June 9th, 2017 It’s been a while since I’ve written something for this blog and it’s not for a lack of material. I’ve been in a state of disbelief since November 8, 2016. I’ve watched how anti-immigrant, anti-globalization, anti-internationalization rhetoric from the new administration has affected the image of our institutions of higher education—the bastions […]
mexico
Ranch of the Gathering Waters: The Other History of Beverly Hills
10/27/16 I was amazed to discover that the first owner of what is now known as Beverly Hills was a Black Woman. I had grown up in Beverly Hills during a time when a lone black man walking down the street was enough to summon the magical appearance of the B.H.P.D. Her name was María […]
Tijuana’s Youth Orchestra: Bach, Not Banda, Mahler, Not Mariachi
April, 7th 2016 I know about El Sistema and the Simón Bolivar Youth Orchestra, where Gustavo Dudamel got his training. I also know about his work with YOLA, the Youth Orchestra of LA, something Dudamel was behind creating. Both El Sistema and YOLA give inner city kids a way off the streets into the world […]
7 things to know about Mexico’s Historic Education Reforms
September 19th, 2013 The president of Mexico, Enrique Peña Nieto pictured at the promulgation of the Educational Reform ceremony in the National Palace. Earlier this month, by an overwhelming vote of 102-22, Mexico’s Senate approved the over-haul of the country’s public education system. The education reforms, proposed by Enrique Peña Nieto when he took office […]