The Hispanic Student Association plans to promote unity across The University of Memphis campus during National Hispanic Heritage Month. The HSA has several events planned to encourage interest in the Hispanic culture. The HSA, through its collaboration with Latino Memphis, wants to promote diversity and community involvement in Memphis through education.
"We want to encourage students to learn about the Hispanic culture and to get rid of the negative stereotypes associated with the Hispanic culture," said Teresa Jackson, president of HSA.
Jackson said many people have preconceived notions about the Hispanic culture, which mostly are based on wrong information. HSA wants to educate people about topics such as immigration so they can learn to help out within the Hispanic community instead of having ill-feelings.
"Many people think Spanish-speaking people don't know any English or that they can only work construction jobs and don't pay taxes," said Jackson. "We want them to know that Hispanic people are educated people as well."
HSA begins its month-long celebration with motivational speaker and author, Jimmy Cabrera. Author of "What's in Your Backpack? Packing for Success in Life," Cabrera encourages students to come together as a campus. Cabrera will speak this Friday in the Rose Theatre at 6 p.m. It will be followed by a reception.
HSA is also sponsoring a Salsa Night on Sept. 19. There will be salsa lessons given to those who want them. On Oct. 3, the HSA is hosting a cultural fair with salsa band "Ritmo" performing. There will be free food, face painting, and visitors can learn about various Spanish-speaking countries.
National Hispanic Heritage month, which goes from Sept. 15 - Oct. 15, celebrates the independence of several Latin American countries from Spain. Mexico declared its independence from Spain on September 16, 1810. Chile declared its independence two days later. On Sept. 15, 1821, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua all declared independence from Spain as well.
The term Hispanic refers to the Spanish-speaking culture, not a particular race or nationality. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, more than 35 million people consider themselves as Hispanic or Latino.
The HSA currently has about 30 members, of various ethnicities, and is always looking for new members. The HSA meets on Monday at 3 p.m. in the Panhellenic Building, room 104.
