As part of PPPL's commitment to empowering a diverse and inclusive workforce, the Hispanic Heritage Committee is proud to present a series of events designed to educate and entertain. Our goal is to share our unique perspectives and heritage and invite you to share in the celebration.
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988.
The celebration starts in the middle of the month because the 15th marks the independence days of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile, Belize and Puerto Rico follow shortly after, on the 16th, 18th, 21st and 23rd.
Dr. Diego delCastillo-Negrete
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Topic: Some physics and mathematics problems inspired by the study of magnetically confined plasmas
Click for Speaker bio and discussion topic abstract.
Prof. Arcadio Diaz-Quiñones
Princeton University
Topic: Conversation about Puerto Rican History and Culture
Dr. César Colón-Montijo
Princeton University
Topic: Conversation about Puerto Rican History and Culture
Dr. Carlos Paz-Soldan
General Atomics
Topic: Aventuras en Magnetohidrodinámica
Adventures in Magnetohydrodynamics
The kitchen is the heart of most Latino homes and at the center of any Hispanic celebration is food. We even named one of our most popular dances after a dip! Hispanic food embraces the diversity and cooking styles of many cultures. Latino people are a melting pot from around the world and our food is no different! Since we are unable to bring the food to you, we've decided to share some of our favorite recipes that you can make at home. Each week we'll be providing a new recipe for you to try and provide the full recipe below.
Dish: Tacos Al Pastor
What is it?: A Multi-Ethnic Journey of Flavors
Dish: Ajiaco Colombiano (Colombian Chicken and Potato Soup)
What is it?: Traditional soup common to Colombia, Cuba, and Perú. Special herb that grows wild in NYC Central Park!
Dish: Feijoada
Pronunciation: fay-jo-AH-dah
What is it?: The most traditional Brazilian dish in this list, feijoada, is by far the local’s favorite meal...
Dish: Tres Leches Cake
What is it?: The Long, Winding Origin Story of Tres Leches Cake
Don't like cooking alone? Please join our very own Luis Delgado-Aparicio and Deedee Ortiz-Arias as they virtually open their kitchen to us to make their favorites from home.
When: September 25, 2020 @ 12:30pm
Dish: Mofongo
What is it?: Everything you need to know about mofongo
Recipe: Easy Mofongo Recipe
When: October 15, 2020 @ 12:30pm
Dish: Ceviche
What is it?: Everything you need to know about Peruvian Ceviche
Sure, you can spend your time creating a star on Earth and solving the world's energy problems, but can you Dance With The Stars?
Join PPPL's resident Latin dance instructor for a fun time learning the basics of Salsa. No partner? No Problem? The steps will be taught for you to dance solo, in your kitchen, playing some salsa while making food with Luis! Wepa!
When: September 30, 2020 @ 12:30
What: Salsa Dance Lesson. Solo lesson, no partner needed!
What is Salsa?: A Brief history of Salsa
Music played during the lesson
Other Recommended Artists:
The Hispanic population of the United States reached 60.6 million in 2019. People of Hispanic origin are the nation’s largest ethnic or racial minority. Hispanics constituted 18.5% of the nation’s total population.
People of Mexican origin account for slightly over 60% (37 million) of the nation’s overall Hispanic population as of 2018. Those of Puerto Rican origin are the next largest group, at 5.8 million (another 3.2 million live on the island). Six other Hispanic origin groups in the U.S. have roughly 1 million or more people each: Cubans, Salvadorans, Dominicans, Guatemalans, Colombians and Hondurans.
Four in-five Latinos living in the U.S. are U.S. citizens. As of 2018, about 80% of Latinos living in the country are U.S. citizens.
If you have enjoyed the various events this month and are interested in taking part in more educational and cultural events we welcome you to join this new forming ERG. Latino Princetonians is a network of both Latino and non-Latino staff committed to articulating the unique needs of its members and creating opportunities for connection in formal and informal ways, including newsletters, speakers, community service, and social gatherings.