The Public Square at the Illinois Humanities Council hosts a performance by renowned storyteller and anthropologist Ramon Lopez in Humboldt Park.
CHICAGO – Join the Public Square at IHC and the Juan Antonio Corretjer Puerto Rican Cultural Center for an evening with noted storyteller, anthropologist, and textile artist Ramon Lopez. He will discuss the value of oral history and storytelling as a vital part of cultural identity in Puerto Rico and on Division Street in Chicago. His presentation will be followed by a lively conversation with the audience.
Join us on Wednesday, August 29 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Humboldt Park Branch of the Chicago Public Library (1605 N. Troy St.). This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required. Refreshments will be served. For more information, please call 312.422.5580.
Ramon Lopez, renowned for his expertise in Afro-Caribbean and Puerto Rican culture, comparative spirituality, popular culture, and storytelling. He uses storytelling not only to entertain, but also to teach and keep unique memories, cultural practices, and spiritual beliefs alive. Lopez is also a noted textile artist and has held positions as an instructor in Anthropology at the University of Puerto Rico, Principal of Aspira High School in Chicago, Director of the Research Center at the Institute for Puerto Rican Culture in San Juan, and a journalist with Dialogo newspaper. He is the author of several books including Puerto Rican Popular Culture in the US, Puerto Rico USA: History of an Imaginary Country and Other Essays, A History of Puerto Rican Artisanry, and The Colonial Power in Puerto Rican Public Schools.
ABOUT THE PUBLIC SQUARE AT THE IHC
The Public Square at the Illinois Humanities Council fosters debate, dialogue, and exchange of ideas about cultural, social and political issues with an emphasis on social justice. Programs promote participatory democracy by creating space for public conversations.
This program is part of our "Know More: Conversations That Matter" series. Art, issues, and dialogue—these are the key components to this exciting set of programs sponsored by The Public Square at the IHC. This series is a way to bridge the gap between the arts and social issues that are of current concern to Chicago’s Englewood and Humboldt Park communities. Performances and presentations by top artists and activists are a prelude to community-based discussions. This series is made possible by a grant from The Joyce Foundation. More information about "Know More: Conversations That Matter" and The Public Square at the IHC is available at www.thepublicsquare.org.
The Illinois Humanities Council is an educational organization dedicated to fostering a culture in which the humanities are a vital part of the lives of individuals and communities. Through its programs and grants, the IHC promotes greater understanding of, appreciation for, and involvement in the humanities by all Illinoisans, regardless of their economic resources, cultural background, or geographic location. Organized as a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities in 1973, the IHC is now a private nonprofit (501 [c] 3) organization that is funded by contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations; by the Illinois General Assembly; and by the NEH.
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