newsletter Fall 23 - Flipbook - Page 11
Iranian and Middle Eastern Studies Center
T
he Iranian and Middle Eastern Studies Center (IMESC) is proud to serve
and help support our campus community and the greater Sacramento
region. The past year brought many events, several of which addressed the
“Woman, Life, Freedom” movement which burgeoned in Iran in September
2022 and captivated the world. We have hosted concerts, academic
presentations, film screenings, teacher-in-service workshops, and cultural
celebrations. Many of these events brought together numerous departments
across campus as well as community members. IMESC is happy to announce
another full slate of programming in the coming year.
In particular, we’d like to highlight a collaboration with the Women’s
and Gender Studies Department and International Programs and Global
Engagement (IPGE). In November two stars of the Afghan Girls’ Robotics
Team and Sacramento State students, Somaya Faruqi and Shabnam Noorzai,
will talk about their experiences with the team, Afghan girls’ education, and
their heartbreaking departure from Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover.
We are also delighted to serve as co-sponsor and advisor on an exhibit led by
FACS faculty Jaleh Naasz, “The Seen Iranian Woman: Fashion Lens into Iranian
Politics,” which was featured in the Union Gallery in October and November.
In Spring 2024 we will host a musical performance by acclaimed composer
Saeed Farajpouri, as well as a presentation by Aram Sarkissian about the
recent conflict in Armenia and the responses among the Armenian diaspora.
We are deeply grateful to Dean Hyson and the College of SSIS, whose
continued support make this programming possible and enable IMESC to
continue serving this incredible campus.
Photos courtesy of IMESC
California Native American Day
Photos courtesy of Ethnic Studies
O
Page 11
n every fourth Friday of September, California Native American day is
held at the California State Capitol. On September 20th the California
Tribal Chairpersons’ Association hosted their 56th annual event celebrating
the theme, “Protecting Our People Through Sovereignty.” In a press release,
the planners write, “The event celebrates the culture and contributions of
California Native Americans. This time-honored tradition brings together
California Tribes, organizations, universities, and state agencies to honor and
commemorate the valuable achievements by California Native Americans,
throughout history and today.” The event was held 10:00am-2:00pm; however
over 100 Sac State volunteers participated in setting up and breaking down
tents, tables, chairs, flags, and refreshments from 7:00am-4:00pm. In addition,
they helped with serving Elders, traditional dancers and Native American
veterans, and others food and water. Our Sac State volunteers performed
whatever jobs were asked of them to make the event a success! Students,
faculty, staff, and administrators from Sac State were in attendance. For over
20 years, Native American Studies within the Department of Ethnic Studies
has been involved in the planning and recruitment of student volunteers. We
would like to sincerely thank all the folks who made this event possible!
College of SSIS Newsletter
