By Nicarlyle Hanchard / The Jambar
Youngstown State University welcomed Hispanic Heritage Month with an opening ceremony held at the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County on Sept. 25.
This year’s keynote speaker was David Labra, vice president of the board for ¡Hola Fest! Youngstown and Thrive Mahoning Valley. He is also a founding member of the Latin soul and funk band, “The Labra Brothers.”
Labra’s speech focused on his family’s heritage, and how it led to his participation in and perception of community.
“My father’s story, like so many of our ancestors, is one of courage, sacrifice and deep love not just for family, but for community,” Labra said. “As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month this year, I think it’s important to recognize the legacy they leave behind, but more importantly, it’s about what we choose to do with it. It is not enough to admire the torch, it’s time to carry it forward.”
Youngstown Mayor Jamael Tito Brown attended the event, alongside mayoral candidate Derrick McDowell and Ohio Democratic Rep. Lauren McNally.
Other speakers included Joy Polkabla Byers, interim vice president of Student Affairs and Dean of Students at YSU, Angelica Diaz, executive director of the Organización Cívica y Cultural Hispana Americana, Zak Kozberg, Youngstown Library chief of staff and Ana Torres, codirector and head of library services and operations at the William F. Maag Jr. Library.
Brown said that given the current state of the world, he hoped attendees will continue to build community.
“When we look out in the world, across the country, across the state, we need to take charge [and] we need to do it as a community,” Brown said. “I would like to take this opportunity as mayor to take this day and proclaim Sept. 15 – Oct. 15, 2025 as Hispanic Heritage Month. We ask that you continue to make the connection with your community.”
The month-long celebration honors Hispanic heritage, Hispanics and Latinos and their contribution to America’s development throughout the years. Several Hispanic countries also celebrate their independence during this time, including Chile, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico and Belize.
The main event for YSU this month is the Hispanic Heritage Celebration. Because of Kilcawley Center renovations, the event will take place at the John J. McDonough Museum of Art at noon Oct. 11.
For more information, there are fliers in Maag that detail the list of events planned for this month’s celebrations.
Echoing Brown’s sentiments, Labra said greater unity can be found in our differences.
“With everything that’s going on in the world, and the United States, everybody wins when we celebrate our differences,” Labra said. “It’s important that we recognize those and celebrate them because we all stand to learn from different and shared perspectives.”