By Mick Dillon / The Jambar
Youngstown State University partnered with the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County to start Hispanic Heritage Month with an opening ceremony in the library’s conference room.
The event featured words from keynote speaker Nicole Zayas-Balaz, mental health provider at Ohio State Penitentiary, Youngstown Mayor Derrick McDowell and other community leaders.
McDowell, in his first time speaking at the event as mayor, said it’s important to recognize the diverse members of the Youngstown community who persevered through the city’s struggles.
“In a couple of days, we’ll be celebrating 49 years of the [steel] mill closures. That recognizes folks that have been here for decades,” McDowell said. “A half century ago, there were folks who came here looking for work in the mills and unfortunately found the demise of them, and so they persisted.”
Zayas-Balaz said she’s grateful for members of the local community who consistently show up to support each other.
“There’s a huge group of people [in Youngstown] that show up to so many important things and support each other, and that’s what we do have here,” Zayas-Balaz said. “Sometimes when we feel like other things are dwindling, we have opportunities for great education and great community. … I’m just really proud to be a part of this community and to be able to contribute even in a small way.”
Ana Torres, co-director of William F. Maag, Jr. Library, said the selection process for Zayas-Balaz as keynote speaker revolved around her heritage, as well as her history with the university.
“We try to highlight mainly alumni who have made significant contributions in the community. We also try to represent the various ethnic backgrounds, if you will,” Torres said.
Torres also said YSU students are encouraged to learn more about Hispanic heritage and participate in the upcoming festivities.
“It’s important to learn about the various cultures that make up the Hispanic community to better understand each other,” Torres said. “It’s not only to preserve the cultures, but it’s also to learn about the contributions of the diverse fabric of the Hispanic community in our Valley and nationwide.”
Hispanic Heritage Month stretches from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, and the City of Youngstown has events planned for the month-long celebration.
One event is the Oct. 10 celebration at Penguin City Brewing Co., which Torres said will host live entertainment for attendees.
“We’re partnering with [Penguin City] and there will be music, live entertainment — there will be food vendors and dancers, cultural performances, and it’s open and free to the community and students as well,” Torres said.
Students interested in upcoming festivities for Hispanic Heritage Month can find the full calendar on the YSU website.
