NNMC News:

ESPAÑOLA — Northern New Mexico College and the Española Valley Chamber of Commerce invite the community to a multi-day celebration of our Hispanic culture. Hispanic Heritage Week will run September 15 – 18, with events ranging from a salsa contest to a free movie screening.

“Our Hispanic community brings a rich cultural heritage, along with dreams and values that unite us as Americans,” NNMC President Hector Balderas said. “As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Week at Northern New Mexico College, we take a moment to honor the strength of our communities and the vital contributions that enrich our shared journey.”

The highlight of Hispanic Heritage week will be a showing of “Singing Our Way to Freedom” followed by a Community Fiesta & Hispanic Heritage Car Show on Thursday, Sept. 18.

“Singing Our Way to Freedom” chronicles the power of music in creating a new identity among young Chicana and Chicano students during the Civil Rights movement. As a young man in the 1970s, Ramon “Chunky” Sanchez joined the picket lines in California and became Cesar Chavez’s favorite musician. His journey is a remarkable lens on a time when young Mexican Americans became Chicanos. Chunky employed humor and honesty, inspiring folks to stand up and speak truth to power.

The Community Fiesta & Hispanic Heritage Car Show will include local vendors, music by DJ Dave and a Hispanic Heritage Car Show. NNMC President Hector Balderas, JD, CFE and Sen. Leo Jaramillo will be guest speakers for the event. Food Trucks on site will include Lazy Buffalo, LowCo Dawgs, Clarinda Sunshine Sups and Joyful Sweets.

The week of celebrations will include a Salsa Showdown and Salsa dance lesson on Monday, Sept. 15.

On Tuesday, Sep. 16, festivities include Latin music karaoke, Loteria, piñatas, and prizes.

Wednesday, Sept. 17, is focused on Constitution Day, with activities such as voter registration and a Kahoot trivia game on immigration rights. Various Student Life teams will provide music, food and prizes across these events. The community is welcome to join us for any of these activities.

Hispanic Heritage Week Schedule

• 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Sept. 15: Salsa Making Contest and Salsa Lessons in the NNMC Rotunda. Let the best homemade salsa win. Judging will be by Mike Dominguez, Head Coach, Men’s Basketball, Mandy Montoya, Head Coach, Women’s Basketball, Tilly Nichols, Española Chamber of Commerce. The winner receives an NNMC SWAG Bag
• 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Sept. 16: Games: Loteria, Pinatas, Latin Music Karaoke Contest in the NNMC Rotunda
• 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Sept. 17: Constitution Day/Voter Registration in the NNMC Rotunda
• 10–11:30 a.m., Sept. 18: Singing Our Way to Freedom Free Screening and Q&A in the Nick Salazar Center for the Arts
• 12–3 p.m., Sept. 18: Community Fiesta & Hispanic Heritage Car Show in the Joseph Montoya Administration Building Parking Lot
  • Guest Speakers:
    • 12 p.m. – President Hector Balderas, JD, CFE
    • 12:15 p.m. – Senator Leo Jaramillo
  • Music by DJ Dave
  • Local Vendors – Front Patio
  • Food Trucks: Including Lazy Buffalo, LowCo Dawgs, Clarinda Sunshine Sups, and Joyful Sweets