International Pronouns Day: Respecting Identities, Building Inclusive Communities

October 15 marks International Pronouns Day, a time to reflect on the significance of respecting, sharing, and correctly using personal pronouns. At its core, this observance affirms the dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals while encouraging inclusive practices across classrooms, workplaces, and communities.

Why Pronouns Matter

Pronouns are a fundamental aspect of respectful communication. When misused, they can contribute to exclusion and marginalization; when affirmed, they strengthen belonging and support mental health. A Rainbow of Voices: The Experiences of Middle School LGBTQIA+ Students (via ProQuest: Publicly Available Content Databases) highlights how correct pronoun use contributes to improved emotional well-being and mental health for transgender and nonbinary youth.

Higher Education and Inclusion

On campus, pronoun awareness helps create a culture of respect and equity. Faculty, staff, and students who model inclusive language foster stronger community and better learning environments. Articles in ERIC (via EBSCOhost) and Gale OneFile: Gender Studies examine how inclusive practices contribute to student success and positive campus climate.

Explore Library Resources

The UCC Library provides access to databases where you can learn more:

• ProQuest: Publicly Available Content Databases – Research on LGBTQ+ issues and mental health, such as “What is known about gambling in lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ+) communities? A scoping review.”

• JSTOR – Cultural studies on gender and identity, including “Gender Bias in the Classroom.”

• ERIC – Education focused research, like “Modelling Inclusive Education. The Didactic Model for Inclusive Teaching and Learning as a Heuristic for Inclusion Research and Teacher Education.”

• Gale OneFile: Gender Studies – Social and policy perspectives, for example “Indigenous social exclusion: insights and challenges for the concept of social inclusion.”

• EBSCO Discovery Service – Links you to reviews and scholarly commentaries, such as Gender: Your Guide: A Gender-Friendly Primer on What to Know, What to Say, and What to Do in the New Gender Culture by Lee Airton, a scholarly cited work that offers practical insight into navigating pronouns and gender-inclusive communication in everyday life.

Moving Forward

International Pronouns Day is more than symbolic; it’s an invitation to reflect on how language shapes experience. Small acts, like asking and sharing pronouns, contribute to a more welcoming and affirming community.

From Cover to Cultura

Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15) is a time to recognize the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities in the U.S. At the UCC Library, we are proud to support this celebration by offering resources that highlight the depth and diversity of Latinx voices.

Featured Titles:

Explore fiction, poetry, and memoirs by influential writers. Our physical and digital collections also feature scholarly and contemporary titles such as:

• The House on Mango Street, by Sandra Cisneros

•  One Hundred Years of Solitude, by Gabriel García Márquez

• Nuestra América 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who Have Shaped the United States by Sabrina Vourvoulias

• ‪The Latino Student's Guide to STEM Careers‬‎ ‬‎By Laura I. Rendón and Vijay Kanagala

Watch and Learn on Kanopy

• Latino Americans: A landmark documentary series chronicling over 500 years of Latinx history in the U.S.

• Dolores: A compelling portrait of civil rights leader Dolores Huerta

Dig Deeper with Databases:

Leverage the library’s academic databases such as Gale Diversity Studies, and ERIC to explore Latinx history in Film, social movements, and key figures in depth. These platforms provide access to peer-reviewed articles, historical documents, and multimedia resources.

We also encourage participation in local events, exhibits, and programs that celebrate Latinx culture, through music, cuisine, art, and storytelling, to build greater understanding and connection beyond the classroom.

 Celebrate the Legacy of Colegio César Chávez 

As we honor Latin contributions to education and civil rights this August, the story of Colegio César Chávez stands out as a bold example of what student led, culturally grounded learning can achieve. Founded in 1973 in Mount Angel, Oregon, it was the first and only fully accredited, independent Chicano run college in the U.S. Rooted in the values of the Chicano Movement, the college prioritized bilingual education, community empowerment, and a model where students and faculty learned as equals. 

The college was named after César Chávez, the renowned labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW) alongside Dolores Huerta. Born in 1927, Chávez dedicated his life to nonviolent activism, organizing farmworkers across the country to demand better wages, working conditions, and dignity. He believed deeply in education as a tool for liberation, making the naming of the college a fitting tribute to his vision of justice and collective empowerment.

One of its most innovative initiatives was the College Without Walls program, which allowed students to engage in self-directed, community-based learning outside the boundaries of a traditional campus. This approach affirmed that education could happen anywhere in neighborhoods, homes, workplaces, and grassroots organizations keeping students connected to their communities while pursuing academic and personal growth.

Though the college closed in 1983, its impact lives on in today’s movements for equity in education.

Now, that legacy is being celebrated through the exhibit Colegio César Chávez: The Legacy Lives On / El legado sigue vivo, on view at the Umpqua Community College Library through the end of August. More than just a history lesson, the exhibit is an invitation to imagine education rooted in culture, community, and self-determination, a vision as urgent today as it was in 1973. You can request to view items from the College grounds, and pictures that have been digitized here.

eBooks – Our collection includes a wide range of titles about César Chávez and his life including several insightful eBooks such as: César Chávez: Friend to Farm Workers, a children's book by Jeri Cipriano. This resource is a great way to teach children about César Chávez and his contributions.  The Political Spirituality of César Chávez: Crossing Religious Borders, by Luis D. Leon examines how Chávez drew from Catholicism, indigenous beliefs, and other spiritual traditions. The book reveals how this blend of faith shaped his approach to activism and social justice. The Words of César Chávez edited by Richard J. Jensen and John C. Hammerback, presents a collection of Chávez’s major speeches and writings, revealing the rhetorical power and strategies of a master communicator while offering valuable insight into the history of the farm workers' movement he led from the early 1960s until his death in 1993. To Serve the People : My Life Organizing with César Chávez and the Poor, By Leroy Chatfield with Jorge Mariscal, is a book about Leroy Chatfield and his experiences in activism and working with César Chávez. From the Jaws of Victory : The Triumph and Tragedy of César Chávez and the Farm Worker Movement by Matt Garcia is a comprehensive account of the rise and fall of the United Farm Workers, revealing how the union's groundbreaking grape boycott propelled its success while internal conflicts and César Chávez’s leadership challenges contributed to its decline.

At the UCC Library, we’re proud to support educational journeys that center equity, heritage, and history. As we honor the legacy of César Chávez and the groundbreaking work of Colegio César Chávez.

Let’s continue learning from the past and shaping a future where every student has the power to thrive. Stop on in and see the exhibit.

Step into the Past: Celebrate Renaissance Faires

Umpqua Community College is hosting a Renaissance Faire on July 19, 2025. This coincides with the College's production of Spamalot, a lovely musical based on Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The Sue Shaffer Learning Commons and Library invites you to celebrate the enchantment and educational value of Renaissance Faires, joyful gatherings that blend entertainment, history, and embrace the Riverhawk community spirit. 

Renaissance faires, often held throughout the summer and fall, celebrate the art, culture, and daily life of the Renaissance period (roughly the 14th to 17th centuries). These events invite attendees to engage with a world of historical reenactments, artisan crafts, period music, live theater, and educational demonstrations that illuminate one of the most dynamic periods in human history.

Don't forget beautiful paintings created in the Renaissance, such as the Mona Lisa (pictured above).

Whether you're donning a doublet or simply curious about life in the 1500s, the UCC Library offers a variety of resources to explore the rich tapestry of Renaissance life and learning:

Books and eBooks – Explore Fashions from that time period with Costume and Fashion Source books Elizabethan England, and The Medieval World, both by Kathy Elgin. Check out books about the Renaissance with: A Short History of the Renaissance in Northern Europe by Malcolm Vale, these works offer insight into politics, art, science, and society during the Renaissance.

Gale OneFile: Fine Arts – Access articles on Renaissance artists like Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael and Titan and how their art helped to shape the cultural rebirth of Europe by blending science, beauty, and human emotion in groundbreaking ways.

Gale OneFile: World History- Check out the thinkers of the time such as Galileo, and Machiavelli and explore how their ideas shaped the modern world.

Films on Demand – Watch engaging documentaries such as Renaissance, or Leonardo da Vinci: a two-part film series by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns and David McMahon which highlights Leonardo da Vinci's Life. 

Kanopy – Stream historical dramas and educational films like The Middle Ages around the World or The Private Life of Henry VIII, perfect for a deeper understanding of the theatrical and political world brought to life at fairs.

JSTOR – Delve into scholarly research about Renaissance festivals themselves—how they originated, what cultural purposes they serve today, and their educational potential as living history.

Renaissance faires are more than entertainment—they’re an opportunity to reflect on innovation, humanism, and the power of creativity in shaping societies. They encourage curiosity and community through playful yet profound connections to the past.

The UCC Library is here to support your journey into this fascinating historical period with curated resources and helpful guidance. We encourage you to visit a fair, explore our collections, and let history come alive.

Huzzah and happy exploring!

Celebrate Independence Day

Umpqua Community College and the Sue Shaffer Learning Commons and Library will be closed on Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

The Fourth of July commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, marking the birth of the United States as a sovereign nation. It’s a time to reflect on the values of liberty, democracy, and unity, while also engaging in thoughtful conversations about the ongoing work of shaping a more equitable and inclusive society.

The UCC Library invites you to explore the founding, evolution, and complexities of American democracy through a variety of digital resources. Whether you're researching historical events or examining modern civic issues, we offer access to a rich array of scholarly and streaming materials:

Books and eBooks – Discover works like 1776 by David McCullough, A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn, and Alexander Hamilton: Making of America. These books provide varied perspectives on America's founding and evolution.

ERIC (Education Resources Information Center) – Research how civic education and American history are taught in schools, and how critical thinking and historical literacy are shaped in the classroom.

Gale OneFile: U.S. History – Dive into scholarly articles and historical records about the American Revolution, the writing of the Constitution, and key figures like Thomas Jefferson and Frederick Douglass.

Films on Demand – Watch educational documentaries like American Revolution, a powerful video on dissatisfaction of the American people under British rule.

Kanopy – Stream titles such as America the Story of Us and The Constitution Did Not Create a Democracy. These films are ideal for understanding the ideals and contradictions woven into U.S. history.

Explore JSTOR – Dive into journal articles, artwork, and more, including insightful pieces like this article on Fourth of July Myths—perfect for uncovering the stories behind the celebration.

America’s founding ideals, and the tensions between them and our lived realities, are essential to being informed, engaged citizens. The UCC Library is committed to fostering a space where historical inquiry, civic awareness, and thoughtful reflection thrive.

We hope you enjoy a safe and meaningful Fourth of July!

Celebrate Disability Pride Month & Helen Keller’s Legacy

Explore These Resources:

• The Story of My Life by Helen Keller
• The Complete Guide to Creating a Special Needs Life Plan: A Comprehensive Approach Integrating Life , Resource, Financial and Legal Planning To Ensure A Brighter Future For a Person With A Disability by Hal Wright

Explore African American History and Culture

Umpqua Community College and the Sue Shaffer Learning Commons and Library are closed on June 19th.

 June 19th marks Juneteenth, a significant day in American history commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. On this day in 1865, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom. Juneteenth is a time to honor the strength, resilience, and contributions of African Americans, while also acknowledging the ongoing work toward racial equity and justice. The library invites you to engage with a variety of resources that celebrate Black voices and deepen understanding of this powerful legacy.

Our digital and physical collections highlight the richness of Black history, art, and activism. From personal narratives and historical accounts to cultural studies and documentaries, we invite you to explore the journey of Black Americans. The UCC Library is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals can learn and grow. Whether you're researching African American history or exploring social justice topics, we offer:

• Gale OneFile: U.S. History – Access scholarly resources on pivotal moments like the Civil War, behind the scenes of the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the Civil Rights Movement. Don’t miss this article on the Juneteenth Monument.

• Kanopy – Stream powerful films that tell Black stories, such as this collection from the University of Southern California Cinematic Arts. There is also this series called Roots, which is about one family's journey through slavery and wants to preserve their legacy.

• Books and eBooks: Featuring fiction, nonfiction, and poetry from Black authors and thinkers, including works like The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson and the book The Light of the World by Elizabeth Alexander. Poetry includes The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes. 

• Films on Demand – Watch educational documentaries such as Slavery and the Making of America, which traces the history of slavery and its enduring impact.

• ERIC – Explore research on African American education, equity in schools, and inclusive curriculum development.

Understanding history is key to creating a more just future. The library supports this through tools that promote critical thinking and dialogue around systemic racism, cultural identity, and activism.

A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month—a time to honor and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of AANHPI communities to the fabric of American life. From culinary delights to influential music and movies, such as Flower Drum Song, on Kanopy. AANHPI individuals have shaped our world in countless ways.

Did you know that instruments like the slide guitar and ukulele, rooted in Hawaiian culture, have influenced genres such as blues music? You can find videos on Or that AANHPI innovators contributed to the development of everyday technology like USBs and made vital advances in medicine, including the development of birth control for women?

You can also explore powerful personal stories like George Takei’s They Called Us Enemy, a graphic memoir that recounts his childhood experience in Japanese American internment camps during World War II.

Explore more about these incredible contributions through Gale OneFile: U.S. History and our library’s curated collection. Stop by to discover, learn, and celebrate!

About the Observance

Each year, on 24 March, the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims is observed.

The purpose of the Day is to:

• Honor the memory of victims of gross and systematic human rights violations and promote the importance of the right to truth and justice;
• Pay tribute to those who have devoted their lives to, and lost their lives in, the struggle to promote and protect human rights for all;
• Recognize, in particular, the important work and values of Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero, of El Salvador, who was assassinated on 24 March 1980, after denouncing violations of the human rights of the most vulnerable populations and defending the principles of protecting lives, promoting human dignity and opposition to all forms of violence.

For more on this topic from the United Nations, click here.

Want to dig even deeper? Explore articles related to human rights in our library databases. Not sure where to start? Try doing a topic search in our Discovery Service using the main search box on the library home page.

Women's Rights are Human Rights

Continue the celebration of amazing women and learn more about challenges faced, struggles won, and ceilings shattered in award-winning films available through Kanopy. 

March is Women's History Month!

National Women's History Month "is an American observance held during the month of March to recognize and celebrate women's contributions to culture, history, and society. It grew from International Women's Day , a global celebration of women's achievements celebrated each year on March 8, and the Women's History Week celebration, which was first held in Sonoma County, California, in 1978. In 1987, US Congress officially established the month of March as Women's National History Month (Harmon, 2025)". 

Learn more about Women's History Month by exploring the library databases on women such as Shirley Chisholm, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, and Marie Curie and so many more amazing women.

Watch Films with Kanopy

Check out some of the award-winning films available through Kanopy and learn more about amazing women throughout history.