The Main Library is host to a series of displays named “The Spotlight Series.” The displays are centered around the University of Iowa Cultural Centers and their impact on campus. The First three displays were, “Spotlight: Hispanic Heritage Month,” “Spotlight:  Honoring Native American/First Nations Poets and Novelists,” and “Spotlight: African Americans Making a Difference.”

The latest display is, “Spotlight: 70’s Activism at the UI Cultural Centers.” The display focuses on the activities of the African American, Chicano and American Indian students. At this time only the Afro American Cultural Center (established 1968) and the Latino Native American Cultural Center (formerly the Chicano Indian American Cultural House, established 1971) existed. Student organizations brought many speakers to the UI campus for discourse and dialogue. The display is a physical documentation of each cultural center’s contribution and a snapshot of how three national activist movements of the 70’s resonated with the students at the University of Iowa.

The display is located across from the Information Desk in the Main Library, near the elevator. The display is also a “living display” meaning that students can take the displayed books off the shelf and check them out. The exhibit is a learning tool and we hope that the materials displayed will generate interest in the subject. The display group consists of: Chair, Rachel Garza Carreón, Gabriel J. Duque, and Von Yeager.

 For more information on the display contact Rachel Garza Carreón at rachel-carreon@uiowa.edu.