IN PERSON AT THE LEWISTON-AUBURN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Observers have noted the emergence of extremely fundamental Islamic groups such as Boko Haram, Taliban, the Islamic State among others. These groups did not suddenly appear but have a long ideological history and rationale behind them. This class explores the major thinkers that led to a divergence of Islamic ideology - both the more accommodating worldviews and the far more intolerant beliefs that have dominated much of the news since 2000.

After teaching chemistry from the time of four known elements, Chuck Parker decided upon retirement not to take up golf but to earn a master's degree in history at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, where he studied radical Islamic groups. Since graduating in 2014, Chuck has offered a series of classes in Middle Eastern history in Maine Senior Colleges.

IN PERSON AT AUBURN PUBLIC LIBRARY AND ZOOM

Everyone who registers will receive a link to ZOOM in their email on the morning of the class, and may attend either in-person or by ZOOM

African Americans have actively resisted racism and inequity in their lives and throughout Maine’s history. This presentation focuses on Black Mainers’ persistence, resilience, and resistance to oppression by exploring a few of the stories of Black Mainers who have been important parts of our communities from the Revolutionary War period through the early 20th Century.

Alex Magnaud is an educator for the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine (HHRC). She has a Bachelor’s in Educational Studies from Colgate University and a Master’s in Childhood and Special Education from the College of Saint Rose and has worked as an educator in a variety of roles and settings. In her role with the HHRC, Alex does educational programming for students, educators and community members throughout the state. 

(Thanks to the Holocaust and Human Rights Center for generously making this presentation available to us.)

IN PERSON AT AUBURN PUBLIC LIBRARY AND ZOOM 

Everyone who registers will receive a link to ZOOM in their email on the morning of the class, and may attend either in-person or by ZOOM

"Making the Invisible Visible: A Photovoice Project by Black Elders in Maine" is a storytelling project undertaken by Black Elders to challenge the  invisibility of 'aging while Black' in Maine. Leslie Hill, Project Facilitator will describe the PV process from choosing focus questions, coaching in basic photography, sharing stories about the meaning of pictures taken, to celebrating the richness of Black older adults' experiences of and contributions to life in Maine. Learn in this session about the meaning and impact of storytelling with images.    

Leslie Hill, Bates College Professor Emerita and convener of the Black Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPoC) Elders Group, led the work on this MCOA project.