Ramona Convent Cultural Studies Students Welcome Michal Dawson Connor and Jason Petty

Ramona Convent Secondary School (RCSS) was honored to welcome two talented artists that presented their work to its Cultural Studies students. In honor of Black History Month, both guest lecturers used their craft to teach the truth about history, Black culture, the struggle, and where it all fits together today.

Mr. Michal Dawson Connor has spent years working on a presentation called “The Slave Letters.” The presentation was a culmination of his research on actual slave letters that were read during the performance and captivated the audience through a historic journey. Mr. Connor also wrote many of the songs that he performed. Students were moved and shared about how grateful they were for the experience. Click here to learn more about Mr. Connor: https://www.theslaveletters.com/about

Ramona also welcomed Mr. Jason Petty, better known by his stage name Propaganda, to perform for all. He shared poems that he created and has performed over the years. Mr. Petty answered questions, and even helped students create their own poem as a class. He encouraged creativity and invited everyone in the room to participate. It was truly inspiring and the students shared about how connected they felt to him and how “cool” he was. Click here to learn more about Propaganda: https://www.prophiphop.com

Ramona’s Cultural Studies course is designed to engage both the theory and practice of cultural studies. The survey course allow for students to share a brief experience with four different cultural groups: African American, Latinx American, Asian American, and Indigenous Americans, with a focus on basic concepts that inform cultural studies such as: history, ideology, gender, law and politics, spirituality, and resistance. By studying the histories of race, ethnicity, nationality, and culture, students will cultivate respect and empathy for individuals and solidarity with groups of people locally, nationally and globally so as to foster active social engagement and community building.

The Cultural Studies class best lends itself to utilizing experts in their fields like UCLA professor Dr. Kyle Mays and the distinguished chef and alumna Jessica Luevano from the first semester. Ramona looks forward to continuing to build a rich and powerful experience for students and will to continue to bring in powerful guests to enhance the Cultural Survey experience.

Ramona Convent Secondary School, 1701 W. Ramona Rd, Alhambra, CA 91803, (626) 282-4151 or visit www.ramonaconvent.org.