Setting the Record Straight: Race, Class and Power in California (Community Voices)
- July 29, 2010
True or false: California was founded by European-Americans during the Gold Rush Era? Ask your average Oakland resident informed only from classroom history texts and likely the answer you’ll hear is: true.
But the correct answer is actually much more complex. And on July 31, 2010 麻豆传媒社区入口 Professor of Ethnic Studies Carlos Salomon will set the record straight when he addresses his new biography detailing the life of historic figure Pio Pico – the first biography of its kind. Pico was the last governor of Mexican California before the U.S colonization in the war between Mexico and the United States from 1846-1848.
The event will be held at Peralta Hacienda Historical Park's new Center for History and Community, a gathering place in the heart of the Fruitvale neighborhood. “Pico is much more than a historic figure,” says Holly Alonso, executive director of Peralta Hacienda Historic Park, “ He is actually a rallying point for today's Oakland, and tells a different story than that which begins at the Gold Rush with European- Americans arriving and building the state of California. In truth, people of color were present and important in California's past – though this is rarely shared in history books.”
Because of its rich cultural history and diversity, Oakland represents the ideal geographic location to open such dialogue, and Alonso, noting ongoing racial tensions, says the conversation is not only ideal, but necessary. “If people do not see themselves reflected in society, in museums, in the media, in public discourse, and, as a consequence, in all the tiny narratives we all tell each other daily, it is as if they are physically annihilated. People act out,” she says.
“Historical inclusion is not only fair and just, but it is also an important and effective tool to open communication and prevent violence.”
www.peraltahacienda.org
Peralta Hacienda Historical Park and its administrative offices are located at 2465 34th Avenue, at the corner of Coolidge Avenue and Hyde Street The Fruitvale Transit Village is just 1/4 of a mile to the West.
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