Multicultural Conference

The Multicultural Conference at San Antonio College is an official FIESTA event that takes place on the San Antonio College campus. Presented by the English department, the conference offers guest speakers, artists, literary readings and more.

The 2022 conference, titled "Memory is Prophecy," will take place April 4 - 6. 

Monday, April 4
7 to 9 p.m.
McCreless Hall Theatre
Opening Ceremony: Hope and Camaradas
A Play by Professor Mono Riojas Aguilar directed by Marisela Barrera

La Reca, a gay Chicano from SA's West Side, has fought for survival into middle age. Cheeto, a teenager from the same area, realizes she may be a boy. As she struggles with her identity, her mother offers more harm than help. Can La Reca navigate her new life-his new life? The play presents the cruelty of barrio life in 2022. However, there is always hope, and we can always call on camaradas. Disclaimer. These LGBTQ characters face the realities of life in honest and real language. Audience discretion is advised.

Tuesday, April 5
10:50 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.  
ZOOM ID: 924 3979 7411

"Looking for Lerma's: Music and Memory in the Conjunto Dancehalls of San Quilmas"
Dr. Alejandro Wolbert Perez, Berkley City College

For over sixty years, San Antonio audiences flocked to Lerma's Nite Club to dance to Texas-Mexican conjunto music. In 2010, code compliance shut down and threatened to demolish Lerma's. Community activists and preservationists mobilized, making Lerma's the model of a successful historic preservation campaign."

12:15 to 1:30 p.m.   
ZOOM ID: 924 3979 7411
Children Full of Life
A documentary directed by Noburu Kaetsu

In this Banff Television Festival Award-winning documentary, a Japanese master teaches his 4th grade students life lessons about friendship, bullying, and compassion.

7 to 8 p.m.
ZOOM ID: 924 3979 7411
"Dreams as Prophecy in Judaism”
Rabbi Lisa Goldstein

Rabbi Lisa Goldstein earned her bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University and her master’s in Jewish Education from the University of Judaism (now American Jewish University). She worked as a Jewish educator for more than 30 years, simultaneously serving as cantorial soloist for 10 years. She received her Rabbinic Ordination from the Jewish Spiritual Leaders Institute in June 2021. Rabbi Goldstein serves as Rabbi of Congregation Shalom of San Antonio.

Wednesday, April 6
10:50 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. 
ZOOM ID: 924 3979 7411
"Reading Jovita Gonzalez: Caballero, Short Stories & Folklore"
Dr. Kim Wells, Dr. Patricia Garcia, and Dr. Laurie Lowrance

A panel discussion on the writings of Jovita Gonzalez, a Mexican­American writer in the early 20th century, including Caballero, the historical novel she co-authored with Eve Raleigh.

Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Lawn between McCreless and Gonzales Halls
Memorial for Claudio San Miguel, Professor of English

A reception and celebration of life for Cladio San Miguel, SAC Professor of English from 1997-2021. Former students, local artists, and faculty will commemorate his legacy.

1:40 p.m.    
ZOOM ID: 924 3979 7411
"Frontextos"
A poetry reading by Octavio Quintanilla

The Poet Laureate of San Antonio, Quintanilla holds a doctorate from the University of  North Texas and is the regional editor for Texas Books in Review and poetry editor for “Voices de la Luna: A Quarterly Literature & Arts Magazine.” He also teaches at Our Lady of the Lake University"

A listing of events for the conference can be seen here.

MULTICULTURAL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Co-Chairs: Professor Mariano Aguilar Jr. and Dr. Patricia Portales
Members: Dr. Lennie Irvin, Dr. Kim Hochmeister, Dr. Dawn Elmore, Professor Juanita Luna Lawhn, Dr. Judy Lampert, Dr. Kim Wells, and Professor Jerry Robledo

CONTACT
Professor Mariano Aguilar Jr.  
maguilar6@)alamo.edu

Dr. Patricia Portales 
pportales@)alamo.edu

The 2022 Multicultural Conference is dedicated to the memory of Professor Claudio "Storm" San Miguel 1963-2021.