Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU)s kick off its Hispanic Heritage Month celebration with keynote speaker Luis Alberto Urrea, a 2005 Pulitzer Prize finalist for nonfiction. A writer of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, Urrea received the New York Times Notable Book designation and the Christopher Award for his first book, Across the Wire.

Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the contributions of Hispanic Americans and celebrates Hispanic heritage and culture. Organized annually by the Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs, heritage conferences at NEIU provide a forum for discussion and engagement on a variety of contemporary and historical issues.

Recorded Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at Northeastern Illinois University.