The Journal

Fort Lewis College will present “Real History of the Americas” on Monday, Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom.

The Indigenous People’s Day event is free, but sale of T-shirts will benefit the Real History of the Americas program, according to a news release from Shirena Long, FLC El Centro de Muchos Colores.

The Real History of the Americas looks at the history of North and South America from the viewpoints of Hispanic, African-American, Asian, Native and LGBT peoples, among others. The 2017 theme is “Honoring the Heartbeat of our Mother,” and will feature indigenous drumming, traditional foods, lectures, art, theater and storytelling. The Real History of the Americas celebration seeks to increase awareness and appreciation of the cultures and histories of sometimes marginalized peoples.

Among this year’s performers and speakers are Radmilla Cody, a Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter. Of Navajo and African-American descent, as well as a survivor of domestic violence, Cody uses her performances to push the positivity in personal identity, in addition to advocating for an end to violence.

Deanna Diaz, or Deanna M.A.D., is a stand-up comedian and actress, as well as a Fort Lewis College alumna. In addition to performing, she will lead workshops on the importance of women in the Seneca society.

Delivering the keynote address for Real History of the Americas is Dr. Carolina Villarroel, director of research for “Recovering the US Hispanic Literary Heritage Project.” The project is a leader in the research of Latino literature and history. Villarroel’s address is titled “(W)Righting history: US Latinas/os in the United States.”

The Real History program will also include a performance by Red Sky, a group of Ute Mountain Ute drummers and dancers, as well as Ballet Folkorico de Durango. Chef Raymond Naranjo will be on hand to prepare an indigenous cuisine sampler to share.

Activities, workshops, and performances will be happening throughout the day.

For more information, visit www.fortlewis.edu/realhistories.