JAMESTOWN – A Community Conversation involving migration and inclusion of the Hispanic community in Jamestown will be taking place this weekend at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts.
The free event, which is being funded by the New York State Council for the Humanities and coordinated by the city of Jamestown’s Cultural Bridges Action Team, will take place Saturday from 5 to 6 p.m. inside the Reg.
In light of the current economic crisis in Puerto Rico and the growing population of Puerto Ricans in Jamestown, this public discussion will address issues related to migration, inclusion, and the complex relationship between the U.S. and its Territory.
the topics that will be focused on include What are the larger economic and political forces that fuel this migration, What led to previous waves of migration, and how might the Jamestown community become more welcoming to newcomers.
Panelists for the forum will include Nelson Denis – a former New York State Assemblyman. Indo Quiñones – an Outreach & Engagement Specialist/Technical Assistant at Evergreen Health Services. And Peter Lombardi – a Jamestown native, city planner, and local author.
The event will be moderated WRFA’s Jason Sample.
This event is part of a daylong celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month including art, food tastings, and live music.
The day begins with a public “Meet the Artist” reception at 2 p.m. in the 3rd on 3rd Gallery with Pablo Shine, one of two artists featured in the exhibit “Hispanic Heritage.”
David Gonzalez will perform with Poetic License during a free show for the community on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Reg Lenna.
Also just before the forum at 4:45 p.m., the Reg Lenna will present a short video – Jamestown: The Welcoming City – examining the lives of local Hispanic citizens and their experiences in Jamestown.
The 5 p.m. forum will immediately be followed by a Latino Food Fiesta hosted by CHQ Foods, starting at about 6 p.m. A cash bar will be open to offset costs for the evening.
Also starting at 6 p.m. – four Videoworks students from Jamestown High School will be available to record any local residents who would like to tell share their story.
The evening will end with a free concert at 7:30 p.m. by David Gonzalez with the band, Poetic License.
All events are free and family-friendly.
Hispanic Heritage events are made possible by support from New York State Council on the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities and New York Council for the Humanities.
For more information, call 716.484.7070 or visit reglenna.com.
I’m sorry, but why bring them to Jamestown! Every week Hispanics are in the paper for dealing drugs, or robbing covienient stores. And you hold a meeting to welcome them! Come on REALLY!