Summer 2021 Classes
(click on class title for details)
Ethnic Studies Art Class
Instructor: Professor Christal West
Christal West is a Chicanx Studies professor at San Jose State. Students will engage in a critical ethnic studies Art-making praxis that pairs mindfulness with conocimiento (self-knowledge) and introductory practices of creative cultural production (or art -making). Students will be empowered to amplify/engage with their identities through a series of art projects that explore their collective histories. . It will be an opportunity to express themselves and process through art. Space is limited to 15 students. The class will meet online via zoom.
3-D Design Class
Instructor: Eddie Nava
Eddie Nava is a maker and high school teacher at San Leandro High. Students will be going through the design process to research, ideate, prototype and test xocolatl bars. Space is limited to 15 students. The class will meet in person at the Homies Learning Center.
Raza Art + Culture Class
Instructor: Dr. Cesar Cruz
Educator Dr. Cesar Cruz will facilitate a class where students will get to learn how to draw Mayan symbols, Chichen Itza, Quetzalcoatl and will get a chance to make their own book, amoxtli about Mayan, Aztec/Mexica culture. Space is limited to 15 students. Class will be via zoom.
Grow Your Own Food - Gardening Class
Instructor: Egoy Eliseo Canete
Egoy Eliseo Canete is a Pilipino educator who is very excited to have kids work on the land. Students will get a chance to grow their own plants including fruit, vegetables and medicine that is connected to their culture and ancestral knowledge. Students will learn the basics of planting and cultivating for medicinal uses. The class will meet in person either at the Homies Learning Center or on the Land. Space is limited to 15 students. No gardening experience is necessary.
Stand Up for your Rights - Activism Class
Organizer: Rogerlio Martinez
Rogerlio Martinez will teach this five week Intro to Activism course and engage with students to learn the basics of activism. The outcome of this class is for youth to see they can be agents of change in their communities. Students will receive an Activism 101 toolkit which will have class and post class activities for each week in relation to the topic being discussed in class. This includes games, art supplies, a gardening kit, a map, pictures, stickers and a journal.
In between Bites - Cooking Class
Instructors: EJuri Sanchez and Jessie Wesley
Educators Juri Sanchez and Jessie Wesley will introduce students to cooking concepts including the making of pupusas as a way to learn about El Salvador and much more. Every week students will get to tell their story, learn history, practice culinary techniques and cook new recipes. The 5-week program will end with youth presenting their story, including a presentation of what food means to them, including history and food of their choice.
This class is limited to 15 students. The class will meet online via zoom.
Our Voices Matter - Poetry Class
Instructor: Kenia Rodriguez
Educator Kenia Rodriguez will work with students as they get to tell their stories, learn about their culture, and are able to create their own poems. Class will end with students organizing a poetry reading. This class is limited to 15 students. The class will meet online via zoom.