In recognition of the vibrant diversity within Culver City’s school district, CCUSD is delighted to announce ¡Si Se Puede Culver City! – Celebrar La Cultura de Latino América, an exciting celebration of the rich Latinx/Hispanic culture that is woven into the very fabric of our community. CCUSD boasts a significant 37% representation of Latinx/Hispanic students across all eight campuses, and values the esteemed legacy of California’s original and longest-standing Spanish immersion program.
The free event will take place on Saturday, October 21, 1-4 pm, at Stoneview Nature Center, 5950 Stoneview Drive, Culver City, 90232
“As the first Spanish-speaking Latina elected to the school board and now serving as President, it is both my privilege and distinct honor to lead the way for our inaugural Culver City Unified School District event at this historic milestone for our district,” says CCUSD School Board President Paula Amezola. “¡Si Se Puede Culver City! is an inclusive gathering open to all schools, all families, and the entire community.
“We are also proud to announce that this celebration coincides with our 2024 recognition as the #1 most diverse district in the Los Angeles area, as designated by Niche.com. It is a testament to our collective efforts in embracing the richness of diversity that makes our district a remarkable place of learning, growth, and inclusiveness.”
¡Si Se Puede Culver City! Celebra La Cultura de Latino América, is an inaugural event hosted by CCUSD to commemorate the diverse cultures and traditions of Latin America. As the month-long tribute to Latinx/Hispanic heritage concludes, this event ushers in the Día de los Muertos holiday. At the event a community altar dedicated to loved ones and beloved community members who have passed away will be unveiled, a heartfelt tribute to the lives of those we hold dear. Members of the community are invited to contribute to this community altar and pay tribute to loved ones by submitting a photo of them by Wednesday, October 18, 2023, to [email protected]
“This is a unique opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate the memories of those who will forever live on in our hearts. We look forward to seeing you there,” says Interim CCUSD Superintendent Maria Martinez-Poulin, the second Latina to hold this position in Culver City.
In addition to the community altar, the afternoon will include performances and presentations from many Hispanic artists including Danza Divina, Herencia Mexicana, a Brazilian guitarist, art historian Dr. Cordova, and a community art project with Culver City’s Artist Laureate Katy Krantz. Participation from additional community partners includes New Earth and 9Round Kickboxing Fitness, a Latina-owned business in Culver City.
With a remarkable immigrant story, CCUSD Board President Paula Amezola rises from humble beginnings. The daughter of hardworking farmworkers in California’s San Joaquin Valley, President Amezola draws inspiration from the unstoppable spirit and leadership of labor and civil rights icon Dolores Huerta.
“It is with this profound admiration and a deep sense of purpose that I announce the first round of funding from Amazon Studios for the establishment of the inaugural Dolores Huerta Scholarship,” says President Amezola, “inspired by her legacy of unwavering dedication to the rights of farmworkers, education, and social justice.
“We are grateful to Amazon Studios for their generous donation of $5,000 to establish the Dolores Huerta College Scholarship Fund,” continues Amezola. “Five CCHS graduating Latinx seniors will be selected to each receive a $1,000 college scholarship. These scholarships are intended to help five deserving CCUSD students from the Latinx community reach for their dreams.”
The scholarship fund will be managed by the Culver City Education Foundation (CCEF). President Amezola and CCEF will continue to fundraise for this scholarship fund so it can help more Latinx students achieve their academic dreams in the coming years. Organizations, individuals, and community members who believe in the transformative power of education are invited to be a part of this meaningful initiative and contribute to the realization of the Dolores Huerta Scholarship Fund. To make a donation to Si Se Puede: https://ccef4schools.org/donate/
We encourage people to RSVP here, where more details are available. Light refreshments will be served, with Buoy LLC providing reusable plates and cups.
Parking – Limited Parking available at Stoneview Park, please hike, bike or use The Link shuttle service!
THE LINK – BALDWIN HILLS PARKLANDS SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE transports park visitors from the Metro Expo La Cienega Station to Kenneth Hahn State Recreational Area and the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. 25 cents one way. More information: https://parks.lacounty.gov/stoneview-nature-center/
