For five million years the Colorado has carved some of the most majestic landscapes on the planet. It has also become the lifeline of a vast portion of North America, providing the water that sustains nearly forty million people, half a dozen major cities, and an immense agricultural empire. Because of these demands, the river is so overused and overpromised that it no longer flows to the sea or nourishes its delta. Registration required.

This talk, by Professor Natalie Mendoza, will examine the writings of Carlos E. Castañeda and George I. Sánchez to show that historical narrative was (and continues to be) a distinct characteristic of Mexican American intellectual thought, one that provided leaders with a compelling way of arguing for full citizenship and treatment as Americans.