This page is no longer being updated and remains online for informational and historical purposes only. The information is accurate as of the last page update.
For questions about page contents, contact the Communications Division.
Lafayette will celebrate its second annual Hispanic Heritage Month with the theme of “Poder, Unidad y Diversidad: Power, Unity and Diversity” from Sept. 15–Oct. 16. The month will feature keynote speaker Victor Vega, associate professor of human development at Middlesex College in Edison, N.J., and an exhibition by artist Angel Suarez-Rosado, as well as many other lectures, film screenings, and other cultural events.
Honoring the achievements of Latinos and their contributions to this country, the celebration will begin this Monday with a talk on “Latino Unity” by Guillermo Lopez, director of the Casa Guadalupe community center in Allentown, at noon in Hogg Hall. In the first of a series of four brown bags featuring Lehigh Valley speakers, Lopez will provide insight into support systems within and for the Latino community and the need for Latino recognition.
The second lecture, “Principles of Santeria,” will be given Friday, Sept. 19, by artist-in-residence Ángel Suárez-Rosado, whose work is on display at Lafayette’s David E. Portlock Black Cultural Center. Suárez-Rosado will lead an examination of the practices of the Santeria religion, and will trace its roots to Africa and detail its presence in Latino America. He also will talk about his exhibition in a separate event.
The third lecture, “Latinos in the Educational System,” will be delivered Wednesday, Sept. 24, by Virginia Gonzalez, professor of counseling and coordinator of special programs at Northampton Community College in Bethlehem, Pa. Gonzalez will explore the issues that affect the decisions that Latinos make about their vocational choices and how individuals, schools, and colleges can better facilitate effective career planning for Latinos.
The last brown bag, entitled “Latinos in the Media,” on Monday, Sept. 29, will feature freelance television writer, producer, and host Tinabeth Pina, an Easton native and member of Lafayette’s class of 1993, and Jorge Quintana of Edición en Espanol, Ch. 69. Their talk will focus on a discussion of the portrayal of Latinos in the media and the structural limitations for Latino representation in the media workforce.
Pina has written and produced for Time Warner, ABC, FOX, A&E’s Biography, and the WB network, where she was part of an Emmy-winning team for VIVA!, a nationally syndicated showcase of Latinos in entertainment. She also did on-air reporting while covering the entertainment beat of New York’s Metro channel, winning the “Communicator Award,” given to the best new on-air talent. In addition, she hosted the Oxygen TV network’s music show, “Oxygen’s Daily Remix.”
Vega will speak on “Poder, Unidad y Diversidad” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, at Colton Chapel. The event is sponsored by Lafayette’s Presidential Speaker Series on Diversity. “His belief in cultural knowledge that makes the reality of the African and Latino cultures human continues to be a significant catalyst for intellectual enrichment,” according to Lafayette’s Office of Intercultural Development. “He brings with him 20 years as an educator, teacher, and mentor, and takes his knowledge to help inform both the private and public sector. Vega uses the experiences of both the African and Latino cultures in order to advance ‘emancipatory’ knowledge and development. He has used his tri-lingual abilities as tools in the study and teaching of Latino and African culture.”
Vega received his Ph.D and a master’s degree in African American Studies from Temple University, a master’s in human development from Farleigh Dickinson University, and a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University.
Key events also include a Latino Market with vendors selling wares such as artifacts and books. The “grand finale” on Thursday, Oct. 16, at the Farinon Center will be Noche de Cultura, a display showcasing Latin American countries and culture, as well as a talent show focused on Latin American customs that will include dance, spoken word, art, and music.
Hispanic Heritage Month events are open to the public and free of charge, except when indicated:
Sept. 11: Latin Dance Instruction, Merengue y Mambo. Occurs every Thursday from 7:30-9 p.m. for five weeks at a cost of $10. Location: Kirby Sports Center, Room 229. Call (610) 330-5772 for more information.
Sept. 15: Brown Bag Lecture Series: “Latino Unity” by Guillermo Lopez, director of the Casa Guadalupe community center, Allentown, Pa., noon, Interfaith Chapel at Hogg Hall.
Sept. 19: Brown Bag Lecture Series: “Principles of Santeria” by artist-in-residence Ángel Suárez-Rosado, Hogg Hall, noon, Interfaith Chapel at Hogg Hall.
Sept. 20: Trip to El Barrio in Spanish Harlem, New York. Departs from the Williams Center for the Arts at 8 a.m.
Sept. 24: Brown Bag Lecture Series: “Latinos in the Educational System” by Virginia Gonzalez, professor of counseling and coordinator of special programs at Northampton Community College, Bethlehem, Pa., noon, Oechsle Hall Room 224.
Sept. 28: Soccer Tournament at March Field, noon.
Sept. 29: Brown Bag Lecture Series: “Latinos in the Media” by freelance media producer and writer Tinabeth Pina ’93 and Jorge Quintana of Edición en Espanol, Channel 69, noon, Kirby Hall of Civil Rights, Room 104.
Oct. 2: Brown Bag Lecture and Reception: “Baba Lu-Ayé,” Ángel Suárez-Rosado, Artist-in-Residence, David A. Portlock Black Cultural Center; lecture 12:15-1 p.m., reception 5-7 p.m.
Oct. 9: Latino Market: Farinon Center Atrium, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Oct. 10-13: Movie of the Month: Frida, Limburg Theatre, Oct. 10-11, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.; Oct.12-13, 10 p.m. $2. For additional information, call (610) 330-5554.
Oct. 14: Brown bag lecture and Keynote Address: Victor Vega, Ph.D, associate professor of human development, Middlesex College, Edison, N.J., “Poder, Unidad y Diversidad.” Brown bag: Pfenning Alumni Center, Wilson Room, 12:15 – 1 p.m. Keynote: Colton Chapel, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 16: Pinata Party, Farinon Center, Marlo Room, 12:30 p.m.
Oct. 16: Noche de Cultura: Farinon Center Atrium, 8 p.m.