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College of DuPage joins local community colleges in program on civil discourse

College of DuPage, in partnership with other area community colleges, will present "iYa Es El Tiempo! Students Coming Together to Create Change," virtually via Zoom at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25.

Part of the college's Chaps Unite Against Racism initiative and aligned with Latinx Heritage Month, the event is a collaboration between College of DuPage, College of Lake County, Elgin Community College, Harper College, McHenry County College and Waubonsee Community College.

Speakers will cover the basics of engaging in civil discourse and achieving social, political and institutional change.

Artist and activist Denise Frohman will provide an artistic interpretation of activism. In addition, Elgin City Council members Tish Powell and Baldemar Lopez will share stories about their journeys and roles in making a change in the community.

While this event is free and open to the public, registration is required.

Learn more and register for this event at www.cod.edu/news/.

Frohman is an award-winning poet, writer, performer and educator whose work explores the intersections of race, gender and sexuality, and encourages communities to challenge dominant social constructs and oppression that oppose equity and unity. She has received fellowships and awards from the National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures, Leeway Foundation, Palm Beach Poetry Festival, Hispanic Choice Award, and is a former Women of the World Poetry Slam Champion. Her work has appeared in ESPNW, "The Acentos Review" and "The Adroit Journal," and her poetry has been commissioned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, ESPN, the City of Philadelphia and the Gay and Lesbian Latino Aids Education Initiative.

Powell has more than 16 years of experience in local government, including more than 9 years with the City of Elgin. She earned her bachelor's degree in government from the University of Notre Dame and a master's degree in public administration from Northern Illinois University. She has held roles in a variety of civic organizations, including board president of the College Green Homeowners Association, chairperson of the City of Elgin Sustainable City Master Plan Committee-Recycling and Waste Management Workgroup, and as a representative on the U-46 School District Citizens Advisory Council.

Lopez has 10 years of government experience and served as Assistant Chief of Staff and Legislative Counsel on the legislative affairs team of former Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn's office. He has an associate degree from Elgin Community College, a bachelor's degree in political science and government from the University of Illinois Chicago, and a law degree from the University of Denver Law School. He practices immigration and employment law and is a partner in the firm of Lopez and Sanchez. Lopez also currently serves as a member of the Vista Health Clinic Advisory Board and Farmworker Landscaper Advocacy Project Board.

COD's Chaps Unite Against Racism is a key initiative designed to provide a platform for meaningful conversations and impactful action, featuring a web platform incorporating social media, videos, photos and virtual forums as well as a blog highlighting personal perspectives on race and diversity.

Learn more about Chaps Unite Against Racism at www.cod.edu/about/chaps-unite-against-racism/.

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