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Diveristy Graphics Celebrates National Black History Month

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Black History Month is an annual observance in February, celebrating the past and present achievements of African Americans. In February 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, proposed the establishment of "Negro History Week" to honor the history and contributions of African Americans to American life. Dr. Woodson, known as the "Father of Black History", chose the second week of February because it commemorates the birthdays of two men who greatly affected the African American community: Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglass (February 14). Negro History Week became Black History Week in the early 1970's. In 1976, the week-long observance was expanded to a month in honor of the nation's bicentennial.

Black History Month is sponsored by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The Association was founded in 1915 by Dr. Carter Woodson--historian, teacher, author and publisher. Each year the Association designates the national theme for Black History Month. In 2011, the association's theme is "African Americans and the Civil War” in honor of the efforts of people of African descent to destroy slavery and inaugurate universal freedom in the United States.

Please browse through our website and select the many materials that will help your business, school, place of work, or organization celebrate Black History Month!

Celebrating Deaf Awarness Week

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Deaf Awarness Week is celebrated across the country the last week of September. There are many events held, we suggest you contact your local Deaf and Hard of Hearing agencies to obtain and list of the many event you can particpate in.

Locally in Los Angeles here are some events provided by GLAD that you and your family can attend or participate in:

Eyes of Deafness: Photographs by Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adults
September 2-29
fINdings Art Center
470 W. 6th Street
San Pedro, CA 90731

This is part of the Art Walk, so there will be many other galleries open as well as cafes and restaurants within walking distance of fINdings. This is a great opportunity to explore and discover an historical neighborhood that has been revitalized. The gallery is open Thursday-Saturday from 6-9 p.m. or by special appointment.

American Sign Language Courses – Fall 2010
September-November
2222 Laverna Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90041
10-week courses
ASL I: Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon, Sept. 18-Nov. 20 (required book to purchase: VISTA Signing Naturally Level One)
ASL II: Thursdays, 6-9 p.m., Sept. 16-Nov. 18 (required book to purchase: VISTA Signing Naturally Level One)
ASL III: Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m., Sept. 14-Nov. 16 (required book to purchase: VISTA Signing Naturally Level Two)
(These books can be found on amazon.com)
REGISTRATION CLOSED

Hearing Loss Technology Expo
Wednesday, September 22
6-8:30 p.m.
2222 Laverna Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90041

DEAFestival Los Angeles 2010
Saturday, September 25
Noon-6 p.m.
Woodley Park
6350 Woodley Avenue
Van Nuys, CA 91406

Councilmember Huizar of CD-14 is sponsoring a bus for people who need transportation to DEAFestival in Van Nuys on Saturday, September 25. It is free for riders but there are limited seats! Contact Elizabeth at eluttrell@gladinc.org or 866-939-3149 VP to RSVP on a first come, first serve basis! Reservations end Wednesday, September 22. People who are guaranteed a seat will receive an e-mail or phone call from Elizabeth Luttrell with further details, so please provide your contact information.

Grand Opening of GLAD’s Visual Communications Center
Wednesday, September 29
4-6 p.m.
2222 Laverna Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90041
Reception, opening remarks by GLAD CEO, Dr. Patty Hughes, and special guests, red-ribbon cutting ceremony and demonstrations of videophone technology.

Celebrating International Day of Sign Language Rights: Californians for ASL 2010
Thursday, September 30
State Capitol, North Side
10th Street & L Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

Celebrate American Sign Language and the World Federation of the Deaf’s Proclamation of International Day of Sign Languages, hosted by the California Association of the Deaf.

Diversity Graphics salutes the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community!

History of National HIspanic Heritage Month and it's importance.

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First a brief history on Hispanic Heritage Month:

Hispanic Heritage Month is the period to recognize the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States and to celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week was approved by President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into Law on August 17, 1988 on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

"September 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and
Nicaragua. They all declared independence in 1821. In addition, Mexico, Chile and Belize celebrate their independence days on September 16, September 18 and September 21, respectively. "

This year especially it is important for us to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by demonstrating the importance of the contributions and culture we of Hispanic heritage have made. Not only in the arts but also as political and social leaders.

Growing up in Los Angeles (the melting pot many cultures) it is amazing to see just how many background of Hispanic/Latino cultures are intermixed with everyday life. There are so many places in Los Angeles that one visits that reminds us of this. From El Pubelo “Olivera Street” downtown, to the berths in San Pedro… so many flavors of Hispanic/Latino life all around.

Food, oh let’s not forget the many flavors this rich culture has brought to America. Tacos, Burritos, Salsas, Moles, the list goes on and on… Mouth watering foods on our plates that make our taste buds happy day in and day out in the city of Angeles. From the Salvadorian Pupusa to the Argentine Empanada, we are lucky to have such variety of dishes available to us on a daily basis.

Contributions not only from flavorful food, but from the many talents that have come from these colorful countries. Artists such as the Queen of Salsa “Celica Cruz” and Academy Award winning Penelope Cruz, have given our youth the inspiration to go forward with their creative culture and talents. Political figures such as Congressman Xavier Becerra, and Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis– wonderful role models for a new generation of Hispanic/Latino leaders… our future. Yes Hispanic Heritage Month is a great time to celebrate! A celebration not only of culture and tradition, but the many contributions of Hispanic/Latino Americans.

Sí Se Puede! Yes we can!