2024 Hispanic Heritage Month
Latinos Settling in the Valley Through the Centuries: NUESTRO DESTINO
September 15-October 15
Calendar of Events
Opening Ceremony
Christopher Colon, Keynote Speaker
Thursday, September 12, 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County (Main)
305 Wick Ave, Youngstown
The event features a flag ceremony representing 22 Hispanic countries. The keynote speaker is Mr. Christopher Colon, Executive Director of Thrive Mahoning Valley and the Northeast Ohio Regional Director of Ohio Environmental Council and OEC Action Fund. He is a Youngstown native and YSU alumni. Special guests and dignitaries will be in attendance. Event sponsored by the YSU Hispanic Heritage Planning Committee, YSU Student Experience, YSU Office of Belonging, Empowerment, and Engagement, and the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County. For further information, please contact Ana Torres at amtorres02@ysu.edu or 330-941-1717.
Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Saturday, October 12, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
YSU Kilcawley Center, Chestnut Room
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. Coordinated by the YSU Hispanic Heritage Planning Committee; Student Experience; and Office of Belonging, Empowerment, and Engagement with support from the Academic Affairs Division and community organizations. Parking is available at the Wick Avenue deck for $5 (cash only). For information, call 330-941-1717 or email amtorres02@ysu.edu.
Dinner: Welcoming Immigrants in the Workforce
Friday, September 13, 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor
151 W. Wood Street, Youngstown
Join Thrive Mahoning Valley to kick off their Welcoming Week with a dinner featuring a speaker and panel discussion. The event is free. Registration is required. For information call 330-333-8294 or email info@thrivemv.org.
Noche de Cine (Movie Night) at Maag Library
Wednesday, September 18, 7:30 p.m.
YSU Maag Library, Lawn (Rain location room 406A)
Join us for an outdoor movie night on the lawn next to Maag Library! Enjoy free snacks and giveaways. Please bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. Co-sponsored by YSU Maag Library and YSU Student Activities. Questions? Call Maag Library at 330-941-3675.
Flamenco in the Park! (All Ages)
Friday, September 20, 6:00 p.m.
Austintown Township Park
6000 Kirk Rd, Austintown
JJoin us for Flamenco in the Park! a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration and live flamenco performance at Austintown Township Park. Live flamenco music and dance performance presented by ABREPASO flamenco, Northeast Ohio’s premiere flamenco music and dance company. The featured flamenco artist, Alice Blumenfeld, is the founder and artistic director of ABREPASO flamenco in Cleveland. For details visit https://plymc.bibliocommons.com/events/.
HOLA Fest Youngstown
Saturday, September 21, 12:00–9:00 p.m.
Wean Park
229 W. Front Street, Youngstown
¡Hola Fest! is Youngstown’s very own Hispanic Parade & Festival. It is a free, family-friendly event celebrating culture and community. Filled with lots of children’s activities, music, food, fashion, art, cultural displays, and dance from the heart of Hispanic / Latin America. Some of the featured performers are Tony Succar & his band (from Miami, Florida) and the Labra Brothers. All are welcome! It is happening on Saturday, September 21 at Wean Park in downtown Youngstown from 12-9pm. Sponsored by QuickMed Urgent Care. For additional information visit https://holafest.org/.
Sugar Skull Diamond Painting (Adults & Teens)
Wednesday, September 25, 5:00 p.m.
Poland Library, Large Meeting Room
311 S. Main Street, Poland
Join us at the Poland Library, as we diamond paint sugar skull coasters for Hispanic Heritage Month. All supplies will be provided for you and registration is required. For details contact Shelby at 330-744-8636 or visit https://plymc.bibliocommons.com/events/.
YHCIL Speaker Series: Stephanie Godsey
Friday, September 27, 6:00 p.m.
Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor
151 W. Wood Street, Youngstown
Stephanie Godsey, Administrative Assistant at the Mahoning Valley Historical Society, presents the Latin American Puerto Rican perspective on the demise and shutdown of the steel industry in Youngstown. For information call 330-941-1330 or email YHCIL@ysu.edu.
Art Exhibit: Mateo Blanco “My United States of America”
September 29-December 1
The Butler Institute of American Art
524 Wick Avenue, Youngstown
Free art exhibit by renowned American Colombian artist Mateo Blanco with unique renditions of the American flag using uncommon textiles and materials. Blanco is known for taking the ordinary and making it extraordinary. Born in Florida, Blanco’s formal training in fine arts began in Medellin, Colombia, where he studied under Débora Arango Pérez. His studies include goldsmithing and jewelry. He is also a talented opera performer. Original works by Mateo Blanco can be found in locations throughout the world. For information, call 234-228-8588.
14th Annual Non-Violence Parade & Rally
Sunday, October 6, 3:00 p.m.
Downtown Youngstown
Join the Kick-Off event celebrating Non-Violence Week in the State of Ohio. Open to all nonprofit organizations such as schools, youth groups, athletic teams, church groups, neighborhood watch groups as well as individuals, businesses, government officials, and politicians. The parade will start on West Wood Street and Wick Avenue and proceeds to the rally at the at the Raymond John Wean Foundation Park Amphitheater. Walk, ride in a vehicle, or create a float, and join us. Banners displaying the group name and a non-violence slogan are encouraged. Registration deadline is September 15. Questions? Contact Penny Wells at 330-207-4467 or pennywwells@sbcglobal.net.
MVHS Ohio Cultural Alliance Dinner
Monday, October 7 5:00 p.m.
O.C.C.H.A. Social Hall
3660 Shirley Road, Youngstown
Mahoning Valley Cultural Alliance continues its “Stories of Mahoning Valley Immigrants” series with a program on Hispanic migration to the area. Dr. Consuelo Mendez, a physician born in Dominican Republic serving our community for over 30 years, will be the keynote speaker. Cultural entertainment provided by Argentinian Cellist Silvia Games DuBos and dance performers. The cost is $35 for Mahoning Vallery Historical Society members and $40 for non-members. The program includes dinner. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 330-743-2589. Deadline to register is September 30.
Latinas & Latinos in Ohio: A Brief History of Their Diasporic Condition
Guest Speaker: Dr. Alvaro Ramirez
Friday, October 11: Meet & Greet 4:30 p.m. / Lecture 5:30 p.m.
Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor
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. Dr. 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. Light refreshments will be served. For information call 330-941-1330 or email YHCIL@ysu.edu.
International Latino Food Festival
Sunday, October 13, 12:00–4:00 p.m.
OCCHA Social Hall
3660 Shirley Road, Youngstown
O.C.C.H.A. (Organización Cívica y Cultural Hispana Americana, Inc.) will host its 12th International Latino Food Festival on Sunday, October 13 from noon to 4:00 p.m. Experience a taste of the Hispanic cuisine through authentic food delicacies, desserts, and beverages. The festival will also feature traditional dances, music, and more. For information call 330-781-1808.
Coloring Coffee and Conversation: Hispanic Heritage
Tuesday, October 15, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
YSU Kilcawley Center, The Hub
Join us for engaging discussions on Hispanic Heritage Month and topics related to ethnicity and society. Grab some coffee and a craft, and listen to YSU students, faculty, and staff share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. This event is safe and casual for everyone. Sponsored by YSU Student Activities. For more information, email studentactivities@ysu.edu.
Crafternoons at The Cove: Papel Picado
Monday, October 21, 2:00–4:00 p.m.
YSU Kilcawley Center, The Cove (Student Activities Side)
Make beautiful cut paper designs and learn about these traditional Mexican decorative creations. Dr. Alicia Prieto, Professor from YSU Mathematics and Statistics, will explain the tradition as we work. Our creations will be used to decorate the altar for the Dia de Muertos Celebration and International Coffee Hour on Friday, November 1 in the Hub. Honor your loved ones who have passed on at Dia de Muertos Celebration by bringing photos and special objects that they treasured. Sponsored by YSU Student Activities and the YSU Hispanic Heritage Planning Committee. For more information, email studentactivities@ysu.edu.
Día De Muertos Celebration & International Coffee Hour
Friday, November 1, 3:00–5:00 p.m.
YSU Kilcawley Center, The Hub
It’s a two-for-one experience! Join us for the International Coffee Hour while celebrating Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead). 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. Sponsored by YSU Student Activities, the International Programs Office, and the Hispanic Heritage Planning Committee. For more information, email studentactivities@ysu.edu.
FIRST FRIDAYS: November
Friday, November 1, 5:00–9:00 p.m.
The Butler Institute of American Art
524 Wick Avenue, Youngstown
First Fridays Downtown Youngstown will celebrate along with the community the cultural celebrations of Día de Muertos and Diwali. Traditional foods and refreshments will be provided by El Hefe restaurant. Families will have the chance to participate in many arts-focused activities, including hands-on crafts and a scavenger hunt. There will be live performances, music, and a featured art exhibit by American Colombian Artist, Mateo Blanco. This is a free event sponsored by Youngstown Cityscape and the Butler Institute of American Art with support of Thrive Mahoning Valley, YSU International Programs Office, area cultural organizations, and educators. Visit www.firstfridaysyoungstown.org for information.
O.C.C.H.A. Annual Gala Fundraiser
Friday, November 1, 5:30–10:00 p.m.
Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Center
7440 South Ave., Youngstown
The Organización Cívica y Cultural Hispana Americana, Inc. (O.C.C.H.A.), a social service agency serving the Hispanic and Multicultural community, is celebrating 52 years of service with an adults-only fundraiser! Tickets are $65 per person. For tickets and sponsorship information call 330-781-1808.
Hispanic American Veterans Appreciation Dinner
Saturday, November 16, 5:30 p.m.
O.C.C.H.A. Social Hall
3660 Shirley Road, Youngstown
In observance of Veteran’s Day, O.C.C.H.A.’s annual Hispanic Veterans Appreciation Dinner will be held on Saturday, November 16. Cocktail Hour starts at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person (includes dinner and drink). For tickets and information contact Will Pacheco 330-755-0430 or Hector Colon 330-782-0512.
Coordinated by the YSU Hispanic Heritage Planning Committee with support from the Academic Affairs Division, YSU Student Experience, Maag Library, Office of Belonging, Empowerment, and Engagement, and community organizations.
For information, please call 330-941-1717 or email amtorres02@ysu.edu. Details at ysu.edu/hispanicheritage or scan QR code.