LatinX & Hispanic Heritage Month at Pitt will kick off next week with an exhibit, author talk and, on Sept. 16, a panel discussion about one of Pittsburgh’s favorite adopted sons, Roberto Clemente.
Each year, National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 in the U.S., by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The main activities planned at Pitt include:
“Latino Voices for the Environment,” an exhibit from Sept. 11-22 at the Frick Environmental Center, 2005 Beechwood Blvd., with photos about the environment taken by local Latino/Latinx residents. These photos are part of a research study that explores Latino culture and environmental behavior. The research team and participants will discuss the importance of this initiative from 5-7 p.m. Sept. 15. The exhibit is sponsored by the Regional Public Health Training Center; the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy; and the School of Public Health.
A Conversation with Peruvian-American Author Angela Velez, 6-8 p.m. Sept. 15, Alumni Hall, 7th floor auditorium. Hosted by the Frederick Honors College. Velez will discuss her book, "Lulu and Milagro's Search for Clarity," which was featured as the best new release on the “Today Show.”
Roberto Clemente Panel Event, 10-11 a.m. Sept. 16, Alumni Hall, 7th floor auditorium. The University of Pittsburgh and the Roberto Clemente Foundation will celebrate the legacy of Puerto Rican baseball player Roberto Clemente this in-person event. The panel discussion will feature Roberto Clemente Jr. and Luis Clemente talking about their father’s impact on and off the field. Autographs will be available following the panel discussion. 21Nation will be on-site selling Roberto Clemente Foundation memorabilia. Tickets are $21 for the event and can be purchased here. In addition to the foundation, this event is hosted by Pitt’s offices of Engagement & Community Affairs and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; and the Hispanic Latino Professional Association.
41st annual Latin American & Caribbean Festival, 2-8 p.m. Sept. 23, the first floor and patio of Posvar Hall. The event, sponsored by Pitt’s Center for Latin American Studies, will have craft and food vendors, information tables and live music and dance performances
Marketing 101 for Pittsburgh Latinx Businesses: Leveraging Press and Media, noon-1 p.m. Oct. 9 via Zoom. Join the Pitt Small Business Development Center and the University Library System for a panel discussion with Pittsburgh’s top Hispanic media companies and get advice on how to improve your marketing strategy to better reach your target customers. Learn about Pittsburgh’s Hispanic media channels and how to use digital and social media tools. Enrich your knowledge on how to build and sustain your social networks. Registration is required. Attendees will receive zoom link after registering.
For more events at Pitt, go to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion website.
In addition, the second annual Pittsburgh Hispanic Heritage Festival will be held throughout the day on Sept. 30 and will feature:
Hispanic Heritage Community Festival, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 30, Heinz History Center, Strip District. The free event will have live music performances, cultural showcases, food and beverage offerings, and a diverse array of community vendors. Pre-register here to receive a t-shirt upon entry. All attendees must pre-register or register on site. Registration is free.
Dia de Bomba y Plena: A celebration of Roberto Clemente's 3000th hit, 1-4 p.m. Sept. 30, Roberto Clemente Museum, 3339 Penn Ave., Lawrenceville. This Puerto Rican-themed open house will include live music, food (included with cost of ticket), games and other activities. Both floors of the museum and the gift shop will be open to the public. Live Bomba and Plena music, food, games, activities and workshops will be held outside in the parking lot. Tickets are $21 and can be purchased here. As a way to give back to the Puerto Rican community, the museum will also be raising funds to donate to the Puerto Rican non-profit organization, Taller Comunidad La Goyco.
Concert by Farruko, 8 p.m. Sept. 30, PPG Paints Arena. The multi-platinum artist and two-time Latin Grammy winner, who performs in the reggaeton genre, is one of the first Latino artists to headline a show at PPG Paints Arena. Tickets, $56 to $170, are available through Ticketmaster.