BGSU to hold 30th annual Latino/a/x Issues Conference on March 18

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4. BGSU to hold 30th annual Latino/a/x Issues Conference on March 18

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - Bowling Green State University will hold its milestone 30th annual Latino/a/x Issues Conference from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, on the second floor of the Bowen-Thompson Student Union.

For three decades, the event has served as a vital platform for visibility, exploring the cultures, politics and social interventions shaping the Latino/a/x community at BGSU and throughout the region.

"The organizers of the first conference had envisioned that the conference would be a space to discuss issues that impact Latino/a/x communities," said Rene Ayala, executive committee member. "I believe it is important to continue to keep their vision alive and follow the lead of those who organized the first conference 30 years ago."

This year's keynote speaker is Saul Flores, a Mexican-Salvadoran award-winning speaker, photojournalist and storyteller. In 2010, Flores walked 5,328 miles from Ecuador to the United States to produce a photo documentary capturing the experiences and challenges migrants face along the way.

Flores has inspired audiences nationwide through university events and appearances on major platforms, including National Public Radio, MSNBC and TEDx. His presentations have been recognized for helping students reflect on their values, develop their leadership skills and identify actions they can take to practice those values in their communities.

"We look forward to Flores providing attendees with a more 'human-centered' look at migration that could inspire fruitful discussions about present-day issues related to migration," Ayala said.

In addition to the keynote speaker, BGSU undergraduate and graduate students will present research, poster presentations and creative work as part of the eSTRELLA Student Research Conference.

The event is organized by the School of Cultural and Critical Studies, Department of Ethnic Studies, ICS Latin American and Latino/a/x Studies Cluster and Latino Student Union.

For more information and to register, visit BGSU.edu/latinoissues.