Olmos to speak at Student Union

Award-winning actor and community activist Edward James Olmos will speak in the University Student Union tonight.

Olmos, perhaps best known as Lt. Castillo on "Miami Vice," will give an educational lecture on bringing the community together titled," We're All in the Same Gang."

Olmos, one of Hollywood's most vocal activists, has been giving presentations to students, prisoners, juvenile delinquents, and immigrant workers. In an effort to calm down residents, he was one of the first public figures after the L.A. Riots with broom and shovel in hand to show the community that rebuliding was possible.

Olmos is also an ambassador to UNICEF, a United Nations organization that helps children. His humanitarian work has also taken him to Poland where he was an elections observer.

Recently he has been working to help people in Sothern Mexico deal with the revolutionary uprising by a para- military group.

Olmos grew up in East Los Angeles amidst gang life. He avoided falling victim to gangs by turning to sports. He later found a passion for the performing arts and attended Cal State Los Angeles while supporting his family.

Olmos is also an accomplished theater actor. In 1979 he won the Los Angeles Drama Critics Award and a Tony nomination for his portrayal of "El Pachuco" in the play, "Zoot Suit."

His movie career includes "Stand and Deliver" for which he was nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal of a high school teacher in East L.A. He also starred in "American Me," "Mi Familia," and "The Burning Season."

Tickets for Olmos' 7:30 p.m. presentation are on sale at the USU information booth.