Actress Sonia Manzano Latino Heritage Month speaker at Purdue

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Sonia Manzano, who plays Maria on "Sesame Street," will speak on Oct. 7 at Purdue University.

Manzano will give the Latino Heritage Month keynote speech at 7 p.m. in Stewart Center's Fowler Hall. It is free and open to the public and will be preceded by a meet-and-greet session at 6 p.m.

The topic of Manzano's talk, which is co-sponsored by Purdue's Latino Cultural Center and Black Cultural Center, is "Black Latinos and the Civil Rights Movement."

The Hispanic actress and activist has been honored by many organizations, including the Association of Hispanic Carts, Congressional Hispanic Caucus, National Hispanic Media Coalition and Committee for Hispanic Children and Families.

She has received the Hispanic Heritage Award for Education and in 2013 was named one of the "25 greatest Latino role models ever" by Latina Magazine.

"For over 30 years, Sonia Manzano has inspired, educated and delighted children and families on Sesame Street," said Aurelio Curbelo, LCC director. "She continues to contribute to enriching diversity on television, on the stage and in education. She shares her extraordinary talent to help students succeed."

In another Latino Heritage Month event, the film "Cesar Chavez," a biography of civil rights activist and labor organizer Ceasar Chavez will be shown at 6 p.m. Oct. 9 in the Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering, Room 1010. The film is free and open to the public. 

Writer: Greg McClure, 765-496-9711, gmcclure@purdue.edu 

Sources: Aurelio Curbelo, LCC director, 765-494-2530, acurbelo@purdue.edu

Marisol Uribe, LCC program coordinator, 765-494-2530, muribe@purdue.edu