Edison State College Collier Campus Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
Oct 31, 2008
The Multi-Cultural Club of Edison State College, Collier Campus hosted its first Hispanic Heritage Month celebration on Thursday, October 30th. Dancers Azar Norov and Irina Kudryashova from the Modern Steps Ballroom Studio performed. Leonardo Requena sang Mexico’s traditional rancher music.
Kate Johnson read her award winning essay “The Color of Love”. In her essay, Kate tells her story of being born in Colombia and adopted by Americans. She has half-brothers who were adopted from Russia. She is part of a multi-cultural family and wouldn’t have it any other way. Kate is the winner of the EDISON STATE district-wide essay contest.
Guest speaker was Carlos Zapata, News Director and Anchor for Azteca America and D’Latinos TV. Carlos Zapata is a Colombian native who moved to Florida five years ago to be close to family. He had worked as a reporter in Ecuador, but when he settled here, he did not speak any English. Carlos delivered a powerful message to the audience. “Life is not always easy. Keep pursing your dream.”
Hispanic Heritage month is the period to recognize the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States and to celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1988 President Ronald Reagan expanded it to cover a 30 day period. September 15th was chosen as the starting day because it is the anniversary of the independence of five Latin American countries.
Attendees of this event enjoyed an array of cultural food, provided by Garibaldi Restaurant, Maria’s Restaurant, El Tapatio, and La Hispania # 1 Market Cafeteria.
Last Updated: October 31, 2008
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