Rockland Community College (RCC) will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 through October 15 with a series of events highlighting Hispanic and Latino cultures, histories and contributions. This year’s theme, Unidos, Somos Más (“Together, We Are More”), celebrates the diversity and shared experiences of Hispanic and Latino communities. RCC’s month-long celebration will feature opportunities for the campus community and the public to learn, experience and celebrate Hispanic culture. All events are open to the public and will be held on the main campus at 145 College Rd., Suffern, NY.

Presentation: Piracy in the Caribbean

• October 8, 11:00 a.m.
• Location: Academic I, Room 1106

Forget the legends and Hollywood myths and discover the multicultural world of Caribbean piracy. Professor Konstadinos Ritsatos will explore the diverse people, cultures and communities that shaped this turbulent period in Caribbean history. 

Music Across Boundaries: Irish-Brazilian Samba Fusion with Dr. Colin Harte and Band

• October 8, 7:00 p.m.
• Location: Cultural Arts Theater

Experience a lively fusion of Irish traditional music and Brazilian samba featuring musicians from both traditions.

Celebrating Culture, Heritage, and Storytelling: Unstoppable Origins #1

• October 12, 1:00 p.m.
• Location: Academic 2, Room 2325

Dr. Shamika Mitchell will discuss Unstoppable Origins #1, a comic book that draws on mythology and cultural heritage to create contemporary characters and stories. Author JayDee Rosario will join remotely to discuss the inspiration behind the work. A limited number of copies will be available in Room 1226.

Art, Memory, and Resilience: The Work of Doris Salcedo

• October 14, 11:00 a.m.
• Location: Academic I, Room 1310

Professor Eileen Macavery will explore the work of Colombian contemporary artist Doris Salcedo, whose sculpture and installations address memory, displacement, immigration, loss and belonging.

Puerto Rican Heritage: History, Identity & Contributions to the United States

• October 15, 12:30 pm
• Location: Academic II, Room 2325

Professor Sugeily Rodriguez will explore Puerto Rico’s rich cultural traditions, complex relationship with the U.S., and the many ways Puerto Rican communities have shaped American arts, civic life, labor, education, public service, and social movements.

For more information about Hispanic Heritage Month at RCC, visit RCC’s Hispanic Heritage Month webpage at https://sunyrockland.edu/media/hispanic-heritage-month/.

About Rockland Community College, State University of New York

Founded in 1959, Rockland Community College (RCC) provides students with a high-quality education that is both affordable and accessible. The College offers 35 degree and 3 certificate programs, supported by a faculty that includes Fulbright scholars and SUNY Distinguished Professors. In addition to its main campus in Suffern, RCC operates a Hospitality and Culinary Arts Center in Nyack, and its Automotive Technology Center in Orangeburg. For more information about RCC, visit sunyrockland.edu.