WHAT:

Phoenix College liberal arts instructor and director of Southwest studies, Dr. Pete Dimas will unveil Los Veteranos of World War II: A mission for social change in Central Arizona, a documentary written by him. Los Veteranos of World War II: A mission for social change in Central Arizona tells the history of Phoenix through the eyes of local Mexican-American veterans of the United States Military. The ceremonies for this premier will include the Color Guard of American Legion Post 41.

Dr. Dimas considers this as Episode 1 to an extensive video history project of this area as experienced through the Hispanic veterans from World War II to the present.

The families of some of the World War II veterans were part of the early history of Phoenix. Their story reveals the pre-war social conditions and how these veterans used their unity to challenge adverse conditions and the status quo of Phoenix during a critical time. From eliminating local discrimination in public housing, VA and FHA financed housing, educational institutions, and public facilities to creating a health clinic for their community, members of Thunderbird American Legion Post 41 were instrumental in the fight for equality. Ultimately, the story of Post 41 serves to clarify much of the mythology and history of Phoenix.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call (602) 285-7181.

WHEN:
Thursday, May 5, 2005 (7 p.m.)

WHERE:
Phoenix College - Bulpitt Auditorium

WHY:
Membership of Post 41, "an essentially all Chicano Legion Post," according to Dimas, played a critical role in challenging long established racial inequities in Phoenix. Many of the Mexican-American veterans experienced overwhelming scrutiny and discrimination; however, their conviction and cohesive unity truly shaped local history, a history told in Los Veteranos of World War II: A mission for social change in Central Arizona.

WHO:
Dr. Dimas is a professor of history in the Liberal Arts Department at Phoenix College and is also Director of Southwest Studies for the college. A life-long resident of Phoenix, Arizona, Dr. Dimas is a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, has served as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the area encompassing South Phoenix, and is a former member of the South Mountain Village Planning and Zoning Committee for the City of Phoenix. He currently serves on the state board of the Arizona Historical Society and is a board member of the Braun-Sacred Heart Center, Inc.

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