AHA NEWSLETTER – AUGUST 2003
 
  Hispanic Heritage Month
  Hispanic Festival
  Message from the President
  Quote of the Month

Hispanic Heritage Month
Do you know the facts behind National Hispanic Heritage Month and how it became a national observance month in the United States?

It all started in the late nineteen sixties when National Hispanic Heritage Month was authorized by Public Law 100-402. In 1968, the Congress authorized President Lyndon Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week. This observance was expanded in 1988 to a month-long celebration to honor our nation's Hispanic heritage.

Each year, the President of the United States issues a proclamation designating the period beginning September 15 and ending on October 15 as "National Hispanic Heritage Month" and calling upon the people of the United States to observe such month with appropriate ceremonies and activities. During this month, America celebrates the traditions, ancestry, and unique experiences of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, the countries of Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

September 15 marks the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico achieved independence on September 16 and Chile on September 18. For over 34 years, the United States has celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month to give the Hispanic community the opportunity to rejoice in the many achievements and contributions they've made to the American society.

Currently, there are more than 35 million Americans who consider themselves of Hispanic origin. The Hispanic population in the United States is the fifth largest in the world behind Mexico, Spain, Colombia and Argentina.
Hispanic Festival
Now that you know the facts about National Hispanic Heritage Month, how about helping us kick off the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month here in Huntsville by attending the 5th Annual Hispanic Festival.

The Alabama Hispanic Association is planning a family oriented event with lots of music, good food, children's games and activities. Best of all, admission is FREE! AHA cordially invites all Hispanics and non-Hispanics to come and urges you, your family and friends to join us at the Huntsville Depot Roundhouse on Saturday, September 13, 2003, from 1p.m. to 8p.m. We're planning to have something fun and exciting going on at all times for the young and the not-so-young.

If you like to dance, there will be lots of hot Latin music playing throughout the day for your dancing pleasure. If you bring your children, there will be piñata breaking contests, woodworking projects, face-painting fun, pin-the-tail on the donkey, sack races and lots more. If you'd rather relax and enjoy the sights and sounds, there will be plenty of food and refreshments, professional singers and dancers, arts and crafts, exhibits and information booths. Please pass the word around to everyone you know. We want to see you all out there in full force. For more information and directions to the Huntsville Depot Roundhouse, please visit our website at http://www.alabamahispanicassociation.org
Lots of happy volunteers will be needed to man the children's activities and decorations. If you would like to contribute your time, please contact Talita Reeves at (256)464-9470.

By the way, it's not too late to become a festival sponsor. Your contribution will insure that this year's festival will be the best Huntsville has ever seen. Sponsors names will be printed on the festival's program that will be handed out to the general public. While you're thinking about it, please pull out your checkbook, make your contribution payable to A.H.A. and mail it to 1595 Slaughter Road, Suite A, Madison, AL 35758. Your contribution, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated.
Message from the President
To all the Alabama Hispanic Association supporters, a heartfelt thanks! Without the community support we could not have accomplished all that AHA has done this past year. Since September a year ago, we incorporated as a nonprofit organization, were granted charitable status by the IRS, were accepted as partners in the Combined Federal Campaign of Madison County, granted scholarships to worthy Hispanic students, began tutoring in Decatur High, leased a location for our operations, and developed a Handbook of Rules and Regulations.

We should be proud of these accomplishments! They have been made possible through the hard work of the members who have generously donated so much of their time and talents in the spirit of contributing to the Hispanic community.

The Social and Cultural Events Committee has been making sure that our events express our Hispanic culture, and are a lot of fun as well. Right now this committee is very focused on making the 5th Annual Hispanic Festival a memorable experience for all who attend. The AHA Tutoring and Mentoring Committee is hard at work as well. They will renew the tutoring of the Decatur High School Hispanic students in early September.

We are always in need of new members. If you want to join a fun loving group with a good cause, keep us in mind! If someone you know is interested in joining a group of people with a vision, e-mail me at margaret.c21@knology.net and I'll tell you when our next general meeting will be held. Hasta la proxima,

Margaret Rotger
President
Alabama Hispanic Association
Quote of the Month
"We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love. There are many in this world who are dying for a piece of bread, but there are many more dying for a little love."
Mother Teresa
Feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone you think might be interested in the events and activities of the Alabama Hispanic Association.
Please e-mail aha@alabamahispanicassociation.org if you have any newsworthy item that you would like to see in the next newsletter.
Norma Reeves
Public Relations Office
Alabama Hispanic Association
aha@alabamahispanicassociation.org