News

Actions

Organizations across Middle Tennessee celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Conexión Américas proud to serve other Latinos through their work
hispanic heritage month.jpg
Posted
and last updated

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — This week marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month with cultural celebrations already underway throughout Middle Tennessee.

Maria Paula Zapata — senior director of programs at Conexión Américas — has been preparing for the month by putting together multiple events.

However, the nonprofit always helps the Latino community 365 days a year.

"Our resources and programs have really shifted to adopt the needs of the community. They have questions about where are they going to work? How are they going to buy a house or build a community?" Zapata said.

Zapata knows what it’s like to feel alone, so it’s important for Conexión Américas to make sure everyone feel included.

“Conexión Américas provides that space where the community cannot just feel respected and accepted but really celebrated and rejoiced," Zapata said.

So, with Hispanic Heritage Month underway, she wants the community to attend all the fun activities but also take time to appreciate the Latino contributions made to the history and culture of the United States.

"When one community is able to rise and prosper, I think that means prosperity of our entire Nashville community and Tennessee community," Zapata said.

Conexión Américas has many events planned for the entire month. You can find more information here.

Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at aaron.cantrell@newschannel5.com

As Channel 5 turns 70, we remember 1960s RnB showcase Night Train

For people of my generation, in our younger days we spent part of our weekends watching music shows like American Bandstand and Soul Train. That was before the age of music videos. Several years before Soul Train was syndicated out of Chicago, another syndicated R&B show was taped in Nashville at NewsChannel 5. Night Train aired in the 60s and included what may have been the first TV appearance for legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix. Forrest Sanders has another great look back at station history.

-Lelan Statom