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This content was published: October 9, 2019. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.

Crucial Conversations Series Returns with Oct. 16 discussion on strength in diversity

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portrait of man smiling

Miguel Angel Herrada

Regardless of who we are or where we live, each of us lives among a diverse and vibrant collection of people and cultures. Reflecting on our differences can help us to see ourselves and others as part of our whole ecosystem. Awareness and appreciation of the ways that we are different from each other has all kinds of positive impact in our lives, creating in us a feeling of community and inspiring respect, empathy, and solidarity. A deep understanding of diversity can be an indispensable tool for making better choices about the world we share.

This is the focus of “Recognizing the Diversity Among Us,” a conversation with Miguel Angel Herrada from 2-3:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 16 at the Event Center (Building 9), Rock Creek Campus Event Center. The event is free and open to all. Refreshments will be provided.

“Recognizing Diversity Among Us” marks the start of Portland Community College’s 2019-20 Crucial Conversations Series, which is presented by the PCC Foundation and sponsored by Oregon Humanities. Now in its second full year, “Crucial Conversations” events will also be held at the campus during the winter and spring terms.

Herrada is an ethnomusicologist who is passionate about social structures and its representations in art, music, religions, and cultures. He serves as the health equity and diversity strategist for PacificSource and is also a multi-instrumentalist who specializes in flamenco and Middle Eastern music. He uses his professional interests to help under-represented and under-served populations gain access to health services in a more appropriate and cultural way, and to build capacity and elevate interest in topics related to equity and social determinants of health. 

Through the Conversation Project, Oregon Humanities offers free programs that engage community members in thoughtful, challenging conversations about ideas critical to our daily lives and our state’s future. 

About Alfredo V. Moreno

Alfredo has served PCC's westside communities in both a community engagement and public relations capacity since September of 2018. Born in the border city of El Paso, Texas, Alfredo grew up in the timber town of Roseburg in Southern Oregon... more »