During September and October, ETSU’s office of multicultural affairs will honor the contributions of Spanish-speaking people to the region’s culture by celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month.
“It’s a way to let students know that we appreciate and celebrate all the different cultures and ethnicities on campus,” said Laura Terry, director of multicultural affairs.
The events also promise to bring a little Latin flavor to students’ lives through Hispanic dance and culture.
For those wanting to add a little spice to their lives, Latin dance lessons will be ongoing for the next few weeks. Students can learn to salsa, meringue, bachata and casino rueda on Sept. 23 and 29 and Oct. 5 and 7. Lessons are free and begin at 2:30 p.m. in the Culp Center’s Left Ballroom.
And on Thursday, Oct. 6, ETSU will host the Latino Heritage Museum “Piensa Grande,” which honors Latino and Hispanic contributions to science, business, art, politics and entertainment.
“Piensa Grande” is the first museum of its kind and “consists of the most significant Hispanic memorabilia, collectibles, and rare artifacts.” The museum will be located in the Culp Center’s Right Ballroom from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The campus events are part of a congressional campaign honoring the culture, history and advancements of Hispanics. The dates fall near the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries.
National Hispanic Heritage Month officially began on Sept. 15, the date when Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua declared their independence in 1821. Additionally, Mexico sounded “el grito” (the cry for freedom) on Sept. 16, and Chile followed suit on Sept. 18, both in 1810.

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