As the No. 1 university in the nation for awarding bachelor’s and master’s degrees to Hispanic students, it’s fitting that award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien will kick off her national tour, I Am Latino in America, at FIU’s Graham Center ballrooms Monday, Sept. 28, at 6 p.m.
“I am pleased to kick off our tour at FIU with a diverse and energized student body whose aim I share to empower Latino voters in this critical swing state,” O’Brien said.
The timely conversation of the growing Latino influence on the U.S. economy, education, jobs, health care, media and its impact on the 2016 election will also include a panel discussion with Dr. Pedro “Joe” Greer, associate dean for community engagement and professor and chair of FIU Department of Medicine, Family Medicine and Community Health; Jorge Plasencia, former chairman of the National Council of La Raza; and Maria Gabriela (“Gaby”) Pacheco, immigrant rights leader and DREAMer.
In addition, O’Brien will be accompanied by influencers, celebrities, national and local advocates, business leaders, students and academics.
“We are thrilled to welcome Soledad O’Brien back to campus,” said Jose Toscano, director of Campus Life. “The Latino in America tour covers so many topics and issues that affect our students, faculty and staff first-hand. We can’t wait to delve into the conversation with her, which we know will inspire our students to use their voice and make positive changes to our community at large.”
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Soledad O’Brien, author of Latino in America, has covered race and ethnicity and compelling social issues her entire career, creating a franchise of Latino in America and Black in America documentaries, books and speaking tours that provoke conversation. The I Am Latino in America Tour comes on the heels of her successful Black in America 2015 Tour, and the release of her documentary, Black in America: Black & Blue.
For tour information, visit www.iamlatinoinamerica.com. Seating for the I Am Latino in America event is limited. Current FIU students may reserve a seat by clicking here. FIU Alumni can reserve a seat through this link. Seating for the community is first come, first serve.
via FIU News