Renowned Chicana poet, essayist, novelist and author of So Far From God, Ana Castillo will be giving a reading from books banned by TUSD to Mexican American Studies students and the general public on Friday May 4th at 6:30pm at the John Valenzuela Youth Center in South Tucson.
The reading will be followed by a fundraising reception for the “Save Ethnic Studies” organization at 8:30 at 1030 N. 4th Avenue. Â Please rsvp to
Ms. Castillo offered to visit the actual classrooms in TUSD and meet the students of the dismantled MAS classes. Unfortunately, TUSD administration continued their discriminatory behavior toward MAS students by banning the media from recording Ms. Castillo’s visit, although media had been allowed access for similar author visits earlier in the year.
Ms. Castillo who was saddened by TUSD’s response said today that, “they can keep me out of the schools but as a U.S. law abiding citizen they cannot keep me out of Tucson.” In reaction, a community venue became the obvious choice for the Tucson community for all to attend. Before the actual reading Ms. Castillo will meet separately with students who were enrolled in MAS classes at 5:30pm, and discuss her writing which was a pivotal part of the program.
What: Ana Castillo Public Reading
When: Friday, May 4th, 6:30 pm
Where: John Valenzuela Youth Center, 1550 S 6th Avenue, South Tucson, AZ 85713
Fundraiser Reception
$50 donation suggested
1030 N. 4th Avenue