The DC History Center, with its Latino/a/x Advisory Group, brings you Movements + Moments, a conversation series centering Latinx experiences, influences, and roles in DC history. This series asks the questions: How do we weave Latinx histories into DC’s historical narratives? Whose stories are missing?
With the second installment in the series, members of DC’s Latino/a/x communities look back at the organizing days of their youth. Arturo Griffiths immigrated to DC from Panama in 1964. Upon his arrival, he recognized a need for community-building and especially youth services in DC. He helped found the Latin American Youth Center (opened in 1968) and organized the Latino Festival in the 1970s. Arturo will provide insight into these key moments in DC’s Latino/a/x communities. Pepe Gonzalez has called Mount Pleasant home since 1963, growing up during the turbulent 60s and 70s. In the early 1970s, as a teenager, he formed one of the first integrated, Latino and African American bands in the DC area. He will reflect on his experiences during these years and later, on-the-ground during the 1991 uprisings and as a witness to and participant in the organizing that followed.
At the end of the program, Arturo and Pepe will answer audience questions to further reflect on their lived experiences as Latinos growing up, living, and organizing in DC. Before the program, young people will perform their own work, inspired by youth activism of today. Light snacks will be provided during community time before the program begins. The interview portion of the program will be filmed.
Registration for this event is free for all attendees. Pre-registration for the event is encouraged, but not required. Capacity is limited. Consider donating today to support the work of the DC History Center and programs like this.
