By Grace Usher

Mohave Community College is offering monthly cultural immersion experiences in partnership with the AZ Humanities AZ Speaks series.

Since 2004, Mohave Community College has had a relationship with AZ Humanities and has hosted keynote speakers consistently with the aim to bring cultural expression to Mohave County.

The talks are given by speakers from across Arizona who share their expertise on an aspect of Arizona history, culture, social justice and humanities. Each talk is roughly an hour to two hours long.

“They are trying to bring events to communities, especially rural communities.They make it so cost effective so places like here and all over the state can have speakers come talk about art, music, cinema and history.” said MCC librarian, Pam Galovich.

The presentations are in partnership with the AZ Humanities program, Road Scholars. The program provides educational speakers to rural communities with affordable costs to the host.

“[MCC] thought it was important for our students, staff, faculty and community members to be a catalyst for continuing education. The Student Activities Council wanted to present speakers that were diverse in cultures, attitudes and values. Diversity is the impetus of this and the Student Activities Council wanted to celebrate that diversity,” said Lake Havasu Campus Dean, Jann Woods.

Topics of past events have ranged in content, background and expertise. Notable presentations include: African American History, Women’s History, Earth Day Conservation and Geological Artifacts of Mohave County, and Comparative World Religions.

“My all-time favorite was Tamika Sanders whose presentation was during Women’s history month. She could sing, she was a poet, she was so articulate and entertaining. Every speaker we have had so far has been very interesting,” said MCC librarian, Danita Shipman.

More than 200 community members attended the November presentation “Navajo Code Talkers”. Grace Usher/RiverScene

The most recent presentation in November discussed the Navajo Code Talkers of World War II attended by about 200. The presentation focused on the history of the Arizona Navajo Tribe members who used their native language to create an unbreakable code to communicate during World War II.

December’s presentation will celebrate the history of Western films in Arizona. “Cowpokes, Crooks, and Cactus: AZ in the Movies” will be presented by Gregory Mcnamee Dec. 13. Mcnamee is a historian, Encyclopedia Britannica contributor, and research fellow/lecturer at the University of Arizona.

The presentations are in the 600 building of Mohave Community College (large building to the left in front of main parking lot) from 5 to 6 p.m. There will be allotted time from Q&A post-presentation. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided by the Student Activities Council.

All presentations are free and open to the public. No reservations required.

Here are all the upcoming 2018-2019 Presentations:

Dec. 13, 5-6 p.m.: Gregory McNamee: Cowpokes,Crooks, and Cactus: AZ in the Movies

Jan. 24, 5-6 p.m.: Marshall Shore: Arizona Kicks on Route 66

Feb. 28, 5-6 p.m.: Mathew Goodwin: Climate and Moral Responsibility in AZ

April 4, 5-6 p.m.: Jana Bommersbach: Hellraising, Heroic, and Hidden Women of the Old West

For More Information on AZ Humanities Program: http://azhumanities.org/programs/az-speaks-2017-2019/