Author Cristina Garcia to Speak at Latin Heritage Month’s Opening Ceremony

Author Cristina Garcia, a Cuban-American novelist and former political journalist, will help kick off William Paterson University’s month-long observance of Latin Heritage Month during October. Other events include a lecture and performance by Linda-Nieves Powell, a writer, director and producer, and a lecture by print and broadcast representatives from Jive Records, Hot 97 FM, icarabma.com and Bad Boy Entertainment.

October 3
A bilingual Latino Mass will be held in the Jesus Christ Prince of Peace Chapel at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will follow.

October 5
The opening ceremony for Latin Heritage Month will be held on Tuesday, October 3 in the Atrium Auditorium at 12:30 p.m. Cristina Garcia, author of the National Book Award-nominated “Dreaming in Cuban” a novelist and a former political journalist, will present a lecture on the complexities of a dual cultural identity while offering insight into the immigrant experience. A book signing will follow the lecture at 2 p.m.

October 6
The Acentos Poetry Showcase, a group of nationally recognized and emerging poets, presents “Still Living Louder,” a night of poetry and spoken word in the Student Center Restaurant at 8 p.m.

October 12
Linda Nieves-Powell, a versatile writer, director and producer, will present “Yo Soy Latina,” in the Atrium Auditorium at 12:30 p.m. Nieves-Powell will present the stories of six Latina women while addressing the stereotypes and expectations of what it is to be a woman and a Latina in America.

October 21
Print and broadcast media representatives from Jive Records, Hot 97 FM, icaramba.com and Bad Boy Entertainment will present a lecture, “Get Real,” from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in the Machuga Student Center 203-205. The event features discussions on what it’s like to work as a Latino in America and how students can develop skills and maintain a job in today’s workforce.

October 27
Comedian Pablo Francisco stars in “A Night of Comedy” at 8 p.m. in Shea Center.
For Further Information, contact: Francisco Diaz, director of campus activities and student leadership, 973-720-2271.

Latin Heritage Month is supported by: Student Government Association, Organization of Latin American Students, Student Activities Programming Board, Catholic Campus Ministry Club, Lambda Tau Omega, Lambda Theta Phi, Mu Sigma Upsilon, Lambda Theta Alpha, Lambda Sigma Upsilon, Omega Phi Chi, The Departments of Anthropology, History, Political Science, Languages and Culture, and The J. Victor Machuga Foundation/ Campus Activities and Student Leadership.

# # #

For Further Information, contact:

Mary Beth Zeman, Director, Public Relations 973-720-2966