Latinos for Progress has organized a series of programs for Hispanic Heritage Month to educate GW students about Hispanic culture and heritage while celebrating GW’s Latino student community.
A barbecue Sept. 15 kicked off the nationally recognized Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs through Oct. 15.
LFP members will participate in upcoming events to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month. The group took part in the AIDS Walk Sunday in addition to other ethnic and community service programs.
Activities for Hispanic Heritage Month are aimed at increasing unity, and cultural and political awareness among Latino students. LFP Executive Chair Eddie Lara said he has recognized a growing interest in Hispanic culture at GW this year.
“This year we are really proud of new interest in the group,” Lara said of the three-year-old LFP.
Lara said many upcoming events are designed not only for Latino students, but also for anyone interested in learning about the Latino culture.
Lara emphasized the importance of education as a unifying force on campus.
“Our events are open for anyone at the University to attend,” he said. Lara said he hopes to reduce stereotypes and enhance awareness among GW students with programs about Hispanic culture.
LFP will sponsor a speaker from the United Nations Monday who will discuss services offered to refugees from Latin America and also provide internship opportunities.
Other events include a Fiestasa Oct. 9 in the Marvin Center Ballroom. Ethnic food will be served at the dance. A $5 donation will be requested at the door. All proceeds from the event will be donated to a relief fund for victims of Hurricane Georges in the Dominican Republic.
Lara said LFP also is working on organizing a program to raise money for hurricane victims in Puerto Rico.
Hispanic Heritage Month will draw to a close with a writers’ workshop for women. Guest speakers at the conference, which runs from Oct. 15 to Oct. 17, will include Latino women writers and other women professionals writers. The conference is geared toward multicultural women writers.
The next LFP general meeting will be at 8 p.m. Tuesday in Marvin Center room 406.
