KU News Release

Hispanic Heritage Month activities at KU include speakers, soccer, language classes

LAWRENCE — Once again, the University of Kansas is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’s theme is Nuestra Cultura Rica Contribuyendo al Futuro de América (Our Rich Culture Contributing to America’s Future).

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated Sept. 15-Oct. 15. This time period marks the anniversaries of independence for several Latin American countries, said Santos Núñez, program director for KU’s Multicultural Resource Center. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to a 30-day period.

Events at KU include speakers, Spanish language lessons, lectures and soccer. Highlights are listed below. For a complete list of events, contact the Multicultural Resource Center at (785) 864-4350.

— Soccer game Kansas City Wizards vs. the Los Angeles Galaxy, 4 p.m., Sept. 13, Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Mo. Tickets are $25, parking is $12. For more information, contact Alex Hernandez-Castro at iamalex@ku.edu

— Latin cuisine potluck dinner, 7 p.m., Sept. 16. Sponsored by Sigma Lambda Gamma. For location information contact Sonia Pantoja at pantoja.sonia@gmail.com.

— Spanish 101, 7 p.m., Sept. 17, Sabatini Multicultural Resource Center classroom.

— Mariachi Extravaganza, 7 p.m., Sept. 18, Knights of Columbus, 2206 E. 23rd St. Tickets $15. Enjoy an evening with Guadalajara’s Mariachi Juvenil de Tlaquepaque and traditional Mexican desserts to raise funds for the Centro Hispano Resource Center. For more information call (785) 843-2039.

— Fiesta Cultural: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Through Music, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 24, Swarthout Recital Hall. An evening of music from Spain and Latin America; hosted by the Department of Music and Dance.

— Fifth annual Feria Hispana, 1-6 p.m., Sept. 28, South Park, 13th and Massachusetts streets. The Feria Hispana is a celebration of Latin American cultures. Join in this family-friendly event to enjoy Latin American dance and musical performances, jalapeño-eating contest, piñatas, kids activities, parade of international dresses, best salsa contest, country displays and more. There will be Latin American food, arts and crafts for sale. Co-sponsored by Centro Hispano Resource Center and La Mexicana.

— Latino Boxing Legend Roberto Duran, 7 p.m., Oct. 9, Sabatini Multicultural Resource Center. Learn about one of the greatest Latin American boxers in history: Roberto Duran. George Kimball is a KU alumnus, winner of the Nat Fleischer Award for Excellence in Boxing Journalism and a longtime reporter for the Boston Herald. He currently writes for ESPN.com and the Irish Times.

— Brasil Guitar Duo, 2 p.m., Oct. 12, Lied Center of Kansas. Tickets are $12 for the public and $9 for students. One of the world’s preeminent guitar ensembles, the Brasil Guitar Duo has an unmatched virtuosity, expertise and musicianship well beyond their years. The group plays both the traditional music of Brazil as well as classical compositions by master composers.

Programs sponsored by Centro Hispano Resource Center; Delta Alpha Chapter, Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc.; Department of Music and Dance; Hall Center for the Humanities; Hispanic American Leadership Organization; KU Latino Council; Lied Center of Kansas; Mu Beta Chapter, Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Inc.; Multicultural Resource Center; Office of Multicultural Affairs.

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