Share: Adorned in a paper crown fastened together with packing tape, Jose Chavez took his bottle of original-flavored Ramune and Super Mario Bros. mushroom-shaped candy container and held them up high in victory. These were the rewards of conquest for Chavez, who was the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament champion. The audience of 30-odd club members, some former opponents of his, applauded. Using only Dr. Mario, Chavez played in what could only be considered a surgical fashion, breaking down contestant after contestant on his way …
How a queer, undocumented poet remains positive in a neglectful society
Share: Before formally introducing himself and delving into his presentation about his life and the opportunities for success in which he took advantage of despite being an undocumented migrant, poet Yosimar Reyes reads a poem of his entitled “Undocumented Joy.” The poem expresses Reyes’ inability to accurately remember the exact moment he crossed the border and the direct impacts of crossing the border at such a young age. The poem set the tone of the presentation, giving some insight on the source of his embracement …
Ceramics artist uses mythology to challenge stagnant gender roles
Share: “Only one drop revives stagnant water,” were the words of Jewish, transdisciplinary artist Nicki Green when asked about her latest piece. This is a recurring theme in many of Green’s ceramic pieces, which intersect aspects of trans identity and queer history with traditional Jewish ritualistic practices. Green, a ceramic artist and professor at Alfred University in New York, spoke in PCC’s very Westerbeck Hall on Monday, October 7. Green began her talk by acknowledging the anniversary of Hama’s coordinated attacks on Israeli targets and …
Filipino American heritage month kicks off with a party
Share: Two long bamboo poles rest on the floor of the Circadian room while the smell of BBQ and the sound of a Sarah Geronimo power ballad blasts on the overhead speakers. The poles are for a traditional folk dance from the Philippines called “tinikling,” where two people clap the bamboo poles together while dancers step over and in between them, weaving it all into a seamless partner dance. Miguel Bernardo, the new president of The Reunited Organization of Pilipinx Americans (TROPA) together with inter-council …
Pasadena’s art walk explores intersection of community and art
Share: The blocks between Los Robles and El Molino were filled with Pasadena residents and locals for the annual two-day Art Walk. Booths lined up showcasing different styles of art including oil painting, jewelry and handcrafted pottery from Mexico. For some attendees, this was their first Art Walk, enjoying the creative atmosphere, food and a live singer playing an acoustic guitar. One local resident shared her excitement, saying, “This is my first time. I live down the street and saw something going on, so I …
‘La Reina de HSIs’ teaches colleges how to reign with ‘servingness’
Share: Outside of PCC’s Westerbeck Hall a group of predominantly Latine staff, faculty, and students gathers. As the crowd becomes larger, event organizers encourage newcomers to scan QR codes for the nearing presentation. As they do, attendees help themselves to food and drink including conchas—traditional sweet bread rolls common in Latine households, and an emblem of the “servingness” Dr. Gina Ann Garcia teaches. A visiting professor from UC Berkeley, Garcia’s keynote address is a homage to PCC’s observation of Hispanic Heritage Month and a reflection …
‘Carried on a million prayers’: Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson brings her story to LA
Share: In the darkness of the Wilshire Ebell Theater, Ketanji Brown Jackson describes when she was sworn in—the moment that Chief Justice Roberts immediately shifted from casual conversation to solemn gravitas. “Are you prepared to take the oath?” Roberts asked her. Jackson drew a deep breath to steady herself. She looked at the two Bibles she was swearing on. One was the Jackson family Bible, an heirloom from her parents. The other was the Bible once owned by John Marshall Harlan, which has been signed …
Missed Club Rush? Here’s where to find your people
Share: There’s a good reason the quad was so crowded last week. Club Rush and University Day were both present out there. Club Rush (dubbed “Clubchella” this year) is when PCC students get to express their passion and enthusiasm for their club activities where the entire campus can see them. It’s a reminder that learning doesn’t have to be done in a classroom. College clubs are a way to get direct, practical experience without the pressure of a grade. There’s no need to wait until …
California artists paint dire picture of a planet in crisis
Share: Six artists from California are gathered on stage in a dim theater room at Pasadena City College. At the podium, art director Jeffrey B. Cain and curator Lucinda Luvaas lead the discussion of the issues facing the planet highlighted in the art. On the screen behind them is the exhibit title, “Reflections On Our Warming Planet: Part Three.” “We wanted to showcase what art can do outside of the art dialogue, how it could work with particular issues, scientists, how it could work with …
‘Jazzadena’ ensemble showcases noteworthy musical prowess
Share: In the dimly lit ambiance of the Piazza Dining Hall, a magical Wednesday evening unfolded as the Jazz Supper Club Show took center stage. The spotlight shined brightly on the hard work and dedication of the college’s jazz program, showcasing the extraordinary talents of the Vocal Jazz Combo and the sensational ensemble, Jazzadena, accompanied by the brilliant band. Under the expert guidance and direction of Professor Mary Durst, the students of the jazz programs practiced their craft for 16 weeks, devoting hours to perfecting …