Mark Mosher, associate professor of modern foreign languages,discusses such accomplished Hispanics as NASA astronaut Franklin Chang-Diaz during a presentation celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month,Oct. 2 in the H.M. Michaux School of Education. (Jacqueline Hall/Echo Staff Photohtapher)

“Buenos días estudiantes.”

That’s how Cristina Cabral, assistant professor of modern foreign languages, greeted 30 students in the H.M. Michaux School of Education Tuesday, Oct. 2.

This wasn’t the typical Spanish class, however.

It was the kick-off of a week of presentations recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month, which started Sept. 15.

Cristina Cabral opened last Tuesday’s lecture with background on Hispanic Heritage Month.

Cabral also detailed reasons why Hispanic Heritage Month should be recognized at N.C. Central University.

President Lyndon B. Johnson first authorized National Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968.

But it was expanded to The Hispanic Heritage Month in 1988.

Cabral said that recognizing the event at NCCU will inform students of the Hispanic world and promote cultural awareness of the Latino community.

Mark Mosher, associate professor of modern foreign languages, led the second portion of the program.

His talk, “Hispanic in the U.S.,” emphasized that the term Hispanic is not used to define a race of people, but rather to describe a population of 447 million people of various races, nationalities and ethnic groups.

With the aid of a Power Point presentation, he showcased notable members of the Hispanic community from astronaut Franklin Chang-Diaz to singer Shakira Membarek Ripoll.

Both Chang-Diaz and Ripoll are of mixed heritage. Chang-Diaz is of Chinese and Costa Rican descent and Ripoll’s father is Lebanese.

“I chose them because they represent the ethnic diversity of nationalities that make up the Hispanic community,” Mosher said.

Mosher asked the audience what came to mind when they thought of Hispanics.

Responses ranged from sombreros and Cinco de Mayo festivities to the idea that Hispanics are family-oriented.

“You probably think of them as one of those brown-skinned fellows that do a lot of labor,” said Mosher.

“But the vast majority of Hispanics don’t fit the stereotype of laborer. There is a huge diversity.”

Mosher said he wants students to realize that Hispanics play a vital role in their everyday lives.

“They are involved in all the major professions,” he said.

“Students should consider the fact that they will have to deal with Hispanic people throughout their careers.”

Mosher encouraged students to learn Spanish.

“Along with knowledge comes culture.

“Knowledge of language and culture will reduce divisions and stereotypes that are presently causing conflicts.”