Rich in heritage and history, the Latino culture embodies the essence of diversity. As we learn and understand the significant impact this fascinating culture has had within the United States and beyond, our society will begin to understand the unique threads that fuse individuals from an array of backgrounds and interests together into one harmonious celebration of life. Exploring the various ethnicities that personify the Latino culture, the Latino Student Association and James Farmer Multicultural Center invite you on a journey to travel the world in order to celebrate our heritage and yours!
Kickoff Celebration
Featuring Kevin Davis and Ban Caribe
September 15| 4-6 p.m.| Ball Circle
(Rain location: Great Hall, Woodard Campus Center)
Begin the journey of exploring Latino culture through a celebration that fuses food, live entertainment, and fun. Meet members of the Latino Student Association and discover what wonderful programs are featured throughout the month.
Latino Culture in the United States
D.R.E.A.M. Act or Nightmare?
Exploring the Impact of the D.R.E.A.M. Act on the U.S. Economy and Educational System
September 19| 6 p.m.| Lee Hall, 411
Facilitated by UMW Associate Professor College of Business , Raul Chavez
Cultural Awareness Series & Latino Identities Month Keynote Speaker Bobby González
September 21| 7 p.m.| Great Hall, Woodard Campus Center
Bobby González is a nationally known multicultural motivational speaker, storyteller, and poet. Born and raised in the South Bronx, New York City, González grew up in a bicultural environment. He draws on his Native American − Taino − and Latino − Puerto Rican − roots to offer a unique repertoire of discourses, readings, and performances that celebrates his indigenous heritage.
Latino Culture in Central America and the Caribbean
Please Don’t Stop the Music: An Exploration of Latin Roots in Popular Music
September 26| 6 p.m.| Lee Hall, 411
Zumba Bash
Featuring Certified Zumba Instructor, Carlos Reyes
September 28| 6 p.m.| Great Hall, Woodard Campus Center
(Recommended for adult audiences)
Latino Culture in South America
Read Between the Lines…
Literary Seminar highlighting authors Gabriel Garcia Marquez &Mario Vargas Llosa
October 3| 6p.m.| Lee Hall, 411
Facilitated by UMW Assistant Professor of Spanish, Mariá Laura Bocaz
Taste of Latino Culture
Dinner Theatre Featuring Quique Aviles
October 5| 5-7 p.m.| Faculty/Staff Dining Room, Seacobeck Hall
Combining authentic South American cuisine and the poetic talents of Quique Aviles, participants are invited to continue their journey and celebration of Latino culture and heritage. Quique Aviles is a poet and performer whose talents address social issues. A native of El Salvador and a graduate of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Quique has been writing and performing in the United States for over 20 years. His poetry has been featured on NPR’s “Latino USA” and on subway posters through Washington’s “Metro Muse.” A 1991 recipient of the Washington, DC Mayor’s Arts Awards, he is founder and artistic director of Sol & Soul, where he continues a lifelong commitment to mentoring emerging artists and helping young people find their voice.
Latino Culture in Spain & Beyond
Is the World Going Broke?
The Economic and Cultural State of Spain
October 10| 6 p.m.| Lee Hall, 411
Feria
October 12| 4-6 p.m.| Ball Circle
(Rain location: Great Hall, Woodard Campus Center)
The Latino Identities Month cultural journey culminates with a celebration filled with an array of festivities to include live entertainment, dancing, and a fashion show provided by members of the UMW campus community.
Hello,
I am a UMW alum and I teach Spanish at a middle school in Virginia. I would like to distribute some of the materials for Latino Identities Month in my school, however I am a little confused about why you are choosing to call the celebration “Latino Identities Month” rather than the traditional “National Hispanic Heritage Month” which has been used since 1968 (originally as a week long celebration and later expanded into the month long celebration in the 1980’s). My school body is very diverse and I do not want to offend anyone – a teacher for Puerto Rico commented that he prefers Hispanic because French people are Latino since their language is based in Latin, I suppose he sees Hispanic as something more directly related to people coming from Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean islands. I am just wondering why you chose to use Latino Identities when the nationally accepted term for this celebration has been Hispanic Heritage for so long, that way if I choose to use the materials I feel safe in my decision to do so and can defend any criticism. Thanks.
Also why on this website is the Feria on the 12th from 4-6 but on another page it said it is on the 15th from 5-7?
[[ I am a little confused about why you are choosing to call the celebration “Latino Identities Month” rather than the traditional “National Hispanic Heritage Month”]]
Good question, Sylvia. I, too, and wondered the choice of wording when I received the postcard in the mail. I used to be an ESL (English as a Second Language)teacher, then I was called an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)teacher. Now, I am an ELL (English Language Learners) teacher. It’s hard to come up with a term which is all-inclusive and non-exclusive. Being politically correct is never easy.