September 20, 2002 UNT Inhouse publication: Hispanic Friends of UNT conference Oct. 4

homepage

Hispanic Friends of UNT conference Oct. 4

Today is the last day to register for the 13th annual Hispanic Friends of UNT conference.

More than 15 key state officials and other guest speakers will set aside a day to promote and discuss Latinos in politics during the conference, themed "Latinos and the Political Future of Texas," Oct. 4 in the University Union, Silver Eagle Suite.

Presented by the Hispanic Friends of UNT, the conference will highlight the important roles that Latinos have played in the political arena at the local, national and international levels. Appointed and elected officials from Texas are among several speakers scheduled, including:

¿Y por qué no, Latinos? (And why not, Latinos?) — Victor Morales, first Hispanic U.S. Senate nominee from Texas
Latino Political Representation: Translating Numbers to Power — Nina Perales, regional counsel for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF)
Reflections of the Latina Politic — Texas Rep. Irma Rangel
We Are Leaders: Leadership Development in Tejano Politics — Texas Rep. Rick Noriega
The Struggle of Hispanics for Adequate Resources to Prepare Texas' Future Leaders — Norma Cantú, former assistant secretary for civil rights in the US Department of Education

A panel discussion about the impact of the Latino vote in Texas and across the nation will follow the presentations. Ten panelists, including Euline Brock, Denton mayor; Texas Sen. Royce West; Elba Garcia, Dallas City Council member; and Texas Rep. Dora Olivo, are scheduled to participate. Regina Montoya, former presidential assistant and United Nations delegate, will serve as moderator.

Two awards will be presented during the conference luncheon. The Outstanding Service Award and the G. Roland Vela Award will be given to individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to the education of Hispanics.

The conference will close with the launch of the UNT Latino Alumni Association — a monumental first step in building lasting relationships between UNT Latino alumni and the community, says Gloria Bahamon, UNT director of multicultural affairs and conference organizer.

This is the 13th annual Hispanic Friends of UNT conference. Every year the organization identifies a theme aimed to educate the community about Latino issues and provide role models for youth, Bahamon says. This year's theme was chosen because of the growing Hispanic population in Texas and the United States, she says.

"Latinos are getting more and more involved with politics and with issues that are relevant to the community. This conference will influence attendees by demonstrating the important role of Latinos in the political history of Texas and the nation. Participants can gain firsthand knowledge of different political agendas and learn what legislators are doing to help their communities," Bahamon says.

The registration fee, which includes lunch and a post-conference reception, is $50 for college students with identification, $30 for high school students and $80 for non-students. For a registration form, call Gina Howell at 565-3481 or visit www.unt.edu/edo/hfuntconf.htm.

Exhibits and a book sale featuring current publications on Latinos in politics throughout history are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. the day of the conference. Conference sponsors are the UNT Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the UNT System Center at Dallas and Wells Fargo Bank.