1. science
2. social science
3. history

Speakers in the Schools Catalog
2013-2015
part of
www.azhumanities.org
WELCOME TO SPEAKERS IN THE SCHOOLS!
Speakers in the Schools is part of AZ SPEAKS, the longest running and most popular program of Arizona
Humanities (AH). The program offers a wealth of experts and scholars who give entertaining and
informative presentations on a wide range of humanities topics.
AZ SPEAKS PROGRAMS DESIGNED FOR K-12 STUDENTS
Within AZ SPEAKS, there are three types of speakers or presentations: Road Scholars, History Alive, and
Speakers in the Schools. Speakers in the Schools provides interactive programs on a wide variety of
humanities subjects relevant to Arizona K-12 curricula. Right in the classroom, speakers bring alive such
times and places as the Harlem Renaissance, the Ottoman Empire, and Dia de los Muertos.
 FREE of charge
 Complement Arizona K-12 curricula
 Connect students to highly knowledgeable and engaging humanities scholars
 Presentations tailored to individual classroom needs and interests
 Presentations are 30 to 40 minutes in length
HOST A SPEAKERS IN THE SCHOOLS PRESENTATION
ELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONS Eligible organizations include: Nonprofit organizations (such as a library, historical society, museum,
social-service organization or community center), educational institutions, K-12 schools, tribal
entities, government entities or other organizations at AH’s discretion. Closed membership
organizations are not eligible.
BOOK A SPEAKERS IN THE SCHOOLS PRESENTATION  Review the Speakers in the Schools Catalog and select the speaker(s) and presentation(s) you are
interested in hosting.
 Contact Whitney Klotz at 602-257-0335 x23 or e-mail wklotz@azhumanities.org. If your
organization is eligible and funding is available to support your request, you will be given contact
information for the speaker of your choosing.
 Contact the speaker to schedule his or her participation.
 Go to the Arizona Humanities website (www.azhumanities.org ) and complete the online
application form. You should contact the speaker and submit your application at least six weeks
before the presentation is to take place.
 Once your application is processed, you will receive confirmation materials. Funding is limited
and not all requests are approved. (Allow two weeks for your application to be processed.)
 There is no limit to the number of times your organization may host speakers.
Arizona Humanities ‫ ׀‬1242 N. Central Ave. ‫ ׀‬Phoenix, AZ 85004 ‫ ׀‬602-257-0335 ‫ ׀‬www.azhumanities.org
Eastern Europe’s Dramatic Democratic Revolution
During the past 25 years, Eastern Europe has thrown off the shackles of
Communism and experienced a dramatic transformation toward Democracy.
After a half-century of Soviet domination, much of the region has embraced
Western ideals while still maintaining a unique and highly diverse culture. How
has the democratization changed the face of Eastern Europe? What has been
America’s role in the region? What are the challenges still facing this vitally
important geopolitical area? This highly visual presentation will take students on
a fascinating journey to Eastern Europe and give them a unique overview of the
region’s recent history and culture.
Title of the presentation
Speakers in the Schools Arizona Academic Standards
Social Studies, Strand 2, Concept 9
Presentation’s Arizona
Academic Standards
Description of
the presentation
Dan Fellner
How to Read a Speaker’s Profile Page
Speaker Name and Bio
Subject/Category of
Presentations
(click to return to the list
of subject categories)
D
an Fellner is a faculty
associate at Arizona
State University and a faculty
affiliate with Arizona State
University’s Melikian Center
for Russian, Eurasian and
East European Studies. He is
a two-time Fulbright Scholar
and a two-time Fulbright
Senior Specialist in Eastern
Europe, where he has taught
courses in journalism and
public relations at universities
in Latvia, Lithuania and
Moldova. In August 2013,
he taught a course at the
Fulbright International
Summer Institute in Bulgaria.
Fellner also has written
extensively about Eastern
Europe for various
newspapers and magazines.
History & Heritage/World
Speakers in the Schools Catalog • www.azhumanities.org
3 All Speakers in Schools by Name
Click name to see bio and presentations
Lisa Adeli
Elena Diaz Bjorkquist
Wallace Brown
Jim Covarrubias
Lili DeBarbieri
Dan Fellner
Gladys Preshenda Jackson
Barbara Jaquay
Björn Krondorfer
Steve Renzi
Mary Rothschild
Marshall Shore
Jeff Stein
Susie Szecsy
Judy Note Temple
Agnes Umuligirwa
Tom Van Dyke
Todd Weber
Matthew C. Whitaker
Caleb Winebrenner
Arizona Humanities ‫ ׀‬1242 N. Central Ave. ‫ ׀‬Phoenix, AZ 85004 ‫ ׀‬602-257-0335 ‫ ׀‬www.azhumanities.org
Art, Architecture, and Music
 Arizona Is for Art Lovers: Museums, Murals and Movements
Through the Ages (pg. 11)
 The Form of Connection: Understanding Cities (pg. 20)
Presentations Listed by Subject
Click title to see abstract and speaker’s bio
Culture, Gender, and Identity Studies - General
 Descansos: Marking Passages (pg. 14)
 Revitalizing Rural and Small Town America: Folk Art and Folklore (pg. 14)
Culture, Gender, and Identity Studies - African American
 “A New Day in Babylon”: Black Latino Relations (pg. 26)
 “And Ya Don’t Stop”: Hip Hop and American Popular Culture (pg. 26)
 “Peace Be Still”: Modern Black America from WWII to Barack Obama (pg. 26)
 The Harlem Renaissance: Literary Movement (pg. 13)
Culture, Gender, and Identity Studies - Chicano & Mexican American
 Dia de los Muertos - A Celebration of Life and Death (pg. 8)
Culture, Gender, and Identity Studies - Native American
 People Call Us Navajo, But We Are Diné. There Is a Difference. (pg. 9)
 INYAHOSKIE (The Stone Boy): A Lakota Legend (pg. 10)
Culture, Gender, and Identity Studies - Women's Studies
 “Women’s Rights Are Human Rights”: The Global Case for Women’s Rights (pg. 18)
 Arizona Women, Past and Present: An Oral History Presentation (pg. 18)
 Barnstormers, Daredevils, and Flying Waitresses (pg. 17)
 What Do You Mean, Women Can’t Vote? A Look at the First Women’s Rights Movement, 1848-1920 (pg. 18)
Geography and Environment
 Oh, the Shape We're In!: How Arizona's and the Western States' Borders Were Determined (pg. 15)
History & Heritage - Arizona and the Southwest
 A Day in the Old Tubac Schoolhouse (pg. 8)
 All Hat and No Cattle: The Language of the American West (pg. 17)
 Crosscurrents in the Desert: The U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps in Arizona (pg. 21)
 Dia de los Muertos - A Celebration of Life and Death (pg. 8)
 Father Kino: Journey to Discovery (pg. 14)
 The Butterfly Effect or Travels in Search of Arizona's Unusual Historic Events (pg. 15)
 The History of the River Runners of the Grand Canyon (pg. 25)
 Pauline Weaver and the Mountain Men of Arizona (pg. 25)
 POP-Pourri: Pop Culture in Arizona (pg. 19)
 The Arizona Connection to Sacagawea (pg. 25)
History & Heritage - United States
 Connecting the Cultural Dots: Meso-American Art History (pg. 10)
5 Presentations Listed by Subject
History & Heritage - World
Click title to see abstract and speaker’s bio
 Eastern Europe's Dramatic Democratic Revolution (pg. 12)
 Every Person Their Own Historian: A Quick Lesson on Doing Oral History (pg. 18)
 Memory and Family History in Post-War Germany (pg. 16)
 Muslim Rescue and Resistance during the Holocaust (pg. 7)
 Reconciliation: Creative Approaches and the Power of the Arts (pg. 16)
 The Ottoman Empire: Why It's Important (pg. 7)
 The Outbreak of World War I: Teenage Assassins, Balkan Unrest, and the "Shot Heard Round the
World" (pg. 7)
 World War I in the Middle East: Roots of Contemporary Conflict (pg. 7)
Humanities in Contemporary Issues
 “Can’t We All Just Get Along?” Historicizing Civil Discourse (pg. 26)
 Surviving Genocide: Race, Ethnicity, Immigration and Thriving after Great Loss (pg. 23)
Language and Literature
 Arizona History and Storytelling for Students of All Ages: Inspiring Imagination, Finding Your Own Voice,
Acquiring Insight and Skills (pg. 24)
 Mary Hunter Austin: Desert Writer and Rebel (pg. 22)
 Monsters, Magic and the Movies: An Introduction to Horror Literature's Greatest Icons (pg. 11)
 Nature Writing and the Southwest (pg. 11)
Law and Civic Engagement
 An Ethic of Service (pg. 27)
 Stories of Cooperation (pg. 27)
 Voluntary Association (pg. 27)
 What Can One Person Do? And How? (pg. 27)
Philosophy, Ethics, and Religion
 Masculinities in Christianity, Judaism and Beyond (pg. 16)
 Religious Fundamentalisms: A Comparative Perspective in the World Religions (pg. 16)
 The Rise of Antisemitism and Nazi Propaganda (pg. 16)
6 World
War I in the Middle East: Roots of Contemporary Conflict
Although World War I began 100 years ago, its effects are still evident in the Middle East
today. The war ended the Ottoman Empire and created new states, yet the peace
settlements left many Middle Eastern people dissatisfied. The treaties left millions of
Kurds without a country, Arab lands divided into various British and French mandates,
Turks battling Greeks, and Jews and Palestinians increasingly locked in conflict over the
same land. This presentation will look at the legacy of World War I in the Middle East,
and the Great War’s impact on recent conflicts in Turkey, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and
Israel/Palestine.
Speakers in the Schools: Arizona Academic Standards
Strand 2 (World History), Concept 8 (World at War) and Concept 9 (Contemporary World)
Strand 4 (Geography), Concept 2 (Places and Regions) and Concept 4 (Human Systems)
The Outbreak of World War I: Teenage Assassins, Balkan Unrest, and
the “Shot Heard Round the World”
How, and more importantly, why, did a group of Bosnian teenagers assassinate an
Austrian archduke? How did this action lead to the First World War? Did the young
revolutionaries expect the serious consequences of their action? Through the lens of this
incendiary event and on the eve of its 100th anniversary (June 2014), this talk explores
big issues, such as nationalism, terrorism, the impact of less developed areas on
international politics, and the role of individuals in history.
Speakers in the Schools: Arizona Academic Standards
Strand 2 (World History), Concept 8 (World at War)
Strand 4 (Geography), Concept 2 (Places and Regions) and Concept 4 (Human Systems)
Muslim Rescue and Resistance During the Holocaust
The Holocaust was planned in Europe and its geographical center was the European
heartland. Nonetheless, Muslim populations on the periphery – in the Balkans, the
“fertile crescent” region, North Africa, as well as Middle Eastern diplomats in Europe –
came into contact with the Nazi persecution and played significant supporting roles in the
drama. Muslims assumed a variety of positions, surprisingly often as rescuers and
resistors. This topic provides a lens through which to examine critically many key issues in
world history and to challenge many Western stereotypes.
Speakers in the Schools: Arizona Academic Standards
Strand 2 (World History), Concept 8 (World at War)
Strand 4 (Geography), Concept 2 (Places and Regions) and Concept 4 (Human Systems)
The Ottoman Empire: Why It’s Important
Lasting more than 600 years and spanning parts of three continents, the Ottoman Empire
is extremely important in history, yet its structure and organization is not very well
understood in the West. How could the empire be a Muslim state and, simultaneously,
allow Christians to be administered by their own church? Why did the empire give slaves
positions of military and political power? What did the empire have in common with the
West? This presentation will focus on Ottoman ideas and institutions and their important
legacy in the world today.
Speakers in the Schools: Arizona Academic Standards
Strand 2 (World History), Concept 3 (World in Transition)
Strand 4 (Geography), Concept 2 (Places and Regions) and Concept 4 (Human Systems)
Speakers in the Schools Catalog • www.azhumanities.org
Lisa Adeli
L
isa Adeli is the Outreach
Coordinator at the
University of Arizona Center
for Middle Eastern Studies.
She has a Ph.D. in history,
specializing in modern
Balkan history and minoring
in Ottoman/Middle Eastern
history. She is a teacher
fellow with the National
World War I Museum and
the U.S. Holocaust Memorial
Museum as well as a
volunteer with the Educators’
Institute for Human Rights
and through such positions
teaches high school. She has
also participated in educator
programs to Armenia,
Turkey/the Balkans, and the
Palestinian Territories. And
in 2012, Adeli received the
National Council for the
Social Studies award for
Global Education.
History & Heritage / World
7 Día
de los Muertos: A Celebration of Life and Death
What is Día de los Muertos? From where does it originate? And how is it
celebrated? Día de los Muertos or Days of the Dead is a significant and highly
celebrated holiday in Mexico, Latin America, and the Southwestern United
States. To understand Día de los Muertos one has to set aside preconceived
notions. To many Mexicans, death is not a subject to be feared, ignored, or
divorced from the living. One cannot celebrate life without also celebrating death.
This plática (informal talk) traces the origins of this Mexican festival and describes
the traditional elements associated with the holiday including food, folk crafts and
altars.
Speakers in the Schools Arizona Academic Standards:
Social Studies Standard Strand 1: American History, Concept 2
Social Studies Standard Strand 1: American History, Concept 3
Social Studies Standard Strand 4: Geography, Concept 2
Visual Arts Standard Strand 2: Relate, Concept 1
Visual Arts Standard Strand 2: Relate, Concept 3
Visual Arts Standard Strand 2: Relate, Concept 4
Visual Arts Standard Strand 3: Evaluate, Concept 1
Visual Arts Standard Strand 3: Evaluate, Concept 2
For details, please refer to the Speakers in the Schools catalog.
Special focus will be given to the folk crafts that teachers may want to teach their students,
such as papel picado, papier-mâché mask-making, sugar skulls, skeleton puppets, and paper
flowers. Samples will be displayed. Older students will be introduced to the artist Jose
Guadalupe Posada and his etchings and lithographs that are still popular in Mexico. They
will also learn about his calaveras – scathing satirical poems in which he depicted social and
political personalities as skeletons.
A Day in the Old Tubac Schoolhouse
(SS)
The oldest European settlement in Arizona, Tubac was settled in the Pimeria Alta,
the northern wilderness of New Spain and it later became part of Mexico.
Although a small town, it served as a settlement, presidio, and cultural center and
when southern Arizona was acquired by the United States in the Gadsden
Purchase of 1853, Tubac served as the commercial center of the area. A one-room
schoolhouse provided the education for the town’s children. Using photos, oral
history interviews, and stories from Tubac’s history, students will see and hear
what a typical day in an 1880’s Arizona one-room schoolhouse was like.
Speakers in the Schools Arizona Academic Standards
Social Studies Standard 1: American History, Concept 1: Research Skills for History – use of
primary and secondary sources to obtain accurate and relevant information.
Social Studies Standard Strand 1: American History, Concept 3: Exploration & Colonization –
The varied causes and effects of exploration, settlement, and colonization shaped regional
and national development of the U.S.
Speakers in the Schools Catalog • www.azhumanities.org
Elena Díaz
Bjorkquist
E
lena Díaz Björkquist is a
writer, historian, and
artist based in Tucson,
Arizona, but originally of
Morenci, Arizona. She is the
author of two books, Suffer
Smoke and Water from the
Moon, and the co-editor of
Sowing the Seeds, una cosecha
de recuerdos and Our Spirit,
Our Reality: Celebrating Our
Stories. When not busy
writing, Björkquist serves as a
scholar and research affiliate
with SIROW at the
University of Arizona. She is
the recipient of the 2012
Arizona Humanities Council
Dan Shilling Public
Humanities Scholar Award
and the Arizona Commission
on the Arts Bill Desmond
Writing Award.
Culture, Gender, and Identity
Studies/Chicano & Mexican
American
History & Heritage/Arizona
and the Southwest
8 People Call Us Navajo, But We Are Diné. There Is a Difference.
About 500 years ago, somewhere in the Southwest, a Spaniard asked a Native
person, “Who is growing this crop?” The Native person responded with
“nabahu.” This word was recorded in a Spanish journal. It then became the term
used to refer to the people with the distinct planting style. Later, other “facts”
were used to identify these people who are known today as the Navajo. But, as
Brown claims, “We are not Navajo. We are Diné.” This program teaches
students the importance of listening to people tell their own histories and
cultures. It teaches that assumptions often lead to misunderstandings and
misrepresentations.
Speakers in the Schools Arizona Academic Standards
 PreK-Grade 3: Social Studies, Strand 1, Concept 2, Early Civilizations; Strand 4, Concept
1,World in Spatial Terms; Strand 3, Concept 1, Foundations of Government
 Grades 4-6: Social Studies, Strand 1, Concept 2, Early Civilizations; Strand 4, Concepts 12, World in Spatial Terms and Places and Regions; Strand 3, Concepts 1-2, Foundations
of Government and Structure of Government
 Grades 7-12: Social Studies, Strand 1, Concepts 2-3, Early Civilizations and Exploration
and Colonization; Strand 4, Concept 4, Human Systems; Strand 3, Concept 3, Functions
of Government
Wallace Brown
(of the Bitter Water Diné)
C
ultural foundations,
given to Brown by long
-lived grandparents, helped
him weather the changing
world on the Navajo Nation.
Life experiences taught him
the value of preserving the
traditional teachings that are
not available in print.
Hoping to bring a restoration
to his people, he began
“talking culture” and found
an ever-broadening audience,
one who desires a greater
understanding of Navajo
people, the Diné.
Culture, Gender, and Identity
Studies/Native American
History & Heritage/Arizona
and the Southwest
Speakers in the Schools Catalog • www.azhumanities.org
9 Connecting the Cultural Dots: Meso-American Art History
A curious phenomena exists in modern America. Much Native American culture is
part of our daily lives, yet we rarely connect the cultural dots. What was life like in
ancient America, how did they live and what kinds of art did they make and
admire? The epicenter for our region of America points south to Mexico, the
birthplace of major civilizations that resonated to the very corners of the Americas.
What did they use that we still use today? What foods, what games, what place
names, what people living today can trace their heritage to those ancient peoples?
And, finally, what can we learn from them to help sustain our sacred Mother
Earth?
INYAHOSKIE (The Stone Boy): A Lakota Legend
In ancient times the lessons of life and guides to a moralistic life were taught via
fables of ancestors and their adventures in a magical world fraught with monsters
and heroes. INYAHOSKIE is one of those heroes who sets out to explore the
world and journeys to the Southwest where he encounters a rude and mean tribe
all covered with mud. They are hostile towards strangers and INYAHOSKIE is
taken captive and prepared for sacrifice to the feathered serpent. But,
INYAHOSKIE is resourceful and creative! Listen to Covarrubias share this Lakota
legend and find out if INYAHOSKIE escapes from the fatal hands of his captors.
This presentation educates audience members on the cultural teachings of Native
Americans and on the principals guiding communities of a not so ancient past.
Jim Covarrubias
Covarrubias is an
J imArizona
native who grew
up in Kingman, Arizona, in
the beautiful Hualapai
Mountains. There are
Mexican artists in his lineage
so the love of the arts was
nurtured as was his
fascination for the Western
cowboy and Native American
history. He travels to art
events in Mexico, Japan,
Europe and throughout the
U.S., where he is billed as the
"Fastest Drawer in the West."
He tells stories as he paints
and his deftness of painting
techniques and in-depth
knowledge of Native
American, Mexican and
Southwestern cultures fill his
entertaining performances
with fascinating details.
History & Heritage/
United States
Culture, Gender, and Identity
Studies/Native American
Speakers in the Schools Catalog • www.azhumanities.org
10 Arizona Is for Art Lovers: Museums, Murals and Movements Through the
Ages
Take a tour of heritage art with DeBarbieri and explore Arizona’s influential visual
artists throughout history, including John Mix Stanley, Thomas Moran, Salvador
Corona, Jimmy Toddy, and Ted DeGrazia. Learn about these artists and their
significant works and contributions to the state’s cultural scene. Topics and periods
range from Indigenous to Modern, Colonial, Surrealist, “Pop Art” and MexicanAmerican. Also, if so requested, students can create a unique collage inspired by
themes from Arizona’s art history.
Speakers in the Schools Arizona Academic Standards
Category: Visual Arts, Strand 2: Relate, Concept 1: The student will describe the role that art
plays in culture and how it reflects, records, and interacts with history in various times, places,
and traditions.
Monsters, Magic and the Movies: An Introduction to Horror Literature’s
Greatest Icons
Perfect enrichment for the fall or spring – spooky tales are always in season – join
DeBarbieri for an illustrated and fun-filled presentation on the lives, times and
works of classic horror authors and novels, including Frankenstein, Dracula, The
Island of Dr. Moreau, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and The Haunting of Hill House.
Students will read chapter excerpts, respond and discuss prevalent themes in gothic
horror literature, all while making connections with well-known films, re-tellings,
and pop culture.
Speakers in the Schools Arizona Academic Standards
Category: English Language Arts, Strand 2: Comprehending Literary Text, Concept 1: Elements
of Literature—Identify, analyze and apply knowledge of the structures and elements of
literature
Nature Writing and the Southwest
Students will be introduced to influential writers of nature and environmental
literature who have used the landscape and natural beauty of the Southwest as
inspiration for their works. Such authors include John Muir, Edward Abbey, Terry
Tempest Williams, Barry Lopez, and Jon Krakauer. Then, through short writing
prompts and journaling activities, students will use Arizona’s high and low desert
ecology to inspire their own creative and non-fiction writing (optional activity).
Speakers in the Schools Arizona Academic Standards
Category: English Language Arts, Strand 2: Comprehending Literary Text, Concept: Historical
and Cultural Aspects of Literature—Relate literary works to the traditions, themes and issues
of their eras.
Lili DeBarbieri
L
ili DeBarbieri is the
author of Location
Filming in Arizona and the
best-selling travel narrative A
Guide to Southern Arizona’s
Historic Farms and Ranches,
recently named a New
Mexico-Arizona Book
Awards Finalist. Over the
years, DeBarbieri’s writing
and photography have
appeared in a diverse range of
publications including the
conservation book The Utah
Prairie Dog. She is a local
stringer for Agence FrancePresse and serves on the
Creative Advisory Board of
Save Rex Ranch. DeBarbieri
holds a master’s degree in
library and information
science from the University of
Southern Mississippi and is
an active professional in
Arizona’s library community.
Art, Architecture, and Music
Language and Literature
Speakers in the Schools Catalog • www.azhumanities.org
11 Eastern Europe’s Dramatic Democratic Revolution
During the past 25 years, Eastern Europe has thrown off the shackles of
Communism and experienced a dramatic transformation toward Democracy.
After a half-century of Soviet domination, much of the region has embraced
Western ideals while still maintaining a unique and highly diverse culture. How
has the democratization changed the face of Eastern Europe? What has been
America’s role in the region? What are the challenges still facing this vitally
important geopolitical area? This highly visual presentation will take students on
a fascinating journey to Eastern Europe and give them a unique overview of the
region’s recent history and culture.
Speakers in the Schools Arizona Academic Standards
Social Studies, Strand 2, Concept 9
Dan Fellner
D
an Fellner is a faculty
associate at Arizona
State University and a faculty
affiliate with Arizona State
University’s Melikian Center
for Russian, Eurasian and
East European Studies. He is
a two-time Fulbright Scholar
and a two-time Fulbright
Senior Specialist in Eastern
Europe, where he has taught
courses in journalism and
public relations at universities
in Latvia, Lithuania and
Moldova. In August 2013,
he taught a course at the
Fulbright International
Summer Institute in Bulgaria.
Fellner also has written
extensively about Eastern
Europe for various
newspapers and magazines.
History & Heritage/World
Speakers in the Schools Catalog • www.azhumanities.org
12 The Harlem Renaissance: Literary Movement
The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural movement that spanned the 1920s and
early 1930s and it was an unprecedented period of expression by African
Americans in music, literature, art, dance, poetry, politics, and economics. Never
before had America seen such a rich explosion of black culture. This interactive
presentation, which includes storytelling, poetry, theatre, art, and song, will
engage students in an exploration of the unique and exciting history of African
Americans.
Speakers in the Schools Arizona Academic Standards
Reading Literature, Strand 2: Concept 1, 2
Social Studies, Strand 1: American History, Concept 1: Research Skills for History
Social Studies, Strand 2: Concept 1, 2
Social Studies, Strand 4: Geography
Language Arts, Strand 3: Literature, Listening and Speaking
Music, Strand 2: Concept 1
Gladys Preshenda
Jackson
G
ladys Preshenda
Jackson is a fourthgeneration storyteller, an
award-winning poet, and a
performing artist. During
her tenure as an Artist in
Residence for the FRIENDS
of Arts Education at the
internationally-acclaimed
Cerritos Center for the
Performing Arts in Cerritos,
California, she shared her
stories with tens of thousands
of K-12 students, putting to
good use her exceptional
verbal artistry. Jackson holds
a certificate in business and
entertainment management
from the University of
California, Los Angeles, and a
Bachelor of Arts degree in
political Science from
California State University,
East Bay.
Culture, Gender, and Identity
Studies/African American
Speakers in the Schools Catalog • www.azhumanities.org
13 Descansos: Marking Passages
Marking the location of deaths with crosses or descansos is a very old custom which
has been traced back to twelfth-century Europe. The custom diffused to the
Americas with the arrival of the conquistadors in the sixteenth century. This
presentation traces the evolution and diffusion of the roadside memorial, the
typology of the crosses, states’ policies on the placement of roadside shrines, and
the controversy surrounding the placement. The roadside memorial is truly a
cultural icon from the past.
Speakers in the Schools Arizona Academic Standards
Standard: Social Studies Strand 2 Concepts 3, 5, 8
Revitalizing Rural and Small Town America: Folk Art and Folklore
The automobile revolutionized how and why Americans traveled. “Pleasure
driving” opened up the off-the-beaten path, providing opportunities to discover
the real culture and history of an area. The birth of roadside architecture and “folk
art” followed in its wake as communities competed for the new business
opportunities the pleasure driving created. Communities found ways to showcase
their historical significance and place it in the larger framework of the state. This
presentation looks at the how and what of pleasure driving, examples of where and
how roadside architecture and folk art were used, and its significance today in our
fast-paced society. Examples include murals which depict the history of the town
and/or area, town statuaries and roadside giants that include characters from folk
heroes, folk tales and legends, and historical signs.
Speakers in the Schools Arizona Academic Standards
Standard: Visual Arts Strand 2, Concepts 1, 2, 4; Social Studies Strand 1, Concept 7
Father Kino: Journey to Discovery
In 2015 it will be the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the Father Kino statue
in the U.S. Capitol Hall of Heroes, Washington, D. C. Father Kino was many
things: A mathematician, astronomer, geographer, map maker, explorer, rancher,
and friend to the Indians of the Pimería Alta. Journeying on horseback or foot,
multiple explorations of the Pimería Alta were made by the padre, resulting in the
first detailed map of the area. He traveled trails mostly unknown to outsiders,
through inhabited territory of unknown native tribes. This presentation will
concentrate on Father Kino’s expeditions and discoveries into the Pimería Alta.
This presentation showcases the use of primary and secondary sources.
This topic can be adapted to any of the listed standards so as to fit the needs of the host
teacher and to allow for maximizing the understanding of maps, explorers and explorations
of early Arizona, and learning about early cultures and their interactions as they came in
contact with other groups.
Speakers in the Schools Arizona Academic Standards
Standard: Social Studies Strand 1 Concept 3, Strand 2 Concept 5, Strand 4 Concepts 1, 2 and
5.
Barbara Jaquay’s Presentations continued on the following page.
Speakers in the Schools Catalog • www.azhumanities.org
Barbara Jaquay
W
ith a Ph.D. in
geography, it comes
as no surprise that Jaquay has
hosted visitors from many
countries and that she herself
has traveled to over forty,
including India, Bhutan,
Nepal, China, Cuba, and out
-of-the way islands such as
Robinson Crusoe, Easter
Island and the Galapagos.
She has even hiked the
Himalayas in pursuit of
furthering her knowledge of
archaeological, historical, and
geographical mysteries.
Jaquay has written several
publications on topics
concerning Middle America
and Arizona Native
Americans. Currently, she is
working on several Arizona
geographical projects and
publications, as well as a
children’s chapter book on
penguins.
Culture, Gender, and Identity
Studies/General
Geography & Environment
History & Heritage/Arizona
and the Southwest
14 Oh, The Shape We’re In!: How Arizona’s and the Western States’
Borders Were Determined
The original 13 colonies and their influence on our country’s expansion to the
Pacific, along with how Arizona’s growth led it to become the 48th state, illustrate
the connection between geography, politics, economics, and social forces, all of
which played a role in the determination of the state borders west of the
Appalachian Mountains. Thomas Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, “manifest destiny,”
gold strikes, treaties, land purchases, railroads, and wars are just a few of the
people, events, and ideas that influenced the establishment of Arizona’s presentday borders. In this presentation, Jaquay will discuss how exactly Arizona’s and
the southern western states’ borders were determined.
Speakers in the Schools Arizona Academic Standards
Standard: Social Studies Strand 1, Concept 1, 4, 5
The Butterfly Effect or Travels in Search of Arizona’s Unusual Historic
Events
During her travels in the state, Jaquay compiled a collection of extraordinary
stories and events, each of which detail an overlooked episode that is unique and
unusual to Arizona and that helped shape and change the state’s history.
Steamboats, camels, telegraphs, and heliographs all played a role in creating
Arizona’s history. These and other happenings were short-lived but were
important nevertheless to Arizona, as they helped tie Arizona and its fellow
western states to their counterparts in the East.
Barbara Jaquay
Speakers in the Schools Arizona Academic Standards
Standard: Social Studies Strand 1, Concept 1, 4, 5, 6, 7
Culture, Gender, and Identity
Studies/General
Geography & Environment
History & Heritage/Arizona
and the Southwest
Speakers in the Schools Catalog • www.azhumanities.org
15 The Rise of Antisemitism and Nazi Propaganda
How did antisemitic propaganda rise in 20th century Germany? Starting with a
brief look at antecedents in the 1890s and World War One, we focus on how Nazi
propaganda developed from the 1920s onward. We cover early crude political
satire and trace it through legal sanctions and (pseudo-) scientific justifications.
This presentation also touches on the Nazi policy of Lebensraum (living space), in
which race and space ideologies paved the way for the eventual genocide campaign
against European Jews, known as the Holocaust.
Memory and Family History in Post-War Germany
This presentation provides a personal look at the effects of the Holocaust and war
memories on German society post-1945, with special focus given to how they are
passed on intergenerationally within German families. Students will hear about
Krondorfer’s father who was drafted into the German army at age 17 and who
found himself in the vicinity of a Jewish slave labor camp in Poland. More general
themes relating to German society are also addressed and this presentation
concludes with brief remarks on the value of dialogue between communities
affected by historical trauma due to violent, state-sponsored ideologies.
Reconciliation: Creative Approaches and the Power of the Arts
At the end of massive conflicts, what do communities and individuals need to do
in order to remember and heal? This presentation illustrates the power of artistic
engagement when dealing with post-conflict justice and reconciliatory practices
among victims and perpetrators and their descendants. Krondorfer will also discuss
his work with Israelis, Palestinians, and Germans.
Masculinities in Christianity, Judaism and Beyond
Our gender matters when we talk about religions and our religious identities.
Often, we assume that “gender” means “women,” but this presentation focuses on
men and masculinities. After a general introduction, we will trace changing ideals
of masculinity in early Christianity (first 400 years) and how we can hear echoes of
that past even today. We will also look briefly at the question of masculinity in
contemporary Judaism and Hinduism.
Religious Fundamentalisms: A Comparative Perspective in the World
Religions
In this presentation, we take a scholarly perspective on defining and describing the
features of religious fundamentalism in the traditions of Christianity, Judaism,
Islam and Hinduism. We do not seek to identify fundamentalism as either “right”
or “wrong,” nor do we seek to do so for a particular religious tradition. Rather, we
learn why fundamentalism emerged in the beginning of the 20th century, why it is
a strong and dynamic religious force, and how fundamentalist religious traditions
differ from each other.
Speakers in the Schools Catalog • www.azhumanities.org
Björn Krondorfer
B
jörn Krondorfer is
Director of the MartinSpringer Institute and
Professor of Religious Studies
at Northern Arizona
University. He also holds a
visiting position as Faculty
Affiliate at the University of
the Free State, South Africa,
and has served as a guest
professor at the Freie
University Berlin, Germany.
His expertise lies in religion,
gender and culture, and
(post) Holocaust and
reconciliation studies. He
explores the connections
between memory, restorative
justice, and social/moral
repair. Putting his scholarship
to work, he facilitates
intercultural encounters both
at home and abroad and
collaborates with visual artist
Karen Baldner on art
installations.
Philosophy, Ethics, and
Religion
History & Heritage/World
16 Barnstormers, Daredevils, and Flying Waitresses
Before women could vote, they could fly. Everyone knows of Amelia Earhart, but
few recognize and appreciate the courage and struggles of the women who came
before her. Join Renzi as he shares the stories of pioneering women who served as
pilots and aerial performers. Learn about Harriet Quimby, the first woman to fly
across the English Channel, doing so in a plane that was little more than a box kite
with a propeller. These determined women risked their lives to pursue their
interests and passions. They broke barriers and proved that aviation is not solely
man’s domain.
Speakers in the Schools Arizona Academic Standards
Category – Social Studies; Strand – American History; Concept 7 – Emergence of the Modern
United States All Hat and No Cattle: The Language of the American West
Every day we use words and phrases whose roots lie in the American West. Words
like “brand,” “maverick,” and “railroaded,” along with phrases like “climb down
off your high horse” and “passing the buck” all grew out of the culture and
experiences of those who resided west of the Mississippi. These creative words and
phrases are poetic, descriptive and often quite humorous, like the saying “He’s got
a ten-dollar Stetson on a five-cent head.” Ride shotgun with Renzi as he explores
the meanings and historical origins of these Western words and slang phrases.
Speakers in the Schools Arizona Academic Standards
Category – Social Studies; Strand 1 – American History; Concept 5 – Westward Expansion
Steve Renzi
S
teve Renzi, a University
of Arizona graduate with
a degree in history, believes
that every generation must
learn about who and what
came before them or else the
lessons learned are lost. As a
writer and photographer
with a teacher’s certificate in
secondary education, Renzi is
always searching for new
ways of exploring our
history. He has written and
been published in over 200
magazine and newspaper
articles and is currently a
writing and photography
teacher, as well as a
basketball coach. Although
he derives great satisfaction
from his professional
pursuits, his proudest
moment was the birth of his
twin sons.
Culture, Gender, and Identity
Studies/Women's Studies
History & Heritage/Arizona
and the Southwest
Speakers in the Schools Catalog • www.azhumanities.org
17 Arizona Women, Past and Present: An Oral History Presentation
“Arizona Women” is a digitized 30-minute presentation drawn from an oral history
project of Arizona women who were at least 70 years old and had lived here all, or
most, of their lives. Ethnically and racially diverse, these women built the community
institutions we revere today and give us a personal view of how Arizona changed from
a small frontier territory and state into the bustling, major state we are today. These
women’s stories vividly picture their lives, their families and a growing Arizona.
Every Person Their Own Historian: A Quick Lesson on Doing Oral
History
Historian Carl Becker wrote a famous essay, “Every Man His Own Historian,” which
detailed the way history can change depending on who is telling the story. Although
he wasn’t talking about doing oral history, all people tell their stories their own way
and recording people’s memories can be extraordinary, an inspiring way to look into
the past. Many people want to record members of their families or good friends who
have stories they want to know and remember. This presentation will give students the
nitty-gritty skills to do oral history themselves. It will help them envision oral history
projects they could do, give sample questions and explain some of the ins and outs of
doing good oral history work. Everyone will get a chance to think about questions
they might like to ask and to practice interview techniques. All students will receive
examples of oral history release forms, sample questions and ideas for doing oral
history projects.
Speakers in the Schools Arizona Academic Standards
Social Studies Strand 1, Concepts 9 and 10
“Women’s Rights Are Human Rights”: The Global Case for Women’s
Rights
“Women’s Rights are Human Rights” was a new chant at the United Nations Fourth
World Conference on Women in 1995. At the time, women’s rights were not
considered “human rights.” While the lives of women and girls around the world are
often still vulnerable and diminished, the best, most cost-effective, investment
governments can make is educating women and girls. This presentation examines the
main issues facing women and girls around the world, the rise of global feminism, and
the integration of women’s rights into the global human rights movement.
What Do You Mean, Women Can’t Vote? A Look at the First Women’s
Rights Movement, 1848-1920
When American women and men organized in 1848 at Seneca Falls to examine
the status of women and organize for change, no women could vote and married
women had almost no legal rights. Seventy-two years later, women had gained the
vote, many legal rights and some political power. What stirred these women and
men to action in 1848? Who were the people who worked for change? How did
they accomplish their success? Are there examples today of women and men
working for change?
Speakers in the Schools Catalog • www.azhumanities.org
Mary Logan
Rothschild
M
ary Logan
Rothschild, Ph.D., is
Professor Emerita at Arizona
State University, where she
helped found the Women’s
Studies Program and taught
American History and
Women’s Studies. She
enjoys working with public
school teachers to include
women’s and oral history in
their classrooms and she
loves traveling the state of
Arizona talking to
community groups about
History and Women’s
Studies. During her tenure
at ASU in the Departments
of History and Women’s
Studies, she won several
teaching and mentoring
awards. She was Arizona
Humanities’ Scholar of the
Year in 1991.
History & Heritage/World
Culture, Gender, and Identity
Studies/Women's Studies
18 POP-Pourri: Pop Culture in Arizona
Post-war Arizona really popped and added to the pop culture known as
Americana. The housing pop for the returning military personnel who were
moving to Arizona changed the landscape. Iconic restaurants such as KFC,
McDonald’s, and Bob’s Big Boy owe Arizona for their POP culture status.
Vestiges of these post-war days are still around and Shore tells their stories,
ensuring that the memories of our vibrant past stay alive.
Speakers in the Schools Arizona Speakers Standards
Category: Social Studies; Strand 1; Concept 9
Marshall Shore
M
arshall Shore,
Arizona’s Hip
Historian. His passion is
uncovering the weird, the
wonderful, and the obscure
treasures from our past: the
semi-forgotten people,
places, and events that have
made us who we are today.
Shore uses storytelling magic,
found film footage, old
photographs, ephemera, and
artifacts to bring our state’s
heritage to life in
entertaining and educational
presentations.
History & Heritage/Arizona
and the Southwest
Speakers in the Schools Catalog • www.azhumanities.org
19 The Form of Connection: Understanding Cities
This presentation explores cities, buildings, geography, biology, and asks the
question, “How shall we live?” in Arizona, on planet Earth. Investigating our
current world, including how many of us there are on it, how we use energy, what
we use it for, where it comes from, and how all this is changing with a new
generation, Stein describes the work of that new generation – the children of this
audience – inventing new ways to connect with each other and with their
surroundings that build on recent discoveries about how Earth actually works.
ideas.
Jeff Stein
A
ward-winning architect,
writer, educator Jeff
Stein, AIA, is president of
Cosanti Foundation, the
urban research institute
founded by Paolo Soleri,
responsible for the
continuing design and
construction of the urban
laboratory Arcosanti, near
Cordes Junction, Arizona.
Stein has taught architecture
in the Career Discovery
program of the Harvard
GSD; headed the
department of architecture at
Wentworth Institute in
Boston; and was Dean of the
Boston Architectural
College. He has taught at the
Technicum Winterthur,
Zurich, the Ecole
d’Architecture LanguedocRousillon, in Montpellier,
France, and lectures and
writes about architecture and
energy issues throughout the
Southwest.
Art, Architecture, & Music
Speakers in the Schools Catalog • www.azhumanities.org
20 Crosscurrents in the Desert: The U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps in Arizona
July 1, 2013, marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the U.S. Cadet
Nurse Corps, an innovation for its time that addressed a healthcare crisis during
World War II and improved nurse education across the United States. Through
speaker-led and learner-centered activities, participants will learn about Cadet
Nurses in participating hospital schools of nursing in Arizona. Also to be discussed
will be oral histories of a number of Cadet Nurses who received their training
elsewhere and followed a different path to Arizona. Participants who know a
Cadet Nurse will be invited to add to the discussion.
Speakers in Schools Arizona Education Standards
Concept 1: Research Skills for History standards for Social Studies, grades 6-12
Elsie Szecsy
E
lsie Szecsy is a Research
Professional at Arizona
State University, where she
investigates problems of
importance in the Southwest
U.S.-northern Mexico region
and nationally that are
related to educational access
and excellence. She earned
her Ed.D. in educational
administration at Teachers
College, Columbia
University, and was
previously a middle and high
school foreign language
teacher on Long Island in
New York, as well as
administrator of a regional
distance learning program
there. Her research on the
U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps
focuses on it as a strategic
educational innovation in the
national interest. Her mother
was a Cadet Nurse.
History & Heritage/Arizona
and the Southwest
Speakers in the Schools Catalog • www.azhumanities.org
21 Mary Hunter Austin: Desert Writer and Rebel
Meet Mary Hunter Austin, an early twentieth-century author of diverse and
controversial books. She wrote on Native American arts and rights, as well as issues
still germane today, such as water policy, public lands, the environment, the battle
of the sexes, and human spirituality. Austin knew many writers and thinkers,
including such notables as Jack London, Willa Cather, Ansel Adams, and Diego
Rivera. Listen to Austin reminisce about her struggle to become a writer and her
challenging encounters with those prejudiced against her association with Native
American women and “outliers” in the Eastern Sierra area of California.
Judy Nolte
Temple
Nolte Temple teaches
J udy
in both the English and
Gender & Women’s Studies
departments at the
University of Arizona. Her
courses include “Women’s
Life Writing” and “Women
in Literature.” In 2003, she
received a Fulbright award
to conduct research in New
Zealand on women’s diaries.
She is the editor of two essay
collections on the literary
Southwest and the author of
two books, the most recent
of which is Baby Doe Tabor:
The Madwoman in the
Cabin. In preparation for a
forthcoming book, Temple
is currently editing selections
from the 50-year-long diary
of Mary Walsh, an Irish
immigrant to Arizona.
Language and Literature
Speakers in the Schools Catalog • www.azhumanities.org
22 Surviving Genocide: Race, Ethnicity, Immigration and Thriving after
Great Loss
Survivors of genocide are not victims, they are heroes. It is hard to imagine that
there are real people involved in the dangers of ethnic cleansing, drones and other
weapons of destruction. Have you ever asked yourself, “What happens after war?
How do people deal with its effect? Where are those that have been ravaged and
affected by war?” Umuligirwa examines and describes the survivors’ struggles as
they deal with trauma, loss, stress about fitting into a new community, and the
courage to face change and start new lives. As a survivor of genocide, Umuligirwa
explains how she personifies resilience and courage. She defines valor, and her life
defines courage. She has built lasting and effective skills and she discusses how all
of us can survive loss, and thrive.
Speakers in the Schools Arizona Academic Standards
Social Studies Strand 1, Concept 3, 4, 5, Strand 4: Concept 2
Agnes
Umuligirwa
A
gnes Umuligirwa
(Aggie Umu), a
storyteller, international
liaison and community
advocate, speaks out for and
on behalf of refugee women
from all walks of life. She
educates others about the
plight of refugees worldwide.
Umuligirwa is an
international public speaker,
a volunteer for different
organizations such as
Flight33 Inc. and Project
C.U.R.E. She is also a
consultant for HEAL
International, International
Foundation for Education &
Self-Help, and the World
Academy for the Future of
Women. Umuligirwa is a
community liaison and
bulletin editor at
Resurrection in Tempe,
Arizona. Umuligirwa holds a
B.A. in education, an A.A. in
sociology, and a certificate in
women’s studies. She loves
travelling, reading and speaks
multiple languages.
Humanities in Contemporary
Issues
Speakers in the Schools Catalog • www.azhumanities.org
23 Arizona History and Storytelling for Students of All Ages:
Inspiring Imagination, Finding Your Own Voice, Acquiring Insight and
Skills
Inspiring students! A Cowboy Christmas An American Tale, Van Dyke’s exciting,
adventure-filled book, tells the story of a boy and girl not yet sixteen coming of age
in Arizona, 1873. Experiencing a hostile frontier, they persevere in search of each
other and discover strengths, skills and values. Education will be served on the
plate of entertainment. Van Dyke’s presentation provides moments of selfdiscovery, inspiring student imagination and provoking insights and talking points
for happy, positive lifestyles.
Tom Van Dyke
V
an Dyke received his
M.F.A. from Cranbrook
Academy of Arts. A member
of Western Writers of America,
he has written screenplays since
1970. One of his motion
pictures was considered for
nomination of an Academy
Award ®. His creative
expression of writing and
film production is shared
with his creation of fine
art. Van Dyke’s sculptures,
paintings and photography
have been exhibited or are
in the permanent collections
of the NY Museum of
Modern Art, the Carnegie
Art Institute, the Buffalo
Bill Historical Center, the
Detroit Institute of Arts, the
Henry Ford Museum, and
the Butler Institute of
American Art.
Language and Literature
Speakers in the Schools Catalog • www.azhumanities.org
24 The History of the River Runners of the Grand Canyon
Through this visually rich presentation, Weber carries his listeners along a historical
timeline. Beginning with a Hopi legend, he takes his audience through the years of
human history in the Grand Canyon, culminating in the river runners of today.
Weber recounts the fascinating experiences of those who have been drawn to the
wonders of the Colorado River. Featuring tales of the Powell expedition, the
ingenuity of the Kolb brothers, and the mystery of the Hydes disappearance, Weber
uncovers the centuries of human history buried in the walls below the rim.
Speakers in the Schools Arizona Academic Standards
Category: Social Studies: Strand 1, Concepts 1-7; Strand 3, Concept 4; Strand 4, Concept 1-6;
Strand 5, Concept 1
Pauline Weaver and the Mountain Men of Arizona
This presentation explains who the mountain men were, how they lived, and why they
were in Arizona. Using a colorful presentation, Weber, clad in buckskins, focuses on
the life and times of Pauline Weaver, Prescott, Arizona's first white citizen, and other
famous mountain men who made their way through this territory. Using photos,
maps and filmed demonstrations, Weber explains the work these men did, the routes
they traveled, and the arms, tools and accoutrements they used for commerce and
everyday life.
Speakers in the Schools Arizona Academic Standards
Category: Social Studies: Strand 1, Concepts 1-7; Strand 4, Concepts 1-6; Strand 5, Concept 1
The Arizona Connection to Sacagawea
Beginning with a short overview of the epic 1804 journey of Lewis and Clark, Weber
then focuses on the little known history of Sacagawea's son, Jean Baptiste
Charbonneau. Jean Baptiste Charbonneau was born on the expedition, adopted by
William Clark, and went on to become one of the most interesting and foremost
figures in early Arizona history. Clad in period clothing and displaying the tools and
accoutrements of the time, Weber also explains what explorers and guides carried and
utilized as they traveled through the desert and wilderness territories.
Speakers in the Schools Arizona Academic Standards
Category: Social Studies: Strand 1, Concepts 1-5; Strand 2, Concept 1; Strand 3, Concept 1;
Strand 4, Concepts 1, 2, 6; Strand 5, Concepts 1, 2, 5
Todd Weber
A
t a young age Todd
Weber became
enthralled with the stories of
the fur traders, American
Indians and explorers in
American history. Through
years of reading journals and
studying historical accounts
of the fascinating characters
of America's past, he became
well-versed in the facts and
details of this time in history.
Along with being an artist
and jeweler, Weber has
worked as an Elderhostel
coordinator and instructor.
He now guides small ships
on the Columbia River and
in Alaska, and leads his own
tours, sharing his
appreciation for the stamina,
ingenuity, and character that
existed in those who helped
shape the American West.
History & Heritage/Arizona
and the Southwest
Speakers in the Schools Catalog • www.azhumanities.org
25 “Peace Be Still”: Modern Black America from WWII to Barack Obama
Based upon Whitaker’s new book of the same title, this presentation is a “concise,
engaging, and provocative history of African Americans since World War II; an
alternate history of the United States in the 20th and 21st centuries. Organizing this
history around culture, politics, and resistance, Whitaker takes listeners from World
War II as a galvanizing force for African American activism and the modern civil
rights movement to the culmination of generations of struggle in the election of
Barack Obama.”
Speakers in the Schools Arizona Academic Standards
Social Studies Standard: Strand 1, Concept 5
“A New Day in Babylon”: Black Latino Relations
This address historicizes the relationship between African American and Latinos,
paying particular attention to the period between World War II and the present.
Whitaker emphasizes conflict and collaboration, and makes recommendations, based
upon historical precedent, for ways to improve Black and Latino relations, “especially
in regions in which these groups have a shared, and at times tense, past and present.”
Speakers in the Schools Arizona Academic Standards
Social Studies Standard: Strand 1, Concept 5
“And Ya Don’t Stop”: Hip Hop and American Popular Culture
This presentation will demonstrate that hip hop and rap is, as Robin D.G. Kelley
argues, “arguably the post Civil Rights Era’s highest form of creative, extemporaneous,
ever evolving form of communication and expression.” Whitaker will argue that it
developed as collective critique of the stigmatization and marginalization of black
youth, and has evolved into a transracial, multilayered, global analysis of perception
and power.
Speakers in the Schools Arizona Academic Standards
Social Studies Standard: Strand 1, Concept 5
“Can’t We All Just Get Along?” Historicizing Civil Discourse
Many observers have argued that America’s politics, and public discourse, has become
increasingly boorish and coarse. Is this true? If so, is it a reflection of society’s
devolution in general? In this address, Whitaker will place the notion of civil public
discourse in proper historical context, and reassure listeners that although we are
living in an increasingly ill-mannered period, we remain architects of our own future.
Speakers in the Schools Arizona Academic Standards
Social Studies Standard: Strand 1, Concept 5
Matthew C.
Whitaker
M
atthew C. Whitaker
is Arizona State
University Foundation
Professor of History and the
founding director of the
Center for the Study of Race
and Democracy. He
specializes in U.S. history,
African American history and
life, civil rights, race
relations, social movements,
and sports and
society. Whitaker is the
author of Race Work: The Rise
of Civil Rights in the Urban
West and the recently
released Peace Be Still:
Modern Black America from
World War II to Barack
Obama. He has spoken
throughout the world, won
over 30 awards for his
teaching, research, and
service, and offered
commentaries on CNN,
NPR, PBS, and other media
outlets.
Culture, Gender, and Identity
Studies/African American
Humanities in Contemporary
Issues
Speakers in the Schools Catalog • www.azhumanities.org
26 Stories of Cooperation
This presentation uses traditional folklore stories and stories from American
history to illustrate the importance of cooperation in order to bring about civic
discourse and community engagement. Connecting the stories to their own lives,
students will explore their choices in different situations, how their participation is
beneficial, and the beliefs and actions that make civic engagement possible.
Speakers in the Schools Arizona Academic Standards
Social Studies, Strand 3 (Civics & Government), Concept 1
Voluntary Association
In this presentation, Winebrenner acts as a modern-day Alexis de Tocqueville,
author of Democracy in America. His presentation will center on de Tocqueville's
observations of America, especially the critical importance of “voluntary
associations.” With different source materials as reference, students will be asked
how citizen roles in civic life have shifted (or not) since de Tocqueville's time.
Where are voluntary associations found today? Where are places that ordinary
citizens go to serve? How has the country changed? Why would the independent
sector/nonprofits matter in the political landscape?
Speakers in the Schools Arizona Academic Standards
Social Studies, Strand 3 (Civics & Government), Concept 1 and Concept 4
What Can One Person Do? And How?
Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed
citizens can change the world; indeed it's the only thing that ever has.” Who were
these citizens then? In this presentation, students learn about different groups of
citizens who have engaged to make a difference. The focus of the presentation will
be on students brainstorming ideas for meaningful service projects for their
community, and reflect on how their own skills, talents, and interests can bring
that project to fruition.
Speakers in the Schools Arizona Academic Standards
Social Studies, Strand 3, Concept 4
An Ethic of Service
This presentation aims to engage students in dialogue around civic service.
Winebrenner offers personal examples from his time serving in AmeriCorps, as
well as excerpts of famous speeches such as Washington's Farewell Address,
Kennedy's 1960 speech at the University of Michigan (where he called for the
creation of the Peace Corps), or Martin Luther King's “I Have A Dream.”
Students will use stories to connect these speeches to their own lives, as well as
learn more about service programs after high school.
Speakers in the Schools Arizona Academic Standards
Social Studies, Strand 3, Concept 4
Caleb
Winebrenner
C
aleb Winebrenner is a
storyteller and teaching
artist based in Tempe,
Arizona. His unique
performances craft world
folklore and wisdom tales
into warm, engaging events.
Trained as an actor, mime,
and teacher, his
performances and workshops
draw out the natural
warmth, intelligence,
curiosity, and wisdom of all
present. He especially loves
the opportunity to engage
with young people around
the issues that matter to
them, often through the lens
of a parable or story. As
Paulo Coelho once said,
"The power of storytelling is
exactly this: to bridge the gap
where everything else has
crumbled."
Law and Civic Engagement
Speakers in the Schools Catalog • www.azhumanities.org
27 About Arizona Humanities
Arizona Humanities (AH) builds a just and civil society
by creating opportunities to explore our shared human
experiences through discussion, learning and reflection.
Founded in 1973, AH is a 501(c)3 non-profit
organization and the Arizona affiliate of the National
Endowment for the Humanities. AH is not a state
agency.
AH supports public programming in the humanities that promotes understanding of human thoughts,
actions, creations, and values. AH works with museums, libraries, and other cultural and educational
organizations to bring humanities programs to residents throughout Arizona. All AH-supported activities
must involve the humanities disciplines-history, literature, philosophy, and other studies that examine the
Arizona Humanities Staff
Brenda Thomson, Executive Director
bthomson@azhumanities.org
Julie Gavin, Assistant Director
jgavin@azhumanities.org
Whitney Klotz, Programs and Grants Coordinator
wklotz@azhumanities.org
Marilyn Murphy, Marketing and Communications Coordinator
mmurphy@azhumanities.org
Hannah Schmidl Marketing and Programs Assistant
hschmidl@azhumanities.org
Updated January 13, 2015
Arizona Humanities ‫ ׀‬1242 N. Central Ave. ‫ ׀‬Phoenix, AZ 85004 ‫ ׀‬602-257-0335 ‫ ׀‬www.azhumanities.org