January 21, 2005

Latino Cultural Center introduces series to showcase local talent

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue's Latino Cultural Center's first poetry café will focus on Afro-Latino culture with a session called "Bomba Cafe" at 7 p.m. on Feb. 10 in the Memorial Union's Terrace Room.

"People have asked for more opportunities to express their talents through spoken word, musical performance and dance," said Latino Cultural Center director Maricela Alvarado. "The poetry café will give everyone in the community a chance to participate. We'd especially like to invite high school students to attend and perform."

The program is free and open to the public. Each poetry café features a scholar who introduces the topic area and facilitates an open-microphone session. Participants will have the opportunity to read their favorite poetry or literature, sing or perform works related to the topic area.

The first café's theme is in honor of Black History Month. Antonio Tillis, assistant professor of foreign languages and literatures and African-American studies, will discuss Afro-Latino contributions in literature, poetry and music, and open the floor for all those who want to perform.

This is the first of three poetry cafés, to be offered once a month throughout the semester. The next session, set for March 24, will focus on women's history and features Sonia Gonzalez, assistant professor of foreign languages and literatures.

The Latino Cultural Center, established in 2003, serves as the home base for Latino students, faculty and staff members, as well as student organizations at Purdue. The center sponsors a variety of educational and social events that enrich understanding of Latino cultures.

Writer: Maggie Morris, (765) 494-2432, maggiemorris@purdue.edu

Source: Maricela Alvarado, (765) 494-2530, alvaradm@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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