EUGENE, OR – The Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies (CLLAS) at the University of Oregon showcased its popular Latino Roots exhibit at the Spencer Butte Middle School Latino Festival in Eugene on Friday, Nov. 9, 2012. Spencer Butte students will be exploring the exhibit as part of their celebration of Latinos in our community.
The exhibit, which was originally displayed at the Lane County Historical Museum in 2009-2010, was recently duplicated using funds from SELCO Community Credit Union. The portable exhibit features 15 panels containing information on Latino history and demographics in Oregon, photographs, and stories about seven immigrant families. The program offers schools videos and bilingual curriculum materials as well.
“The success of this program is reflected in the fact that audiences from La Grande to Springfield continue to connect with the exhibit and the rich material it offers,” said CLLAS director and UO anthropology professor Lynn Stephen. “We’re proud of the fact that Latino Roots has provided a means of sharing these vital stories from immigrant families who contribute to the fabric of our communities.”
Stephen attended the festival along with CLLAS assistant director Eli Meyer.
SELCO’s support has allowed the exhibit to be displayed at the UO Knight Library, the Eugene Public Library, Springfield High School, Willamette High School, the Eastern Oregon Multicultural Center, and the UO Oportunidades Family day. A second version of the Latino Roots exhibit is now on display at Eastern Oregon University through December.
Latino Roots in Oregon: Exhibit, Products, Courses
The Latino Roots Project includes an exhibit composed of 15 portable wooden panels containing photographs and stories about seven immigrant families; a booklet that captures these same stories and photographs; classes at the University of Oregon; 18 video documentaries; and a website and digital archive. All materials are bilingual in Spanish and English. The Latino Roots Project is administered through the Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies (CLLAS). For further information on the project please write to cllas@uoregon.edu.