Lecture on Latin American Culture

Carla Eckels interviewed me to promote the lecture I gave on Latin American culture within and outside the United States. I have to thank Dr. David E. Hayes-Bautista for his innovative ideas on the Cinco de Mayo tradition in the United States. I recommend you to buy his book: El Cinco de Mayo: An American Tradition http://goo.gl/4qJLe

A Wichita State University professor will give a lecture Thursday reflecting on Latin American culture in the US and Cinco de Mayo celebrations. The latest US census shows Hispanics are the fastest growing minority in Kansas, reaching 13 percent of the population in Sedgwick County. WSU’s Francisco Flores-Cuautle says he plans to have an open dialogue Thursday night and share information on new perspectives on thinking and experiencing Latin American culture in Wichita. “My main purpose is going beyond stereotypes,” says Flores-Cuautle. “Trying that Wichita’s community see Latino Americans as people that are not just coming to in finding jobs but in interrelating with the whole community.” Flores-Cuautle says he’ll give some specific examples about misconceptions. For example, he says Cinco De Mayo is not a Mexican celebration, but more of an American celebration. “Not all people celebrate the Cinco De Mayo in Mexico,” says Flores-Cuautle. “And this talk is going to be a really good opportunity, that we reflect together in this American celebration.” The lecture will take place a the Museum of World Treasures in Wichita’s Old Town tonight at 6:00. To listen the interview go to: http://goo.gl/Trpzd