YSU announces events calendar for Hispanic Heritage Month 2024

Youngstown State University’s celebration includes cultural and educational programs at YSU and throughout the community. The events will be held throughout Hispanic Heritage Month and will follow the theme: “Latinos Settling in the Valley Through the Centuries: NUESTRO DESTINO.”

Each year YSU and the nation celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans past and present from September 15 to October 15. The YSU Hispanic Heritage Planning Committee with support from the YSU Academic Affairs Division; Student Experience; Maag Library; Office of Belonging, Empowerment and Engagement; and community organizations, partner each year to honor this national celebration.

For information regarding the events, please call 330-941-1717 or email amtorres02@ysu.edu. Find more details on each of the events at ysu.edu/hispanicheritage.

• Opening Ceremony, 12 – 1 p.m., Thursday, September 12, at the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County (Main), 305 Wick Ave, Youngstown. The keynote speaker for this event is Christopher Colon, a YSU alumnus and the executive director of Thrive Mahoning Valley and the Northeast Ohio Regional Director of Ohio Environmental Council and OEC Action Fund. The event will feature a flag ceremony representing 22 Hispanic countries. Special guests and dignitaries will be in attendance.
• Dinner: Welcoming Immigrants in the Workforce, 5 – 7 p.m., Friday, September 13, at the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor, 151 W. Wood St., Youngstown.
• Noche de Cine, or “Movie Night,” 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 18, at the YSU Maag Library Lawn. The rain location will be Room 406A. Join us for an outdoor movie night on the lawn next to Maag Library. Enjoy free snacks and giveaways while we watch the movie “Coco.” Please bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. The event is cosponsored by YSU Maag Library and YSU Student Activities. For additional information or questions, contact the Maag Library.
• “Flamenco in the Park!,” 6 p.m., Friday, September 20, at Austintown Township Park, 6000 Kirk Road, Austintown.
• HOLA Fest Youngstown, 12 – 9 p.m., Saturday, September 21 at Wean Park, 229 W. Front St., Youngstown.
• Sugar Skull Diamond Painting (Adults & Teens), 5 p.m., Wednesday, September 25, at Poland Library, Large Meeting Room, 311 S. Main St., Poland.
• YHCIL Speaker Series: Stephanie Godsey, 6 p.m., Friday, September 27 at the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor, 151 W. Wood St., Youngstown.
• Art Exhibit: Mateo Blanco “My United States of America,” available September 29-December 1, at The Butler Institute of American Art, 524 Wick Ave., Youngstown.
• 14th Annual Non-Violence Parade & Rally, 3 p.m., Sunday, October 6, in Downtown Youngstown. MVHS Ohio Cultural Alliance Dinner, 5 p.m., Monday, October 7, at the O.C.C.H.A. Social Hall, 3660 Shirley Road, Youngstown.
• Latinas & Latinos in Ohio: A Brief History of Their Diasporic Condition with guest speaker, Dr. Alvaro Ramirez. The meet and greet is at 4:30 p.m., with the lecture starting at 5:30 p.m., Friday, October 11 at the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor on 151 W. Wood Street, Youngstown. Latin American immigrants have formed part of the economic, socio-political, and cultural texture of the Ohio Valley for over a century. Their presence at times has been almost invisible as they helped to build thriving communities. Alvaro Ramirez, assistant professor in Modern Languages at Saint Mary's College of California will shed light on who these migrants are, where they come from, why they have decided to make the arduous trek north from Latin America and, most importantly, why this movement of people contributes greatly to the benefit of the United States. Sponsored by the Charles Darling Endowment.
• YSU Hispanic Heritage Celebration, 12 – 3 p.m., Saturday, October 12, at YSU Kilcawley Center, Chestnut Room. Palenque, Colombian Dance Ensemble. A festival celebration, free admission, and open to the public. The event features music entertainment and dance performances. Come and enjoy cultural displays, children’s activities, dancing, vendors, and light refreshments.
• International Latino Food Festival, 12 – 4 p.m., Sunday, October 13, at OCCHA Social Hall 3660 Shirley Road, Youngstown
• Coffee & Conversation: Hispanic Heritage, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Tuesday, October 15, at YSU Kilcawley Center, The Hub.
• Crafternoons at The Cove: Papel Picado, 2 – 4 p.m. Monday, October 21, at YSU Kilcawley Center, The Cove.
• Día De Muertos Celebration & International Coffee Hour, 3 – 5 p.m., Friday, November 1, at YSU Kilcawley Center, The Hub. It’s a two-for-one experience! Join us for the International Coffee Hour while celebrating Día de Muertos. This is a traditional Hispanic celebration when the departed are remembered and special memories are shared. Everyone is invited to partake in altares (altars) by bringing photos or things enjoyed by departed loved ones to celebrate their lives. Traditional hot chocolate and Pan de Muertos (Bread of the Dead) will be served. Meet new friends while enjoying poetry reading, dancing, and music.
• FIRST FRIDAYS: 5 – 9 p.m., Friday, November 1, at The Butler Institute of American Art, 524 Wick Avenue, Youngstown.
• O.C.C.H.A. Annual Gala Fundraiser 5:30 – 10 p.m. Friday, November 1, at Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Center 7440 South Avenue, Youngstown.
• Hispanic American Veterans Appreciation Dinner Saturday, 5:30 p.m., November 16, at the O.C.C.H.A. Social Hall, 3660 Shirley Road, Youngstown