The Latino Student Union begins its annual Hispanic HeritageWeek today at Ball State.
The organizers of the week's events will offer students andfaculty a chance to learn about Latin America, the issues facingHispanics, and the food and music associated with the culture.
"Hispanics are the fastest growing minority group, thereforeit's important that students are aware of their culture," seniorLeigh Grant said.
Speaking Spanish has even become important in finding a job,Latino Student Union member Jesus Antonio Mendez said.
"Hispanics are no longer the guy next door, they are the guystanding next to you," Mendez said.
Hispanic Heritage Week events will offer a look into a varietyof Latin America cultures.
"There are numerous cultures in Latin America, and we each bringa unique aspect to the culture as a whole," Mendez said. "Eventhough there's a lot of diversity among Hispanics we all agree onthree things: family, music and dancing."
Hispanic Heritage Week events will start today in the StudentCenter Cardinal Hall A at 5 p.m., when history professor Abel Alveswill speak about the people and environment of Latin America
Alves said he will be focusing on the current situation ofmalnutrition in Argentina.
Children have been dying from malnutrition in Argentina whilethe country remains one of the world's largest food exporters,Alves said.
Students will be offered a chance to cook and taste a variety ofLatin dishes Tuesday in the Scheidler Apartment's communitybuilding. The dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m.
The week's keynote speaker will address students and facultyWednesday in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center Forum Room.
Rodney Goines, founder and CEO of Inter-Cultural Services ofHamilton County will speak about "Issues Between Hispanic, African,and Asian-American Students."
Goines is an advocate for unity and acceptance among thedifferent cultural groups. He also speaks four languages: English,Spanish, French and Creole.
In the Student Center Tally room, free salsa dancing lessonswill be given by professional instructors on Thursday from 7 p.m.to 9 p.m.
A DJ will provide music for an open dance from 9 p.m. to 11p.m.
"Dancing is an important aspect to our culture," Mendez said."Singer Cecil Cruz said that if you don't love your Latin music youdon't love your own mother."
A movie will wrap up the week's events at Pruis Hall. Beginningat 7:30 p.m., the movie "Frida," starring Salma Hayek and AlfredMolina, will be shown.
"Frida" is based on the life of Frida Kahlo, a Mexican painterwho lived from 1907 to 1954.
"This week is a wonderful opportunity to come and interact witha different culture," Mendez said.
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