Cornell’s Unity Dinner and Latino Weekend 2009 honor Latino heritage and culture
Cornell’s Unity Dinner and Latino Weekend 2009 honor Latino heritage and culture, Oct. 16
WHAT: The 17th Annual Unity Dinner
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 16, 2009. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Willard Straight Hall Memorial Room
WHO: Eric Rosario, the first Latino American elected to Ithaca’s Common Council and co-founder of Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County is the guest speaker.
ITHACA, N.Y. – Cornell University’s Latino Studies Program will host the 17th annual Unity Dinner on Friday, Oct. 16, to honor Latino Heritage Month and celebrate the Latino community’s vibrant culture and history. Tickets are required to attend the event.
“Latinos are among the fastest growing ethnic groups in the United States. We have a long, diverse and rich history of shaping the American landscape,” said Sofia Villenas, director of the Latino Studies Program and professor in the Department of Education and the Latino Studies Program. “The Latino Unity Dinner is about both celebrating and instilling awareness of a diverse community’s cultural and political resilience and resistance via histories of political participation, leadership, education and the creative arts.”
The evening’s speakers include Eric Rosario, the first Latino American elected to the City of Ithaca’s Common Council in 2007, representing the 2nd Ward, a vibrant and diverse community. Rosario’s detailed biography and district information are available at <http://ericrosario.org>.
The Unity Dinner’s eclectic program will feature performances by Latino students and student organizations, including a scene from the play “Desiertos” by Teatrotaller, Sabor Latino Dance Ensemble’s Cha Cha and Merengue presentations and poetry reading.
To attend the dinner, tickets must be purchased in advance at 434 Rockefeller Hall. The event is open to students and the public. For more information, contact Latino Studies Program Administrator Marti Dense at mfd1@cornell.edu, or (607) 255-3197.
As part of the Latino Weekend 2009, there are several events scheduled on campus in addition to the Unity Dinner:
• Thursday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m., Robert Purcell Community Center.
Latino Comedy Chaos Tour – From the Boogie Down to the Hill:
Laugh the night away to the antics of Latina comedian Gina Brillon in a comedy
lounge atmosphere right here on Cornell’s campus. All proceeds benefit La Asociacion Latina’s Scholarship Award. Tickets are $3.
• Friday, Oct. 16 at 10:30 p.m., Robert Purcell Community Center.
The Official Unity Dinner After-Party:
Enjoy a three-hour party with DJ Michael Luis Ristorucci. All proceeds benefit the Latino Living Center. Tickets are priced at $2 with a Unity Dinner ticket and $4 without.
Homecoming Parade hosted by Alumni Affairs:
Join a multitude of students and organizations representing Cornell at Homecoming. Breakfast and drinks will be provided at the Biotech Quad behind Teagle. The parade will begin at the Biotech Quad behind Teagle, travel across Campus Road through the alumni tailgate, go past the Greek tailgate, and then end past the Kite Hill tailgate area near the Friedman Wrestling Center. The event is free and open to all. Contact sml67@cornell.edu to sign up.
• Saturday, Oct. 17 from 2:30-4 p.m., Latino Living Center - Main Lounge.
LAL/CLAA Meet and Greet:
Join a casual meet-and-greet following the homecoming game hosted by La Asociación Latina and the Cornell Latino Alumni Association. This is your chance to meet CLAA’s Executive Board; find out what initiatives CLAA is involved in; and learn about ways to get involved with Cornell after graduation. Food and beverages will be provided at no charge. Contact sml67@cornell.edu for more information.
Contact: Sabina Lee
Phone: (212) 340-2914
Cell: (607) 227-3341
E-Mail: SSL37@cornell.edu
