BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion invites the community to two upcoming events to celebrate Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month.

On October 4 at 7 p.m., the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts will be the setting for Jazz and Java, an event that highlights the era of the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s and the blend of African-American Jazz and Latin American Salsa, Cha-Cha-Cha, Merengue and music influence.

Dr. James Moore, interim president of West Virginia Wesleyan College and an accomplished Jazz musician, will be performing.

Latin Jazz percussionist Yamil Conga, will also take the stage. Conga tours nationally and internationally bringing educational lectures on the conga drum and salsa music. A native of Puerto Rico, Conga now resides in Nashville where he is the conguero for the Nashville Salsa Machine, Roland Barber, Souvenir, Lalo Davila and Friends and jazz pianist Tyron Hamilton, percussionist for The Mr. Moons band, drummer for Tod Gnovsky and back-up drummer for Reckless. Conga is also the musical director and band leader for Alison Brazil. 

Dr. Tamara Bailey, assistant professor of history, will present the history of the “Rent Party.” Bring your favorite poetry of the era or original spoken word for an open mic. Aladdin Catering will provide an assortment of chocolate desserts and a java bar. The event is free and open to the public. 

Conga will also present a Lunch and Learn opportunity on Wednesday, Oct. 5 at noon in the Annie Merner Pfeiffer Library. All are welcome.

Laurie Goux, director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, said, “Through our celebration of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month, we acknowledge the contributions that have enriched American culture and honor the ancestors from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.”

Annually, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15, with the independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua thru Oct. 15, 2022.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 40 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, and nursing; 22 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 70 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.