This year, ACOE has organized two events to commemorate History Day weekend—A special evening with Civil Rights leaders Dolores Huerta and Cruz Reynoso on Friday March 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 9th Street, Oakland, and a History Day Competition on Saturday March 12, 12 noon-4.30 p.m., featuring Ricardo Salinas of Culture Clash at the Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak Street, Oakland.
 
Current events in the world, and those closer to home in Wisconsin, signal a time of youth uprising to question and challenge institutions. Dolores Huerta honors History Day participants with her wealth of experience representing marginalized communities seeking justice in recent history. Ms. Huerta demonstrated that with diplomacy and dialogue during difficult times, she was able to gain recognition and reach resolution on fair working rights for people. The question today is how can one take the wisdom of recent historical battles and apply the tools learned to today’s needs of justice. Cruz Reynoso, California’s first Latino Supreme Court Justice, will share the wisdom gained from his life experiences.
 
“Today, more than ever, young people see the power of their collective voice,” said Sheila Jordan, Superintendent of Alameda County Schools. “We welcome Dolores Huerta as a leader in movements for social change and are excited to have her share her wisdom and experience with student and teachers.”
 
Friday, March 11, 5:30 p.m. – A Special Evening Advancing Civility in Public Discourse
Throughout the 1960’s and 70’s, Dolores Huerta -- co-founder of the United Farm Workers -- and Cruz Reynoso of California Rural Legal Assistance -- later to become California's first Latino Supreme Court Justice -- engaged in debate and diplomatic dialogue/negotiation between union and government around farmworkers’ rights. These two trailblazers will engage in conversation about the nature of that discourse, reflect on how it has shaped subsequent developments and the current state of labor relations, and look to the future, analyzing what has changed and what challenges remain. Abby Ginzberg, producer and director of the documentary film “Cruz Reynoso: Sowing the Seeds of Justice”, will moderate. Tickets for the event are $15 /Adults & $5 /youth and can be purchased at the door.
 
Saturday, March 12, 2011, 12 noon- 4:30 p.m. – History Day Competition
Over 200 students are preparing approximately 100 projects in nine Alameda County school districts, two districts in Contra Costa County, and several private schools. Student projects include documentary films, dramatic performances, Websites, papers, and museum exhibits addressing this year's theme, "Debate and Diplomacy: Successes, Failures, Consequences."
The award ceremony will feature a performance by Ricardo Salinas of Culture Clash and include the 2nd annual presentation of the Claudette Colvin award recognizing the best student project focusing on youth challenging injustice.

About History Day:
The Kenneth E. Behring National History Day Contest makes history come alive for America's youth by engaging them in the discovery of the historic, cultural, and social experiences of the past. Through hands-on experiences and presentations, participants are better able to inform the present and shape the future. National History Day inspires children through exciting competitions and transforms teaching through project-based curriculum and instruction.

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