Thanks to Rachel Lorenz at Metro State University in Denver, Colorado for this wonderful write-up in [M]Met Media of my recent virtual, two-day visit there as recipient of this year's Richard T. Castro Professorship.
Go to this link if you'd like to view any of the sessions referenced below.
Sinceramente,
Angela Valenzuela, Ph.D,
University of Texas at Austin
Castro Visiting Professor promotes ethnic studies, education reform
by Rachel Lorenz | October 16 | [M]Met Media
Angela Valenzuela, professor at the University of Texas at Austin, joined MSU Denver’s Department of Chicana/o Studies for two days of virtual events that explored how education can be reimagined through ethnic studies and centering the experiences of Latino youth.
“We are trying to build these identities in a society that is really antagonistic to these identities right now: as Mexicans, as immigrants, for us as academics,” said Christopher Lee Milk, lecturer on curriculum and instruction at Texas State University, during a professional development session on Oct. 7 that kicked off this year’s Richard T. Castro Distinguished Visiting Professorship. “How do we build positive narratives? How do we build loving and caring identities within this larger societal context that is attacking our children?”
Since 1997, Latino scholars, artists and leaders of distinction have been selected to serve as the Castro Distinguished Visiting Professor. They conduct classes, seminars and performances for MSU Denver and the Denver community. The professorship honors former MSU Denver student, instructor and activist Richard T. Castro.
Valenzuela serves as the 25th Castro Professor. The author and educator was selected by the professorship committee because of her acclaimed work in education reform and ethnic studies as well as her role in founding Academia Cuauhtli, a Saturday school in Austin, Texas, that centers Mexican American and Indigenous knowledge.
This year, the Castro Professorship consisted of three events — livestreamed and open to the public — that focused on the theme of radically reimagining the work of education. That’s fewer events than in past years, said Associate Professor of Chicana and Chicano Studies Chalane Lechuga, but going virtual made it possible for a larger number of speakers from around the country to participate.
In fact, the first event did more than introduce Valenzuela. It also allowed Nuestro Grupo, an intergenerational group that helps Valenzuela run Academia Cuauhtli, to join in and facilitate the discussion.
Lechuga said their participation shows how Latino communities operate.
“Very relationally. Very community oriented,” she said. “That’s a reflection of Indigenous ways of knowing and doing and thinking and practicing.”
Angela Valenzuela featured in artwork by graphic designer and MSU Denver alumna Laura De La Cruz | dlcrz.create@gmail.com
Valenzuela was chosen before the pandemic struck and before this summer’s reemergence of the Black
“It was very serendipitous the way the most recent social-political current events aligned with the scholarship of Dr. Valenzuela,” she said. “But I also have to give the committee credit for making these connections and really shaping the theme of the Castro Professorship.”
Valenzuela acknowledged that it’s “a very hard moment” in which this year’s events take place and argued that ethnic studies is the route to a better world. An inclusive world.
For students and faculty that want to reimagine the work of education, Valenzuela said relationships are key. Tap into the ones you already have and be sure to cultivate new ones. Find your champions in school districts, community centers and cultural spaces as you strive to bring change, she advised. Seek the support and wisdom of elders, young people, all generations.
“What we call ethnic studies today,” Valenzuela said, “I trust will someday just be called a good education.”
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