Civil Rights Museum Honors Hispanic Heritage

GREENSBORO, N.C.,  — The International Civil Rights Center & Museum will observe Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of events including an afternoon celebrating Hispanic heritage, panel discussions, a Latin dance workshop and documentary films during the month of September. These events will educate individuals on the significant challenges Latino Americans face in today’s society.

Hispanic Heritage Month, a national observance celebrating the independence of five Latin American countries, begins September 15 and ends October 15. Approved by President Lyndon Johnson, the observation started as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968. President Ronald Reagan expanded the celebration into a month-long commemoration in 1988.

“It is important that the Museum’s programming encompass the full spectrum of society,” said Bamidele Demerson, executive director of the International Civil Rights Center & Museum. “Civil and human rights is not reserved for a respective group, it is for everyone.”

During the month of September, the International Civil Rights Center & Museum will be showing the film “A Class Apart.” The PBS documentary traces the story behind the 1954 landmark civil rights case, Hernandez v. Texas, which was argued before the United States Supreme Court.

A Day of Hispanic Heritage at ICRCM: Sept. 18
The Museum will host an afternoon of cultural events on Saturday, Sept. 18 beginning at 1:30 p.m. Activities will range from an introductory dance workshop, panel discussion and a Latin food tasting.

· Salsa, Bachata, Merengue! A Workshop for All Ages – 1:30 p.m.
Participants will learn and enjoy the heritage, music and movements of Latin America in a beginning level dance workshop for all ages. Competitive award-winning performing artist Anastacia Hernandez, a member of the Positive Image Performing Arts in Winston-Salem, N.C., will conduct the energetic and engaging workshop.

· Perspectives on Color, Class and Culture in Latin America – 3:00 p.m.
A special discussion exploring the complexities of human rights abuses in Latin American nations today as the notions of color, class and culture in selected societies is unraveled. Panelists include: Jorge Zeballos, international student advisor at Guilford College; Dr. Maria Amado, Assistant Professor of Sociology and Anthropology at Guilford College and Dr. Daniel Paredes, Clinical Counselor at North Carolina A&T State University.

· A Taste of Latin America – 5:00 p.m.
A sampling of authentic Mexican treats will conclude the afternoon.

The Hispanic Presence in U.S. Society: Sept. 25, 3:00 p.m.
Hispanic Heritage Month concludes with “The Hispanic Presence in U.S. Society” on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 3:00 p.m. Hispanic professionals from the Piedmont Triad area will discuss challenges facing their communities within academia and the work place. Panelists will include: Hernando Ramirez-Santos, Emmy-award winning executive editor and news director at Que Pasa Media Network; Rosario Lopez, volunteer for the N.C. Dream Team, a group of Hispanic and Asian undocumented students in the Research Triangle Park area; Dr. Darlene Rodriguez, Professor of Political Science at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.