News and Events

The Latin American and Latinx Studies Program (LNAM) invites you to our first annual LNAM Lecture Series event, which will take place on Wednesday, April 16, at 12 p.m. in the Tarble Room. We are honored to welcome Illinois Humanities Council Road Scholar, Music Journalist, and Radio Host/Producer Catalina María Johnson, Ph.D., who will be on campus to give an interactive lecture presentation titled "The Music Tells Our Stories: Latines in Illinois and the USA." Please join us in the Tarble Room at noon on 4/16 for an engaging, music-filled presentation, while enjoying a light lunch, snacks, and tea/lemonade.

Presentation description: Music can be viewed and “read”as a tool that shares the cultural values, roots, and history of peoples. Numerous Latino musical genres share the concerns of Latinos throughout the years —from songs documenting daily life to celebration tunes to protest music and more— the music tells the stories of our lives. This interactive lecture focuses on a broad overview of milestones from the last several decades of music in the Latine U.S. as a way of understanding the history, roots, and concerns of Latines in this land, with a special emphasis on Latine populations that have profoundly marked the culture and music of the State of Illinois. The presentation, paired with slides and musical samples, is lively and focused on participation, discussion, and the exploration of complex topics through musical enjoyment!

This event has been made possible thanks to the generous support of the Mojekwu Fund, the Center for Chicago Programs, and the following academic departments/programs: Communication, History, Latin American and Latinx Studies, Modern Languages and Literatures, and Music. Many thanks to all who have supported this event!