Screening of the PBS Series: Latino Americans: The 500-Year Legacy that Shaped a Nation at Palatine Library

Palatine Library will show two episodes from the 2013 PBS documentary film Latino Americans: The 500-Year Legacy that Shaped a Nation, and host a Latino American Film Festival in April, thanks to a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the American Library Association (ALA).

The PBS documentary series: Latino Americans: The 500-Year Legacy that Shaped a Nation, chronicles the history of Latinos in the United States from the 16th century to present day. Simón Eduardo Weffer, Associate Professor of Sociology and The Center for Latino and Latin American Studies, Northern Illinois University, will provide a brief introduction before the 50-minute episodes, and a discussion afterward. Refreshments will be provided. Learn more about the series at www.pbs.org/latino-americans/en.

The following two episodes from the PBS documentary will be shown at the Main Library on Saturday, April 16: "Foreigners in their Own Land," from 10:00 a.m. - Noon, and "War and Peace," from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Learn about the turbulent history of Latinos in America, as Manifest Destiny pushed the United States into the Mexican territories and how Latino Americans in World War II experienced discrimination when returning home, giving rise to a civil rights movement and the support of a future president.

Throughout the month of April, visitors will enjoy literature, entertaining events, awarding-winning films, exhibits, and additional programs for all ages designed to celebrate Latino American culture. The award-winning Mexican Folkloric Dance Company performs at Cutting Hall in Palatine on Sunday, April 17. Four Latino American Films: Spare Parts, A Better Life, Mad Hot Ballroom, and The Longoria Affair, will be shown at various locations, with discussion afterward.

For a full schedule of events, please visit http://www.palatinelibrary.org/LA500 or call 847-358-5881, x169.

Palatine Public Library District is your destination for knowledge, entertainment, and community. The District serves approximately 90,000 residents predominantly within the communities of Palatine and Hoffman Estates.