Cleveland Public Library announces its FREE and open to the public National Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration “Fiesta” kickoff to be held Friday September 12, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Carnegie West Branch 1900 Fulton Road, (216) 623-2822. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Carlos Ramos, Executive Director of Hispanic UMADAOP.

The fun-filled night for the entire family will include music by Combo Tropical Trío Selecto, and rhythms by Rumba y Café (500 years of history through lyrics, sounds, and rhythms) storytelling, crafts and much more by Mi Casita Early Learning Resource. There will be refreshments. Voter information and registration by the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections will be available.

In 1968, the Congress authorized President Lyndon Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week, and this observance was expanded in 1988 to a month-long celebration to honor our Nation's Hispanic heritage. 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. In 2002 Congress passed Public Law 100-402, which authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation designating September 15 through October 15, as "National Hispanic Heritage Month."

The Hispanic people were among the earliest settlers in the New World and have unique cultural ties to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. The multi-faceted artistic heritage of these cultural ties has yielded outstanding examples of arts, handicrafts, and music. For more information, visit www.cpl.org or call (216) 623-2869.