Red, Black, and Brown: The Native American, Afro American, and Latino Connection

To celebrate November as Native American Heritage month, St. Ambrose is hosting a lecture that examines the historical connection of the Native American, African, and Latino people, experience, and cultural exchange between these people. 

Bobby Gonzalez is an Indigenous/Latinx lecturer, storyteller, and poet. Gonzalez presented at Carnegie Hall, the National Museum of American Indian, and many other museums and colleges. Gonzalez was selected as the 2018-2019 New York City Indian of the Year.

The foundation of Latin American civilization is found in the cultures of the Aztec, Maya, Inca, and many other First Nations. The Trans-Atlantic slave trade brought millions of Blacks here, and a great number of them married into the indigenous populations. Among the Taino, Seminole and Cherokee were found many "Black Indians." Not all Black Africans, however were welcomed by the Natives. This presentation examines current issues such as so-called "Illegal Aliens," discrimination against Black Indians and how Native Americans are confronting the challenge of preserving their traditions in the face of globalization. 

The event is sponsored by the office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.