During Hispanic Heritage Month, observed nationwide from September 15 to October 15, Conexión Américas and our sponsors celebrate the presence, contributions and rich cultural heritage of Latinos in the United States and in Tennessee.

'My Latino Roots, My American Dream' Essay Contest
Deadline to Submit Entry: September 15

Conexión Américas invites high school students in Middle Tennessee to participate in the third annual Young Latino Writers' Essay Contest. The top three winners will be recognized during our September 24th celebration. First place wins a laptop!
For contest guidelines and details, click here. 

Orgullo Hispano Award Recognizing Unsung Heroes
Deadline to Submit Nominations: September 15

Help us find three Latino adults or young people who have been persistently but quietly working to better their immediate community –neighborhood, school, workplace, nonprofit or civic organization. They will be honored during our September 24th celebration.
For nomination form and guidelines, click here.

 Latin Music USA is a documentary that takes a fresh look at the history of American music.   Beginning tonight on most PBS stations, the series shows how Latin music has influenced - and been influenced by - jazz, country, R&B, and rock.

The film, a combination of interviews and music, is narrated in English by Jimmy Smits.  A Spanish version of the series will run on V-me, on October 13 and 20.

Episode 1 focuses on Latin jazz as well as the popularity of the Mambo and Cha Cha ; episode 2 examines the evolution of salsa; the music created by Mexican-Americans in the Southwest is covered in episode 3; the final installment looks at how Latin pop today can mean anything from songs in English to rock en español.

You can see a preview here.

Photo by klem@s. Creative Commons license.

http://www.pandtranslations.com

Tucán, Colores de la Selva
Toucan, Colors of the Jungle
By J.A. Yances

Actual size: 30"x40"
Painting valued at $8,000
$10 donation for a single chance to win.
All proceeds go to Conexión Américas.

Conexión Américas' mission is to help Latino families realize their aspirations for social and economic advancement by promoting their integration into the Middle Tennessee community. 

Bring your $10 donation and pick up your ticket at:
Conexión Américas
800 18th Avenue South

Conexión Américas is grateful to Jorge and his wife, Pilar, for their generosity in donating this painting to benefit our organization.

Contest rules & regulations can be found at http://www.conexionamericas.org/documents/TUCAN%20Rules%20and%20Regulations%20Type.pdf

Esteban Bellan

The Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York has opened a permanent exhibit that recognizes the impact of Latin American players on baseball.  The exhibit focuses on the traditions of five countries: Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela.

¡Viva Baseball! features almost 150 artifacts including a ball used in an 1871 game played by Esteban Bellan (Cuba), the first Latin American to play in the major leagues, one of Puerto Rican Hall of Fame member Roberto Clemente's jerseys, and equipment from current players David Ortiz (Dominican Republic), Johan Santana (Venezuela), and Albert Pujols (Dominican Republic).

According to the Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson, "Over the last 30 years, perhaps nothing has impacted baseball more than the rise of the Latino star and the number of Latino players making important contributions to the game every day."

http://www.pandltranslations.com

If it weren't for our Hispanic heritage and history, we might still be eating steak and kidney pie.

Thanks to our friends at Cool People Care for running our article on why this month is important even if you aren't a Latino.  To learn more about Hispanic contributions to U.S. history, visit coolpeoplecare.org

http://www.pandltranslations.com