Immigration and diversity: Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month

Program Details

To build bridges of understanding, we must take time to listen to the experiences of others.

Rolling Ridge launched "Voices and Stories" as an ONLINE series that uses historical education and contemplative listening to open hearts and minds to the events that have shaped American society today.

September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month. Be honest. Did you know that there is a National Hispanic Month? Most people in New England we've talked to do not. Join us as we look at the history of this celebration which began as a week in 1966 and expanded to a month in 1988. We will describe the difference between "Hispanic" and "Latinx", and will be joined by Walter Mena, Director of the Merrimack Valley Project, who will share about his own immigration story from El Salvador, along with the diversity and immigration issues of the Latinx community in the Merrimack Valley today.

Join us on Thursday, September 15th from 11 am to 1 pm as we kick off National Hispanic Heritage month, and discover the rich and diverse stories of the Hispanic and Latinx communities here in New England.

Although there is no fee for this program, your generous donation allows Rolling Ridge to continue our mission and ministry of contemplative spirituality. Thank you.

Please check out our website for other events in our Voices and Stories series.

About the Leaders

Lawrence Jay

As Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Jay guides the vision and direction of Rolling Ridge. As well as working with our staff to ensure the best possible guest experience, he partners with retreat leaders to provide excellent programming at the Ridge. A trained spiritual director and ordained American Baptist pastor, Larry (as he is known by friends) is a graduate of UCLA, Golden Gate Seminary, Franciscan School of Theology, American Baptist Seminary of the West, and the Gateways to God Missional Spiritual Direction Program. He is also Adjunct Faculty at Merrimack College in the Masters of Spirituality and Spiritual Direction programs. Eco-spirituality is his passion (and was the subject of his doctoral dissertation), encouraging everyone to live into the fullness of our connection with nature, God, and all people.