College Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month in Style

ECC Latinx Engagement Center Co-Chair Christine Soto

ECC President Augustine A. Boakye

National Hispanic Heritage Month artwork displayed in The Gallery

Lily Sanchez entertains with song

Students celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month

_________________________________________________________

National Hispanic Heritage Month is off to a successful start at ECC following the Tuesday, September 17 Opening Ceremony & Art Exhibition. The month-long series of activities and displays is hosted by the College’s Latinx Engagement Center.

The kickoff included the unveiling of an impressive month-long art exhibition in the College Gallery and in display cases on the 2nd Floor Forum. Also, there was a special Salsa class presented by ECC students.

“It’s important for us to recognize the Hispanic and Latino culture that our students and staff bring to our College. We are going to have an exciting month celebrating the history, culture and heritage of our Hispanic community,” said Christine Soto, a co-chair of the Center and ECC General Counsel.

The other co-chairs include ECC Chief of Staff Pavi Jalloh, Business Division Professor Jean-Wilner Alexandre, and ECC Paralegal Dominque Spagnolo. National Hispanic Heritage Month began on September 15 through October 15.

“Essex County College is proud to be a Hispanic Serving Institution. It’s important that we embrace and support one another. Only then will we see a stronger Essex County College,” stated ECC’s President, Dr. Augustine A. Boakye. “We are one people. Let’s all come together, no matter from where we come,” he added.

Other activities for the month include:

  • October 1 – Pioneers of Change Guest Speaker Series, 2:30 p.m. in Siegler Hall
  • October 9 – Fall Trivia Event, 11 a.m. in the Cafeteria Pit
  • October 10 – Latidos del Arte, a cultural celebration of Latinx Performance Art, 6 p.m. in Siegler Hall.   
  • October 15 – Closing Ceremony – 12 Noon in Room 3234 (Green Area)

The art on display, represents works inspired from the Caribbean, and throughout the Americas, said Chair of the Art Committee Judith Celestin. “The art shows the passion and commitment of people who make up a large part of our world,” said Ms. Celestin, Director of the College’s Adult Learning Center. The art was created by College students, staff and community members.   

Student who presented the Salsa class were Alexandra Felipe da Costa Santos, Samuel Nelson and Gabriela Lopez.

Program sponsors include:

  • Platinum: PSEG, and the Rotary Club of the Caldwells
  • Gold: Tylexa Enterprises, and IMAC Insurance Agency
  • Silver: Gladys’ Cleaning Service, Bruno Associates, Inc., and Wilk Construction, LLC.