Hispanic National Heritage Month celebration events planned

“Latin@s Legacy: Transformando Comunidades” is this year’s theme for the 2023 Hispanic National Heritage month celebration, with a variety of events and festivals hosted within the Youngstown State University community beginning Sept. 14 through Nov. 18.

The YSU Hispanic Heritage Planning Committee, with support from the YSU Academic Affairs Division, Student Affairs Division, and the DEI Office partner together each year with the community to honor this national celebration. For more information, please contact Ana M. Torres at (330) 941-1717 or email amtorres02@ysu.edu.

For a full list of events, visit ysu.edu/hispanicheritage.

Special event highlights will include:

• Opening Ceremony 12:15 - 1:15 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 14, at the Mahoning County Courthouse, Rotunda 120 Market Street, Youngstown. The event features a flag ceremony representing 22 Hispanic countries. Special guests and dignitaries in attendance. The keynote speaker is Mirta Pacheco Arrowsmith, Puerto Rican native, Registered Nurse, YSU alumna, and recipient of the Mercy Health Foundation's Health Care Visionary Award. Event sponsored by the YSU Hispanic Heritage Planning Committee.
• Understanding the Global Diversity of Hispanic and Latin Americans Lecture 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 26, YSU Kilcawley Center, Rossi Seminar Room with speaker Dr. Michael Benitez. There will be a meet & greet opportunity prior to the lecture at 3:00 p.m. Dr. Benitez has served higher education in different capacities, including academic affairs, student affairs, diversity and inclusion, teaching, and currently serves as the Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, and Associate Professor of Multicultural Education at Metropolitan State University of Denver. For information call 330-941-3370.
• Hispanic Heritage Celebration noon - 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 14, YSU Kilcawley Center, Chestnut Room. The festival is free admission, and open to the public. It features music entertainment and dance performances and light refreshments. Parking is available at the Wick Avenue deck for $5 (cash only).
• Día De Muertos Celebration 5 - 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 1, YSU Kilcawley Center, The Cove. "Día de Muertos" (Day of the Dead) is a traditional celebration when the departed are remembered and special memories are shared. Traditional hot chocolate and “Pan de Muertos" (Bread of the Dead) will be served. The event is free and open to all. For questions and information, please contact Dr. Alicia Prieto Langarica at aprietolangarica@ysu.edu or 330-941-1549.