Walking Tour of the South Valley (2024 AFS Annual Meeting)

Description

Join us for breakfast and a special tour with educator, mentor, dancer, and cultural strategist Jorge García, Executive Director of the Center for Social Sustainable Systems (CESSOS) and member of AFS’ Local Organizing Committee. CESSOS is committed to developing “sustainable community-based and culturally centered events, programs, and initiatives to empower and preserve the traditions and science-based practices of local and Indigenous communities, related to land and water.” As such, you will learn first-hand about community knowledge and management of the essential acequias system in New Mexico in general, and in the South Valley in particular. 

After being picked up at the DoubleTree in downtown Albuquerque, we begin the tour by “breaking bread together” (or tortilla) at Barela’s Coffee House, an icon nestled at the intersection of El Camino Real and Route 66. Then, two minivans will transport the group to the headwaters of the acequias; followed by a visit to Sanchez Farm Open Space – a place that the community restored; then a walk to Durand Open Space to lastly, end up at the historic Gutiérrez-Hubble House History & Cultural Center.

Registration includes food, group transportation, light refreshment/water, and guided tour. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes.

About your Guide

Jorge García was born and raised in the city of San Luis Potosi, Mexico. In 1999, he obtained an undergraduate degree in sociology and in 2004, an M.A. Degree in Language Literacy, and Sociocultural Education with an emphasis on transnational networks. In 2015, he earned an MBA from the University of New Mexico (UNM) with a focus on international education. Currently, Jorge is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Chicana/o Studies at UNM. He is part of the community of Atrisco and has focused his studies, and currently uses, Mesoamerican calendars and cultural precepts to understand social, cultural, political, and economic dynamics. His main goal is to empower underprivileged students and, as such, focuses on issues related to identity, culture, and community.