"–What exactly does ‘a Hispanic’ look like? Do I need to look like Juan Valdez and sell Folgers in a T.V. commercial, sift my fingers through Colombian coffee beans I picked myself, sitting on the back of my reliable mule, Conchita, next to a brokedown Chiva in an oversized sombrero,– for me to “look” Latino? or look like “a Hispanic” as you say? And what is “a Hispanic” exactly?" (Carlos Andres Gomez, Juan Valdez)
On Wednesday night, September 16, Ithaca College community members gathered in IC Square to kick off Latino Heritage Month with Carlos Andres Gomez. The audience immediately connected with the artist and were able to laugh, think, feel, connect, and learn through the power of spoken word and social justice themes. Gomez is an award-winning poet, actor, speaker, and writer from New York City that tackles issues of race, identity, machismo, and disabilities in his poetry.
Special thanks and shout outs to Poder! This organization has worked hard to plan a dynamic celebration all month long with a theme that focuses on identity. We would also like to thank our very own talented IC students who opened up for Gomez with their own original pieces. We hope that you all will continue to join us as Latino Heritage Month continues. If you would like to see the pictures from last night please visit OrgSync, the ALANA Community portal, and look under "Photos".
-RahK Lash. Assistant Director for Multicultural Affairs.
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20150917115439979