Brooklyn College is pleased to announce its lineup of free public events to celebrate Latin culture during Hispanic Heritage Month, which began on September 15 and runs through October 15. Included in these events is an online lecture series offering unique cultural and educational perspectives called West Side Story (WSS): The Brooklyn Connection. Created by the Department of Puerto Rican and Latino Studies (PRLS) and taught by Associate Professor María Pérez y González, the project centers on the 10-time Academy Award–winning 1961 film and its connection to the forthcoming December 2021 release of a version produced by Steven Spielberg, Tony Kushner, Kristie Macosko Krieger, Kevin McConnell, and Rita Moreno. The lectures are part of a course that explores the artistic and cultural impact of West Side Story through the lenses of the humanities and social sciences, highlighting Puerto Rico’s history with the United States, immigration, ethno-racial relations, gender, gangs, language, music, character analysis, and more. Virginia Sánchez Korrol, professor emerita of PRLS and recipient of the 2020 Herbert H. Lehman Prize for Distinguished Service in New York History, served as historical consultant on the project. Below is the list of events, along with registration links. All events are free and open to the public, but registration is required. Tuesday, September 28, 12:15–2 p.m. Screening of the Documentary Making the Impossible Possible, with a follow-up discussion by the director and producer. Hosted by Puerto Rican Alliance. Co-sponsored by PRLS, Immigrant Student Success Office (ISSO), and Student Activities, Involvement, and Leadership (SAIL). Wednesday, September 29, 11 a.m.–12:15 p.m. West Side Story (WSS): The Brooklyn Connection (PRLS 2105: New York Latin@ Culture and the Arts), featuring playwright, author, and screenwriter Tony Kushner. Hosted by PRLS. Thursday, September 30, 3:40–5:10 p.m. Possible Dream Encuentro Latin American Music Recital. Co-hosted by PRLS, ISSO, Office of Diversity and Equity Programs, and We Stand Against Hate. Tuesday, October 5, 6:30–8 p.m. Screening of the Documentary Singing Our Way to Freedom, with a follow-up discussion by Professor Carolina Bank Muñoz. Hosted by I Am BC, ISSO, SAIL, Sociology Department, and PRLS. Tuesday, October 12, 12:15–2 p.m. Day of Dignity: Indigenous People’s Day Celebration Hosted by Puerto Rican Alliance. Co-sponsored by PRLS, ISSO, and SAIL. Wednesday, October 13, 11 a.m.–12:15 p.m. West Side Story (WSS): The Brooklyn Connection Schedule (PRLS 2105: New York Latin@ Culture and the Arts), featuring educator, author, and director Ernesto Acevedo Muñoz. Hosted by PRLS. This series of events was made possible by a coordinated effort from the college’s Immigrant Student Success Office (ISSO); I Am BC Committee; Student Activities, Involvement and Leadership (SAIL); Department of Puerto Rican and Latino Studies (PRLS); Department of Sociology; and Puerto Rican Alliance.
