MARTIN L. KING, JR.’S DAMNING LETTER FROM JAIL
In honor of the Martin Luther King holiday, Chris Ulloa Chaves, ED.D. of the University of New Mexico and member of the Ralph Waldo Emerson Society invites you to participate in a 1.5 hour Zoom-based discussion of a literary masterpiece titled Letter from Birmingham Jail. Written while in jail, King responds to Birmingham area white religious leaders’ criticism that he is an outside agitator for accepting an invitation by civil rights leaders in Alabama to apply non-violent pressure against segregation laws in the city. In the letter, King makes a reasoned and passionate case for civil disobedience against unjust laws; unjust laws are biased and harmful policies enacted by a majority, and that only apply to minorities. King uses ideas based in philosophy, theology, history, psychology, sociology, political science, and ethical theory to make a strong case against racial discrimination policies in society. The Letter from Birmingham Jail was a key source that would inspire the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Bring an open, respectful attitude and desire to learn from all participants’ knowledge and experience relating to this issue. Registration is required and can be accomplished by emailing your RSVP to the following email address: litdialogues@gmail.com
*PAST* NMHC BOARD MEETING
The Board of Directors will convene for a hybrid meeting on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. Whether you’re looking to stay informed or connect with the community and leadership, you are welcome to attend. For those interested in attending, we kindly ask you to express your interest by contacting our Executive Director, Brandon Johnson. You will receive all the necessary information, including the online meeting link and agenda in advance.
*PAST* THE HISTORY OF FLAMENCO
Presented by Nicolasa Chávez
This presentation traces the history of Flamenco in music and song. The presentation begins with flamenco’s origins in Medieval Spain through the present, concentrating on its arrival in the US and New Mexico. This dynamic duo will share the history and meaning behind the music and songs along with personal stories as flamenco performers in New Mexico. A special holiday version of this presentation is available from November 1 through January 6. During this period, the history of Flamenco comes to life via Flamenco holiday songs called Villancicos. Villancicos often represent the journey of José y María, (Joseph and Mary) and Los Reyes Magos (The Three Kings) or they represent the local villagers preparing for the wedding of José y María, or searching for the perfect gift for the Christ child. The Gitanos of Southern Spain have passed down the Flamenco versions of these songs for generations, often imbuing the characters with a local twist. This unique celebratory presentation combines history, storytelling, and music to bring Villancicos Flamencos to New Mexico and demonstrate their relationship to our local dramatic reenactments of Las Posadas, Los Pastores and Los Reyes Magos. This is the only program of its kind!