The Juan González Farewell Talks: Reflections on 50 Years of Journalism and Social Activism
"I have been grappling now for more than 50 years — initially as an activist, then for decades as a journalist and a student of history — with the burning issue of how oppressed and marginalized people can best create and disseminate a narrative that truly reflects their lives, not just accepting the simple-minded, stereotypical and often denigrating narratives of them fashioned by those with greater power and wealth.”
Democracy Now! co-host, celebrated Latino journalist and author Juan González recently spoke at the Columbia School of Journalism in the first of three “farewell” speeches in New York before he moves to Chicago after 40+ years in New York.
In this three-part series, Juan reflects on his career, the struggle for workers and labor unions, the Young Lords, racial issues affecting Latinos, and much more.
Talk #1: Reflections on 40 Years of Fighting for Racial and Social Justice in Journalism
Juan discusses his atypical journalism career and his years as a student activist and organizer with the Young Lords.
Transcript available:
https://www.democracynow.org/2022/12/6/juan_gonzalez_reflections_on_40_years
Hosted by: the Columbia School of Journalism
Original Air Date: 1/27/23
Talk #2: Fifty Years of Defending and Chronicling America’s Workers
Juan shares his reflections on his participation and coverage of major strikes in the U.S. and Latin America, his involvement with the labor unions and other important social movements, and his role as an activist and journalist.
Transcript available:
https://www.democracynow.org/2022/12/23/juan_gonzalez_on_50_years_of
Hosted by: CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies
Original Air Date: 2/3/23
Talk #3: Latinos, Race, And Empire
Juan shares his experiences in fifty years of journalism and social activism, with special emphasis on the impact of colonialism and oppression on the Latino community in general, and Puerto Rico in particular. His reflections are compiled in the book "Harvest of Empire: A History of Latinos in America," which has just been reissued and published in Spanish.
Transcript available:
https://www.democracynow.org/2022/12/23/latinos_race_and_empire_a_talk
Hosted by: CUNY's The Graduate Center, presented with the Ph.D. Program in History and the Center for Latin American, Caribbean, and Latino Studies (CLACLS)
Original Air Date: 2/10/23
