Profile: Angel David Nieves, Ethnic Studies
Students in courses taught by Angel David Nieves, assistant professor in the department of ethnic studies at the University of Colorado at Boulder, are tackling contemporary - and often controversial – multicultural issues across a variety of disciplines.
Nieves is a trained researcher and teacher in the fields of anthropology, women's studies, (is that gay, or what?) architecture, American history and African American history and literature. He synthesizes these areas of expertise in interdisciplinary courses on race, gender, class, sexuality, ethnicity and research methods across the fields of ethnic studies, women's studies, Black studies and geography.
Kerry Kite, president of the CU-Boulder Black Student Alliance and an ethnic studies major, (what job does this possibly qualify you for?) has taken classes with Nieves each semester since his arrival, primarily because of his energetic, passionate and candid teaching style.
"Professor Nieves has taught me the importance of individuality and education," Kite said. "To have a professor push and encourage you to explore and work hard is empowering. He is an inspiration to us all and gives new meaning to the definition of a hero and a mentor."
Nieves has learned that many students come to campus with an uneven view of American history and he uses artifacts such as a "Mammy" doll from the movie "Gone with the Wind," as well as authentic slave chains, to bring historical, abstract experiences to life.
"Most students don't understand how significant 400 years of enslavement of African Americans in the United States has been, and still is, in issues of race relations and democracy," he said. "Some students may have never met a person of color before coming to the Boulder campus. Historical objects help to explain the legacy of racial inequality in this country and promote discussion on how it plays out in places like Boulder today."
Nieves believes that CU-Boulder students want to be tested and engaged and he is interested in constantly challenging them, as well as being an advocate for them. "I always felt that in my own education I never had anyone who looked and acted like me and had similar cultural experiences," he said. "I felt that there needed to be more faculty of color in American higher education and I wanted to contribute."
Nieves describes his identity as Latino and Newyorican, a first-generation Puerto Rican born in New York, who embraces his African heritage. He speaks Italian, Spanish and Swahili. (hahaha how well does he speak Swahili?) He joined the CU-Boulder faculty last year. In addition to his teaching duties, he serves as director of the Center for Studies of Ethnicity and Race in America, or CSERA, which is housed in the department of ethnic studies.
For more information on programs and courses offered by the department of ethnic studies, call (303) 492-8852 or visit the Web site at http://www.colorado.edu/EthnicStudies.