Award-Winning Actor, Community Activist Edward James Olmos Speaking at Colorado State University’s Diversity Summit

Note to Editors: A print-quality photo of Edward James Olmos as well as a more detailed bio is available on request. A question and answer session will be held at the end of the keynote address. To request an independent interview with Olmos should be submitted in writing by Tuesday, September 21 to dellrae.moellenberg@colostate.edu. Final permission for interviews will be granted by Olmos’ speaker bureau.

Colorado State University is honoring its diverse culture with a series of speakers at the 4th Annual Diversity Summit from Sept. 27-30. The summit includes a variety of events that features a keynote address by Edward James Olmos, an internationally renowned actor, producer, director and community activist.    

Olmos will speak on diversity with a presentation entitled, "We’re All In the Same Gang," at 7 p.m. Sept. 28 in the Main Ballroom of the Lory Student Center at Colorado State University. Olmos will be the Monfort-in-Residence keynote speaker.

Olmos is well known for his work in Hollywood, which has earned him an Emmy, two Golden Globes and the L.A. Drama Circle Award. He has been nominated for an Oscar, a Tony and three additional Emmy awards. He is well known for his role as Jaime Escalante in "Stand and Deliver" and for his Emmy-award-winning role as Lieutenant Martin Castillo in the popular 1980s television series "Miami Vice."  

Olmos also is celebrated for his contributions to diversity in Hollywood as a multi-talented actor, producer, director and community activist. In addition to his work on films and television, he’s well known for reaching out to the public to encourage all races to work together. He was one of the first public figures to take to the streets to help restore Los Angeles neighborhoods following the 1992 riots.

He reflects this cause in his film work, and in 1999, he launched a nationwide multimedia project called "Americanos: Latino Life in the United States," which was designed to inspire Latino pride and to build bridges among Latinos and others. The project included a five-year traveling photography exhibition organized by the Smithsonian Institution, a music CD, an HBO documentary and a book.

Olmos was honored with a Golden Globe award and nomination for an Emmy Award for his work in HBO’s The Burning Season, the story of Brazilian political activist Chico Mendes.

In addition to producing, directing and acting, Olmos also participates in many humanitarian efforts, including serving as the U.S. Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and executive director of the Lives in Hazard Educational Project, a national gang prevention program funded by the U.S. Department of Justice. He speaks to about 150 organizations a year.

For more information about the summit and for a complete schedule of events, visit www.provost.colostate.edu/diversity_summit or call (970) 491-4965.

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