Freeport celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage month, Sept. 15 – Oct. 15 celebrated the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors come from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Here in Freeport, the schools and the library paid tribute to Hispanic traditions and culture while the Village of Freeport celebrated the accomplishments of Hispanic Americans from Freeport.

The Freeport Public Schools began their month-long celebration at the Board of Education’s September meeting. Residents, staff members and administrators were treated to a musical performance by students from Caroline G. Atkinson School. Prior to the performance students spoke about the lives and accomplishments of Tito Puente and Carlos Santana in English and Spanish and then sang “Oye Como Va,” a hit that both Puente and Santana popularized during their careers. Celebrations continued throughout the month in various school buildings and will culminate in an assembly for students at Freeport High School on Thursday, Oct. 29.

Meanwhile at the Woodward School, Louis Garcia, a pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, met with students and shared his story about overcoming adversity. “Don’t’ give up on your dreams,” he said. After the assembly, the students and their parents were able to meet with Garcia who distributed signed baseball cards.

The Freeport Library offered a variety of cultural programs during Hispanic Heritage month that highlighted the music and art from the Latin American world. The chamber ensemble Canta Libre played classical music from Latin America and David Burgess played the Spanish guitar. Two programs encouraged participation. You could learn to dance the Tango and the Salsa with Mark James and Karen Lupo during a program featuring Latin dance or learn to make veggie quesadillas with the Baking Coach. Those patrons interested in more cerebral pursuits learned about artist Frida Kahlo in a lecture about her work last month. On Oct. 27, Freeporter Marc Josloff showed a short movie on Kahlo’s life followed, by a discussion.