VCU to host Latino Leadership Conference

By Lissette Linares

To prepare the Latino community and its future leaders for what is being called "The Hispanic Century" by the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Commonwealth University will host its third annual Latino Leadership Conference. The conference will focus on "Visions of the 21^st Century," the theme of this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month. It will be held Nov. 12-13 in the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

"If we look at the demographics of America, we see that the Latino community is the fastest growing community in our nation," said L. Victor Collins, director of VCU’s Office of Multicultural Affairs. "As an institution of higher learning, it’s crucial that we be supportive of an inclusive America and that we find ways to welcome diversity, to celebrate culture and to foster leadership development and achievement in our Latino students."

More than 200 college students from North Carolina to New York, as well as parents and community members, are expected to attend this year’s conference.

Topics include:

• "History, Identity and Education: The Making of Today’s Latino," a backwards glance at history, important political movements and other factors that have played key roles in the identity and current status of Latinos in the United States. The panel discussion will be led by Consuelo Navarro, Ph.D., assistant professor in VCU’s Department of Foreign Languages, and Harold Greer, Ph.D., VCU associate professor of Latin American history.

• "Latino Representation in the Media: Perpetuating Stereotypes," a workshop led by Andres Tobar, CEO and executive director of the National Association of Hispanic Publications.
• "Buen Salud: Latino Health Issues and Concerns," a workshop led by Ruth Roman, a health advocate for the National Council of La Raza.
• "The Political Agenda: A Look at Public Policy Issues and Latino Political Participation," a panel discussion led by Teresa Martinez, vice-chair for Latino outreach, Arlington County Democratic Committee; Republican Party representative (TBA); and Juan Herrera, communications director of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute.

One of America’s nationally renowned public school teachers will deliver the keynote address. Jaime Escalante was the inspiration for the 1988 feature film "Stand and Deliver." A math teacher in East Los Angeles, Escalante began a successful Calculus Advanced Placement Course, proving that large numbers of Latino students can perform college level mathematics while in high school.

The conference also will feature comedian Richard Ramirez of the SalSoul Comedy Troupe in New York, a semiformal banquet catered by Richmond’s La Siesta, and a night of dancing with La Sensual, a salsa band from Washington, D.C.

The Latino Leadership Conference is sponsored by the university’s Latino Student Alliance, Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, Center for International Programs, Activities Programming Board, and by the VCU e2 Bookstore, Plan 9, La Siesta and Access Printing.

The conference registration fee is $30. Final deadline for registration is Nov. 8. For more information or to register, call 828-3648.