FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Cultural events and distinguished speakers will be showcased during the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at the University of Arkansas, which started Sept. 15. This 30-day celebration is an exciting opportunity for people to become aware of Hispanic and Latino cultures and their contemporary achievements.

This year’s celebration theme is “Many Backgrounds, Many Stories and One American Spirit.”

What began as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson became a month-long celebration, in 1988 under President Ronald Reagan. Hispanic Heritage Month runs Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. September 15 is the anniversary of the independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua and thus became the start date. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and 18, as well.

In honor of the diverse cultures that comprise the University of Arkansas, the Hispanic Heritage Month Committee is organizing a variety of programs and activities to educate, inform and entertain students, faculty and staff about the contributions of Latinos to the cultural and economic life of our state and nation. “ We want to showcase the different traditions, and cultures through cultural displays, dances, performances, and lectures,” said Cecilia Grossberger, co-chair of the Hispanic heritage month committee. “This is a great opportunity for students, faculty and staff at the University of Arkansas and the northwest Arkansas Community to come together and celebrate with us the rich and varied customs that are derived from our Hispanic traditions”.

The celebration started on Friday Sept 14 with the 1^st Annual “Bailemos por sus Sueños” “Let’s Dance for Their Dreams” a scholarship fundraising event hosted by the Latino Alumni Society and Univision Arkansas, attendees enjoyed great music by Calle Soul, Papa Rap and DJ Armando, and amazing food from Mexico and Perú. On October 10 and 11, renown author and bi-literacy advocate, Pat Mora will conduct professional development for area teachers, a family bi-literacy event at the Springdale Library and poetry reading at the University Theater. The month long celebration will close with the Second gala Latina “Albricias”, sponsored by the Latino Alumni Society and the Oficina Latina.

The Hispanic Heritage Month events are sponsored by several Latino student organizations and departments on campus; La Oficina Latina, LLAGSA, ALPFA, LULAC, The International Bolivian Organization, Office of Admissions, The Multicultural Center, International Students and Scholars, College of Engineering, Honors College, University Housing, and corporations that helps us celebrate every year like Tyson Foods Inc., Cox Communications, Univision Arkansas, El Mensajero, La Prensa Libre, and Wildheart Designs.

The following is a schedule of events for the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration:

Thursday, Sept. 20

Plaza de las Americas: Festival de las Manos Unidas
Arkansas Union-Connections Lounge and Multicultural Center
5-7 p.m.
Sponsored by Latin-American Studies, University Housing, International Students & Scholars, the Multicultural Center and HHM 2012.

Friday, Sept. 21

Tertulia
Qdoba on Dickson Street
5-6 p.m.
Practice your Spanish and have fun!
Sponsored by the Spanish Section, Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures.

Hispanic Heritage Day @ Razorback Soccer
Razorback Field
$4 adults; 17 and under free
Sponsored by Razorback Athletics.

Mexican Mariachi “Mariachi Tamazula”
Greek Theater
2-4 p.m.
Sponsored by UP Cultures & Concepts and New Student and Family Programs.

Saturday, Sept. 22

Hog Wild Tailgate
Jeannelle Y. Hembree Alumni House
Join the Latino Alumni Society and other Alumni to Cheer on the HOGS!
2½ Hours before Kick-Off
Members $15; Non-Members $20
Call Debby Abbott at 479-575-4493

Tuesday, Sept. 25

Short film: La cabina, Director: Antonio Mercero
JB Hunt 216
6 p.m.
Sponsored by: Club de cine Spanish Language Film Lecture Series, WLLC

Thursday, Sept. 27

Campus Day for High School Students
8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Sponsored by Multicultural Center, University of Arkansas, Arkansas Union, Sam M. Walton College of Business diversity programs, the vice provost’s executive advisory board, Diversity Affairs, College of Engineering, Chartwell’s, Honors College, office of admissions, Wildheart Designs and Oficina Latina.

Friday, Sept. 28

Hispanic Heritage Day @ Razorback Volleyball
Barnhill Arena
Game starts at 7 p.m.
$4 adults, 17 and under free
Sponsored by Razorback Athletics.

Saturday, Sept. 29

LULAC 754 of NWA: Annual Education Fund Gala & Silent Auction
Embassy Suites and Convention Center –Rogers
6 p.m. to midnight
Sponsored by LULAC Council 754.

Tuesday, Oct. 2

Short film: Esposados, Director: Juan Carlos Fresnadillo
J.B. Hunt 216
6 p.m.
Sponsored by: Club de cine Spanish Language Film Lecture Series, WLLC

Friday, Oct. 5

Tertulia
Qdoba on Dickson Street
5-6 p.m.
Practice your Spanish and have fun!
Sponsored by the Spanish Section, Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures.

Wednesday, Oct. 10

Praise Songs: An Evening with Pat Mora
Reception with book-signing to follow
7 p.m.
University Theater, Arkansas Union
Co-sponsored by La Oficina Latina, the Latin American and Latino studies program, the Brown Chair of Literacy, the department of English, the department of curriculum and instruction, and the Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education at the University of Arkansas.

Pat Mora Bilingual Poet and Writer
Children & Family Event
Springdale Public Library
4-6 p.m.
Sponsored by Springdale Public Library and La Oficina Latina.

Friday, Oct. 19

Albricias: A Reception Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month Sponsors and Volunteers
Hosted by the Latino Alumni Society
Alumni House
7-11 p.m.
Sponsored by the Latino Alumni Society, the Arkansas Alumni Association, the Hispanic Heritage Month Committee and La Oficina Latina.