Hispanic celebration begins series of events
Staff report
youngstown
The Youngstown State University Hispanic Heritage Celebration kicks off a monthlong series of events with an opening ceremony 12:15 p.m. Thursday, in the rotunda of the Mahoning County Courthouse, 120 Market Street.
Youngstown Mayor Charles Sammarone and Atty. Yulanda McCarty- Harris, director of the YSU Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, will make remarks.
The mayor will also present a proclamation from the city.
Keynote speaker will be Atty. Edwin Romero, senior partner with the law firm of Manchester, Bennett, Powers & Ullman and former Youngstown law director.
The celebration is coordinated by the Hispanic Heritage Celebration Planning Committee through YSU’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity with support from the YSU Center for International Studies and Programs as well as other campus organizations and local sponsors.
Co-chairwomen are Grimilda Ocasio and Gloria De Los Santos.
The theme for the 2011 celebration is “Latinos: United Through Our Diversity.”
The closing ceremony will be noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 15 in the McDonough Museum of Art on the YSU campus.
The event will feature music, dance performances, children’s activities, cultural displays, art exhibits, student recognition awards, vendor booths, informational tables, and refreshments provided by local Hispanic restaurants, which include Agave Azul, Casa Ramirez, Plaza Azteca and Fiesta Tapatia.
The event is free.
Free parking is available in the M-1 parking deck on Wick Avenue.
“We hope to allow more community members to participate in this celebration by holding two celebrations at different times in alternative locations,” McCarty-Harris said.
“The events serve to educate the broader community as well as assist the Hispanic community in celebrating their cultural heritage.”
Several other events are scheduled throughout the month.