporary and traditional Japanese drumming repertoire. Performances are interspersed with explanations of the roots and context of taiko and commentary on the challenges and joys of learning Japanese drums.

Fieldnotes on Nature/Nurture: Mindfulness, Self-Care, and Resilience with Dr. Ali 

Thursday, April 13 - 12:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. VC Main Campus - Guthrie Hall

Spending time in Nature is an especially rich, embodied, and self-nurturing experience. “Fieldnotes” offers a Photo/Video essay on practices and methodologies that support [re]integration of mind/body/heart/spirit, self-care, and self-compassion. It is good to remember that self-care is not breezy feel-good cheerleading. Self-care is a radical political act.

The Chumash Way with Julie Tumamait-Stenslie

Thursday, April 13 - 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. - VC Main Stage

Experience The Chumash Way in a presentation of indigenous culture by Chumash leader and activist, Julie Tumamait-Stenslie. 

 

VC Singers

Thursday, April 13 - 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.  VC Main Campus - LRC Lobby

Come hear Music Professor Brent Wilson as he leads the Ventura College Singers in two arrangements.

Ulama Aztec Ball Players

Thursday,  April 13 - 1:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.  VC Main Campus - Near Main Stage

The California Ajupeme USA Mesoamerican Ballgame Delegation will present an educational and cultural presentation on Ulama, or Ullamaiztil, the traditional Aztec hip ball game. 

Native Music and Healing with Martin Espino

Thursday, April 13 - 1:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. VC Main Campus - Guthrie Hall

Take a journey with the relaxing vibrations using native healing instruments. Sit, listen, and participate in creating sound that will lead a guided meditation.

 

Yaminah Legohn Afro-Fusion Dance Demo and Lesson 

Thursday, April 13, 2 p.m. - 2:30 pm VC Main Campus, Main Stage

Don't miss the cultural dance workshop that highlights African, Hip Hop and Caribbean styles.

Announcement of Art Contest winner

Thursday, April 13 - 1:45 p.m. Main Stage

The VC Art Department will announce the art contest winner for the 2024 Diversity in Culture festival. The artwork will be featured on the poster for next year’s event.

Ventura College Jazz Ensemble

Thursday, April 13 - 2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. VC Main Campus - Main Stage

Come listen to our own Jazz Ensemble led by Professor Fundi Legohn.

Drum Circle

Thursday, April 13 - 3:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. VC Main Campus - Main Stage Lawn

Close out the festival with this audience participation drum circle.