WCU Hosts 11th Annual WCU Latina/o Communities Conference

WEST CHESTER >> This week, in the middle of Hispanic Heritage Month (celebrated annually Sept. 15 through Oct. 15), the Latin American and Latino/a Studies Program of West Chester University is hosting scholars and professionals at the 11th annual Latino Communities Conference. The conference takes place today from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 26, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Sykes Student Union, 110 West Rosedale Avenue.

This interdisciplinary conference critically addresses the issue of immigration and the importance of supporting and strengthening the Latina/o community in the current political, social, cultural, and economic environment and provides a creative space to enhance the understanding of Latino/a issues, contributions and cultures.

Sessions cover a broad array of topics including mental and physical health for the Latin/x population, employment and housing, community access TV programs, children’s books and theater for bilingual children – even a salsa dance workshop.

Presenters include representatives from Familias Unidas from Family Services of Chester County; Padres Latinos from the West Chester Area School District; Upper Merion Area School District; Chester County’s Casa Guanajuato and La Comunidad Hispana; plus a number of WCU and other universities’ faculty and students. In addition, Juan F. Valencia, U.S. Census Bureau, Philadelphia Regional Census Center, will provide a briefing on the 2020 census. Click here for the complete schedule.

Keynote speaker Enrique Morones will discuss “Border Realities & Immigration Today” at Thursday’s 12 p.m. lunch, after which the Latino Professionals Luncheon Group of Chester County will present their annual scholarships.

An internationally acclaimed activist and advocate for immigrant rights, Morones founded Border Angels, an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that works to prevent migrant deaths on the U.S.Mexico border. The organization advocates for humane immigration reform through direct community engagement. Morones began his humanitarian relief efforts solo in 1986 In 2006, he led a caravan of thousands of activists, protesters, and ordinary American citizens across the country in the first “Marcha Migrante,” which sparked demonstrations across the country and the “immigrant spring.” Morones has been acknowledged for his leadership in both the public and private sectors in advancing Latino culture and as a passionate advocate for human rights.

The two-day conference is open to the public with a registration fee of $15; Thursday’s keynote lunch is $10. Primary and secondary school teachers and students are free.

For online information and registration, visit https://www.wcupa.edu/ latinoconference/.

For more information, contact Miguel Ceballos (610-436-2308) or Daniela Johannes (610-436-3327).