De Queen non-profit donates to Spanish Spelling Bee in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month

DE QUEEN, AR— An inclusive group in Southwest Arkansas has provided Sponsorship of the Central Arkansas Spanish Spelling Bee this Hispanic Heritage month.

MAC is a De Queen-based non-profit organization with a focus on diversity and inclusion that formed in 2020. The group has initiated local programs and projects throughout Southwest Arkansas in recent years, including the commissioning of community artwork, hosting a black history month celebration, sponsoring foster care children, support of the E. A Edwards Street Dedication, and many local community initiatives.

For their latest outreach effort, MAC has teamed up with LaTasha Moore of "Tasha Teaches Spanish" for sponsorship of the state's Spanish spelling Bee. It is the only Spanish spelling competition in Arkansas, and the purpose of this event is to encourage students in 4th-8th grade to practice use of the Spanish language while embracing Hispanic culture.

Last year, the inaugural competition had 4 participants, and registration for this year's Bee has more than tripled with 15 students registered to compete.

Though the event is titled the "Central Arkansas Spanish Spelling Bee," program organizers welcome students from all over the state to participate. As the city of De Queen has an estimated Hispanic population of more than 60%, MAC members have supported this event in hopes that students from the De Queen area will participate in the future and represent the Southwestern Region of Arkansas.

All funds donated to the Spanish spelling Bee go to the planning of the event, as well as providing funding to send the state winner to the national competition in 2023.

MAC and event organizers would like to express appreciation to all who advocate for the Spanish language across the natural state and support this educational opportunity for Arkansas youth.

The Central Arkansas Spanish Spelling Bee will be held Saturday, October 22nd, 2022, at 9:00 am at Plaza Frida, 4001 West 65th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72209.

"Tasha Teaches Spanish" provides translation services, language education programs, and community partnership opportunities. The company was named as a finalist for the Little Rock Regional Chamber's 2022 Minority Business of The Year award. For more information about the Central Arkansas Spelling Bee or opportunities to learn with LaTasha, visit tashateachesspanish.com or email questions to tashateachesspanish@gmail.com

For more information about MAC, email DQunity@gmail.com

AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address Celebrating the Heritage of Hispanic Americans

LITTLE ROCK – Today I would like to talk about Hispanic Heritage Month and what this occassion represents. Hispanic influence can be seen in all aspects of American life and culture.

In the 1980’s Arkansas saw a growth in the Hispanic population, which continued well into the 21st century. According to the 2020 census, Arkansas was one of 15 states where the Hispanic population made up more than half of all population growth in the state. Hispanic roots in Arkansas run deep and have become a vital part of our communities around the state.

In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law a week-long celebration for Hispanic Heritage. He believed that it was important to celebrate the heritage of our American citizens who were of Hispanic descent because it was those who came before them who helped settle our land and built our country into what it is now.

Later in 1988, Hispanic Heritage Week grew into Hispanic Heritage Month after President Ronald Reagan signed it into law.

It is no coincidence that this falls in September as Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua celebrate their independence on September 15. But also, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.

Hispanic Heritage is American heritage because the American story is about every person who takes responsibility, works hard, and dreams big. When we take the time to honor those who made this American story possible, we can overcome America’s challenges and continue to be a beacon of freedom for the world.

When President Reagan signed into law the month-long celebration, he did so because he believed that the celebration of Hispanic Heritage was an example of how fundamental family is to our country.

He believed that the strength of America’s families translated into the strength of our country. This time of celebration looks into a culture’s strongest qualities, and Hispanic Heritage Month is a time where we can honor a love for family and connect through the stories of those who came before us.

Local Non-profit and Businesses Give Thanks to De Queen Officer for Hispanic Heritage Month

NEWS RELEASE

Minority Affairs Council            Contact: 

October 6th, 2021                    DQUnity@Gmail.com 

Local non-profit and businesses give thanks to De Queen Officer for Hispanic Heritage Month

DE QUEEN, AR— In celebration of Hispanic Heritage month, a local inclusive group teamed up with area businesses to show appreciation for one stand-out officer in De Queen last week.

The Minority Affairs Council of Southwest Arkansas (MAC) partnered with local companies who donated certificates and items that were collected for a gift basket and presented to Patrolman Gilberto Elizondo of the De Queen Police Department Friday, October 8th.

The group selected Gilberto because of his dedication to helping the community and the positive example he has set for others. Prior to working for the De Queen Police Department, he was employed at the Sevier County Sheriff’s Department as a Detention Officer. For both agencies, Gilberto has assisted with translating Spanish and English when a language barrier occurs between law enforcement and residents. In addition to helping translate, the patrolman also serves as a role model for younger generations to look up to, as he graduated from both De Queen High School and Southern Arkansas University before becoming a public servant in his hometown.

As many cities note rising tension between community members and law enforcement agencies, MAC is working on efforts to connect groups and individuals in the Southwest Arkansas area. The non-profit’s first community project was commissioning the “Welcome to De Queen” mural painted by Artist Darlene Taylor on the Eastern Edge of town. In addition to showing appreciation for local leaders like Elizondo and bringing fresh art to the area, MAC is working to develop events and strategies that will help unite the community as a whole.

The businesses who donated for the appreciation gift include Sweet Cravings, Smart Phone EMT De Queen, Handi Mart, Pollos Assados Querentano’s, and Cricket wireless.  MAC and each partnering company would like to express thanks to Elizondo and all the officers who protect and serve our local communities daily.

The Minority Affairs Council can be found on Facebook or reached by email at @DQunity@gmail.com 

In Observance of Hispanic Heritage Month

The Center for Student Success would like to continue to recognize another UA Cossatot Hispanic employees that is making an impact on campus throughout the month of October!

Erika Buenrrostro

Erika Buenrrostro was born in Mexico City, Mexico and has resided in De Queen Arkansas since 1989.  Working for UA Cossatot in De Queen Arkansas as a college recruiter and Coordinator of the Center for Student Success for the past 6 years.  She received her Associates of Arts degree in 2006 at UA Cossatot,  Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Development in 2008 and Masters of Education from U of A Fayetteville in 2016.  She has also completed 18 Graduate level credits towards a second Masters in Romance Language from the University of New Orleans allowing her to also serve as adjunct while teaching Spanish for UA Cossatot.

Erika is in charge of the Food Pantry on campus which helps provide food assistance for students with food insecurity and also serves as a ROTARACT sponsor.  Erika is an exceptional, highly motivated, dedicated person who carries the attitude and compassion for the community she serves.  Because Erika has developed a strong sense of devotion for Higher Ed, community organization and change she is one of many that help lead several student initiatives for the Sevier County area while also representing the college on state wide panels and conferences. 

In addition to her service and education Erika is a board member for CADC, ROTARY, Single Parent Scholarship of Sevier Co. and sits on other various local and state wide committees.  Erika is a prime example of “If you can believe it, you can achieve it”. 

In her spare time she loves to spend time with the most important people in her life… her 3 kids, her parents, friends and enjoys salsa dancing with her husband.  Erika states that being a female Latina means “stepping out of your comfort zone and all the boundaries that are set for you.  It means coming for the world and creating change that will impact future generations.  It also means love for family, friends, music and of course, FOOD!”.

We are proud to have Erika Buenrrostro as part of our campus community! If you or someone has questions in regards to the Center for Student Success, you can call and ask for Erika Buenrrostro at: 870-584-1133. 

In Observance of Hispanic Heritage Month

The Center for Student Success would like to continue to recognize some of our UA Cossatot Hispanic employees that are making an impact on our students throughout the month of October!

Hector Cortez

Hector Cortez is one of three campus police and resides in Nashville, AR. His family originates from Jalisco, Mexico. Hector’s mom is from a town named Tamazula and his dad is from a town called Tototlan.  They grew up about 3 ½ hours away from each other, but met in Los Angeles, CA in the mid 70’s.  Hector is not only a proud father but also a loving husband.  He is a current college student working towards obtaining an Associate’s degree and is a prime example of what it means to be dedicated.   Hector is also a key component in helping provide food assistance to students on Nashville campus and was also huge asset in helping provide commodities to the De Queen community area benefiting 300+ families. Hector states, “Being Hispanic means having a heritage that is bold and full of life. From family traditions to food, it is always colorful and full of fun.  I plan on earning my Associates Degree here at Cossatot in the next couple of semesters and not long after, earning my Bachelor’s Degree. 

We are proud to have Hector Cortez as part of our campus community! 

If you or someone has questions in regards to campus security you can call and ask for Hector Cortez at: 870-584-4471. 

In Observance of Hispanic Heritage Month

Jocelin Tani Galvez

The Center for Student Success would like to continue to recognize some of our UA Cossatot Hispanic employees that are making an impact on our students throughout the month of October!

Jocelin began her journey as a college student who always stood out and excelled in anything she did. She obtained her Associates of Science degree in Medical Sciences in 2015, is an employee of the college since August 2017 and plans on graduating with a Master’s in Higher Education degree.

Jocelin helps assist students in our Student Services department at UA Cossatot as an Admissions and Recruitment Advisor. Jocelin’s father is from Zacatecas and her mother from Morelos Mexico. She helps lead and sponsors a student group on campus called Student Diversity Association which focuses on fundraising efforts benefiting those students who are not eligible to receive Federal Pell Grant.

Jocelin states “I am a second-generation Mexican American, and I am the oldest daughter of Claudio and Leticia Galvez. To me, being Hispanic is family, fiesta, faith, and food. Coming from a big family or "familia grande" means more than just parents and siblings; it means a strong relationship that instills in people the importance of honor, good manners, and respect. Fiestas are defined by celebration, and to many are regarded as the best way to become immersed in the culture of the Hispanic community. My family and myself are Catholic. I consider my faith to be a key part of who I am. The food and flavors of Hispanic culture is something I am also proud of, it's a part of my family history. Knowing what my parents sacrificed and stories of them moving to the U.S. for a chance at a better life, is something I will never take for granted. It's important to teach people about your history, sharing your culture and never forgetting where you come from, regardless of your ethnicity. Everyone should able to experience everyone’s culture!"

We are proud to have Jocelin Galvez as part of our campus community!

If you are someone who has questions in regards to admission requirements, you can call and ask for Jocelin Galvez at: 870-584-4471 Ext 1163.