This past Friday, was the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month and Sam Houston State University hosted its very first celebration.
The celebration featured guest speaker Guadalupe San Miguel, professor at the University of Houston.
San Miguel is a long-time, credited advocate for Hispanic-Americans and poorer school districts. He helped create and implement the Robin Hood Plan, a policy which helped increase opportunities in poorer school districts with the financial help from wealthier school districts.
Alongside San Miguel was Sam Houston’s Ballet Folklórico Dancers.
Folklórico dancing finds its roots in Mexican heritage. It is a combination of ballet characteristics and local cultural dancing in traditional dress.
In addition to the welcome ceremony, a number of other events are being held around campus.
Phillip Lyons will be presenting on one if the most important issues in the 2016 election cycle with “Myths about Immigration”.
While not focusing on the political aspects, the presentation will debunk many common misperceptions about immigration into the United States. The talk will be held in CHSS 110 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 5.
In Olson Auditorium on Oct. 13., Victor Fuentes will present “Cesar Chaves y La Union” from 2 to 4 p.m. The talk will center on, as the name implies, Cesar Chaves and the role he played in the American Labor Union.
Dr. Fuentes will also lead a talk at the SHSU Woodlands Center the same day. The panel on the Spanish Civil War will be from 6 to 8 p.m.
For more information about the upcoming events, contact Dr. Amanda Venta, Assistant Professor of Psychology, acv009@shsu.edu or 936-294-3426; and Dr. M. Montse Feu, Assistant Professor of Spanish Literature, mmf017@shsu.edu or 936-294-1448.