YSU helps celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Hispanic Heritage Month begins Thursday, and the Youngstown State University Hispanic Heritage Planning Committee, through a partnership with the Youngstown community, will have a variety of activities for the public to enjoy.

The committee, through the YSU Office of Student Diversity Programs, has celebrated the month, which runs from Thursday to Oct. 15, for 10 years and has worked with the community to organize the events.

The theme of the celebration this year is called “A Growing Connected Latino Culture.”

William Blake, director of YSU’s Student Diversity Programs, said the theme describes the way all Latino nationalities come together in Youngstown.

“This culture of the Latino community is connected to one another, whether they be from Panama, whether they be from Puerto Rico or Mexico, whatever they are connected to in our community,” he said.

Ana Torres, member of the planning committee and YSU William J. Maag Library interim director, encourages people to experience the rich and diverse Hispanic cultures this month.

Torres said Hispanic culture means a lot to the local community, and celebrating its rich, diverse history and experiences helps people understand one another.

“It’s important that we celebrate and honor [Latino culture],” she said. “Latinos are musicians. They could be your doctors, teachers, dentists, important members of our community that help shape our nation with our contributions.”

The celebration begins with the opening ceremony featuring a flag ceremony representing 22 Hispanic countries at the Mahoning County Courthouse rotunda on Market Street at 12:15 p.m. Thursday. YSU President Jim Tressel and Mayor John A. McNally will attend. Musical entertainment will be by Cristian and David Labra. Admission is free.

From noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 8, there will be a Hispanic Heritage Celebration in YSU Kilcawley Center’s Chestnut Room.

This main event, which is free, will feature music entertainment, dance performances, children’s activities, cultural displays, student awards, vendors, information tables and ethnic refreshments.

Dancing will follow to the beat of DJ Kenny Reyes. Parking is free for the first 50 guests in the M-1 Wick Avenue parking deck. For information contact Ana Torres at 330-941-1717 or amtorres02@ysu.edu.

For information for all other events, call 330-941-2087.