Heritage Month Celebrates Latin Culture

The tastes, sounds, and movements of Latin cultures – and career opportunities for Hispanic students – are featured in UALR’s celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, including a salsa dance from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, at DSC Ledbetter Hall A, B, and C. A full schedule of Hispanic Heritage Month Activities includes:

• Salsa Band and dance lessons from DJ Alex; 11:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 17; Donaghey Student Center.
• Taste of Latino Food; 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2; DSC Upper Concourse.

• Hispanic Heritage Month Cooking Lessons; 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2; DSC Dining Hall.
• UALR Latino Students Reach-out to Hall High Hispanics; noon to 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5; Students from UALR will discuss with high schoolers the importance of higher education; Hall High.
• Movie: “Babel; 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8; DSC Ledbetter Hall Room C.
• Regions Bank Career Forum, connecting to underrepresented students and focusing on career goals; 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10; DSC Leadership Lounge.
• Hispanic initiative Soul Salsa Night; 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11; Donaghey Student Center’s Ledbetter Hall A, B, and C.
• “The Importance of Education in Shaping Up America’s Future Today,” Panel discussion and luncheon; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15; DSC Ledbetter Hall A and B.
• “El Regresso de Lencho” film screening and discussion with Guatemala filmmaker Mario Rosales; 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15; Student Services Center Auditorium.

The month-long celebrations kicked off on Sept. 15, the anniversary of independence for the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The month also includes the independence days of Mexico and Chile, along with Oct. 12 – Dia de la Raza and Columbus Day, when the explorer planted the Spanish flag in the New World. All events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Kara M. Brown, diversity programs coordinator in the Office of Campus Life, at 501-569-3308.