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.

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

It is a revealing story of how these veterans used their unity to challenge leadership and the status quo of Phoenix during a critical time. From eliminating local discrimination in VA and FHA financed housing 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.

For more information, call (602) 285-7181.

WHEN:

Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2004
7 p.m.

WHERE:

Phoenix College
Bulpitt Auditorium

WHY:

Membership of Post 41, "an essentially all Chicano Legion Post," according to Dimas, played an intricate 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:

A life-long resident of Phoenix, Arizona, Dr. Pete Dimas 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 member of the Braun-Sacred Heart Center, Inc. He is also a member of the faculty at Phoenix College.

COST:

FREE

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