ETSU Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

The United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage month between September 15th through October 15th. The dates run the span of Independence Day for several Latin countries; including: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile.

Tuesday East Tennessee State University is marking the occasion with a series of celebrations on campus. Cuban guitarist Brim Leal played Latin American salsa, bachata, and Afro-Cuban inspired songs for students and faculty. A Latin dance class is also scheduled Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 to 4pm at the Culp Center ballroom left.

Office of Multicultural Affairs organizers say this is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of the more than 45.5 million Latinos living in the U.S.

*Hispanics make up 14.8% of the national population according to U.S. Census 2006 data.

*3.2% of the Tennessee population and 6.3% of Virginia’s is identified as Hispanic or of Latin origin in 2006.

*The Hispanic/Latino populations in Southwest Virginia census data omits numbers from Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth and Wise Counties.

Virginia
0.6% Buchanan Co.
0.5% Dickenson Co.
X Lee Co.
X Russell Co.
X Scott Co.
X Smyth Co.
X Wise Co.

Across Tennessee Hispanics/Latinos comprise 3.2% of the population.
The Tennessee health department Population Estimates and Projections show the following population growth across the Tri-Cities region:

Tennessee Hispanic Population

2008 / 2010
746 /  821 Carter Co.
1,023 / 1,143 Greene Co.
571 /  621 Hawkins Co.
232 / 260 Johnson Co.
1,565 / 1,723 Sullivan Co.
516 / 585 Unicoi Co.
2290 / 2548 Washington Co. (TN)