Hispanic Heritage Month will be observed at the U-M-Flint Sept. 11–Oct. 2 with a series of programs featuring a former U.S. Justice Department official, scholars, artists and musicians.

Grace Flores Hughes, one of the highest-ranking Hispanic Americans in the Reagan Administration, will speak on “The Power of Diversity in the Hispanic Culture” Oct. 2.

Hughes is former director of the U.S. Justice Department’s Community Relations Service, which assists individuals and communities in resolving disputes based on race, color or national origin, and aids immigrants and refugees.

The series, which is free and open to the public, includes:

Friday (Sept. 11), Guest lecturer Gordon Kells from Mott Community College’s Geography Department, speaking on “Pre-Conquest, Mexico and Centro America: Historical and Social Geography of Pre-Columbian Meso America,” 11 a.m., Kiva.

Sept. 15, Opening ceremony and reception “La Raza: A Salute to the Countries Forming the Hispanic World,” honoring the eight Hispanic artists whose work will be on display at several campus locations during Hispanic Heritage Month, 7–9 p.m., Ontario Room.

Sept. 18, Guest lecturer Marcial Ocasio Melendez, former U-M-Flint faculty member and now graduate program director at the University of Puerto Rico’s Department of History, will speak on “Three Mexican Port Cities: Veracruz, Acapulco, Tampico,” noon, Michigan Room D.

Sept. 22, Hispanic Educational Forum, featuring guest lecturer Richard A. Marquez, area director for the Dallas Independent School District, speaking on “Dropout Prevention: Strategies that Work in Reducing School Dropout Rates Among Hispanics,” 7–9 p.m., Kiva.

Sept. 27, “A Vignette of Hispanic Dances, Flamenco, Tango, Rancheras,” performed by the Maria del Carmen Grupo Espana of Detroit, 2–3 p.m., Flint Theater.

Oct. 2, Hispanic Heritage Month Writing Contest awards presentation and a “Gran Fiesta,” with Hughes as the keynote speaker. The program begins at 7 p.m. at the Dom Polski Hall, 3415 N. Linden Road, Flint Township. It will be followed by a dance at 9 p.m.

Joining U-M-Flint in sponsoring Hispanic Heritage Month activities are General Motors Corp., the Spanish Speaking

Information Center, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and The Flint Journal.

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