Baylor to Host Hispanic Heritage Week Oct. 7-12

Writer, artist and cultural activist Himilce Novas will be the featured speaker during Baylor University's 10th annual Hispanic Heritage Week set for Oct. 7-12.
Sponsored by the Hispanic Student Association (HSA) at Baylor, Hispanic Heritage Week is a celebration of different Hispanic cultures, according to Becky Gazza, HSA treasurer and co-director of Hispanic Heritage Week.
"The theme is 'Recordar es vivir,' which means 'To remember is to live,' " Gazza said. "HSA is celebrating its 10th anniversary on campus and we wanted to remember the past as we look forward to our future."
In looking for a guest speaker, HSA was very impressed with Novas' accomplishments, Gazza said.
Novas has written numerous books such as Mangos, Bananas and Coconuts: A Cuban Love Story, Everything You Need to Know About Latino History, Remembering Selena/Recordando Selena and Latino Art and Culture in the United States.
Novas' family left Fidel Castro's Cuba in 1960 and settled in New York City. She is a graduate of Hunter College of New York and now resides in California, where she produces and hosts a talk radio program, The Novas Report, dealing with cultural and contemporary issues.
Novas will speak first in Chapel Forum at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 7, in Waco Hall about her escape from Cuba and the struggles Cubans face today in the United States.
On Tuesday, Novas will be a guest lecturer for the Department of Journalism speaking to a Law and Ethics class at 9:30 a.m. in Room 240 of Castellaw Communications Center and to a International Communications class at 11 a.m. in Room 252 of Castellaw.

On Tuesday, HSA will honor Novas, HSA members and faculty advisors at a banquet at 7 p.m. in the Barfield Drawing Room of the Bill Daniel Student Center. Tickets are $12 each and must be purchased by Friday, Oct. 4. Following the dinner, Novas will discuss some of her experiences and ongoing works.
On Wednesday, HSA will present a celebration of Hispanic culture, "Noche de Cultura," featuring singing, reciting and musical talents by HSA members at 7 p.m. in the Barfield Drawing Room.
A bowling and pool night will be held at 8:30 p.m. Thursday in the basement of the Bill Daniel Student Center.
To close the week, a dance will be held from 8-11:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Harrison Senior Center. The theme for the dance will be "Flashback to the 80's."
For more information call, Gazza at 755-2394.