Syracuse University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs hosts Latino Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. From lectures to performances, luncheons, semi-formals and art exhibitions, Latino Heritage Month offers a wide range of festivities for all to enjoy.
“To enhance and expand diversity programs across campus, the Division of Student Affairs works in collaboration to present University-wide celebratory events that give students the opportunity to learn about the range of cultures on campus,” says Jossette Angelique Burgos, coordinator of mentoring and multicultural relations in the Office of Multicultural Affairs “It is against this background that the Office of Multicultural Affairs has organized an array of events in celebration of Latino Heritage Month.”
Latino Heritage Month celebrates the cultures and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean. It begins on Sept. 15 because it is the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.
One of the most highly anticipated events of the month will take place on Sept. 23 at 9 p.m. (doors open at 8:30 p.m.) in the Schine Student Center’s Goldstein Auditorium. Comedian, film and television actor Tommy Davidson, who is best known as one of the original stars of the hit television show “In Living Color,” will kick off the evening.
Following Davidson is Frankie Negron, one of the hottest young Latino singers in the industry, who is known for weaving pop, rock, gospel music and hip-hop into salsa. Negron received two Gold Albums awards for “Con Amor Se Gana” and “No Me Compares,” and nine Top 40 Hot Latin Tracks. Tickets for the event are available at the Schine Box Office for $5 for students, $10 for general admission. Alumni tickets are available through CBT X registration.
Campus and community members are encouraged to participate in the planned events of the month. A calendar of events is available at OMA, 105 Schine Student Center. Join the conversation on Facebook .For more information, contact Jossette at 443-9676 or jaburgos@syr.edu.
Latino Heritage Month is one of four heritage months that the Office of Multicultural Affairs coordinates programs for on campus. Upcoming heritage months include: Native American Heritage Month in November; Black History Month in February; and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, nationally in May, but celebrated at SU in April to include students.
