Fireside Chat, Book Signing with Luis A. Miranda Jr.

The Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute is proud to welcome acclaimed political strategist and philanthropist Luis A. Miranda Jr. for an engaging fireside chat from 6-8:30 p.m., Thursday, September 19, 2024 in Bethany Hall, Room A.

The fireside chat will feature a personal and interactive discussion with Miranda on his life, Latino culture, community activism and his newly published memoir, Relentless: My Story of the Latino Spirit That Is Transforming America, with a book signing to follow.

Advance registration for the event is required and now open, as limited seating is available for this in-person event. Complimentary copies of Relentless will also be provided to attendees who register, while supplies last. All Seton Hall students, faculty, staff and alumni are invited to attend.

The event is part of the University's celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and the Institute's Distinguished Speaker Series, which regularly brings diverse voices to campus and some of the notable Latino figures in the United States.

A central figure and prominent advocate for Latino empowerment and cultural representation in the United States, Miranda's contributions span decades, with Miranda playing a pivotal role in mobilizing Latino voters and advancing social justice, economic equity and civil rights within underserved populations.

Together with his son, songwriter, actor, director and producer Lin-Manuel Miranda, Miranda has also leveraged his platform to amplify Latino voices in the arts and entertainment, notably through groundbreaking productions like the Tony and Grammy Award winning musicals In the Heights and Hamilton. Miranda is also the founding partner of the MirRam Group, founding president of the Hispanic Federation and chairperson of the Latino Victory Fund, Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance, Viva Broadway and The Public Theater.

"The Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute is thrilled to host such an inspiring and influential figure as Luis A. Miranda Jr.," said Lori Tarke, director of the Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute. "His dedication to community activism and his insights into the Latino spirit and culture align perfectly with our mission to empower and educate our students. We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Miranda to Seton Hall and learn about his life and deeply rooted connection to his Latino heritage."

Published earlier this year, Miranda's memoir examines his journey from Puerto Rico to New York City to pursue a degree in psychology. Relentless details how that decision led to his influential role in shaping the political landscape and his advocacy for Latino empowerment and representation. Through personal anecdotes and insights, the book explores Miranda's involvement in various mayoral administrations in New York City, his role in galvanizing the Latino community for numerous political candidates and his experiences during the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, which devastated Puerto Rico in 2017.

"Luis A. Miranda Jr.'s story is a powerful testament to his dedication, resilience and positive influence on the Latino community and countless others in the United States. Mr. Miranda's respect for higher education and his active work on behalf of Hispanic and Latino communities through politics, healthcare, and the arts directly reflect the mission and values of Seton Hall and our Latino Institute. We are honored to host this event and provide our community with the opportunity to learn from his experiences and leadership," noted Jonathan Farina, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Miranda's visit to Seton Hall is one of many events led by the Institute designed to inspire and empower students. The Institute hosts a variety of academic, cultural and community programs that celebrate Latino heritage and culture, including its Distinguished Speaker Series. Other upcoming events include "Championing Health Equity" on Tuesday, September 17, featuring distinguished physician and healthcare executive, Dr. J. Mario Molina and, a forthcoming March session with Lt. Colonel Marisol Chalas, who is the first Latina in the National Guard to pilot a Black Hawk helicopter

For more information and to register, please visit the event page.

About the Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute

Established through a generous gift from benefactors Joseph and Carmen Ana Unanue in 2005, the Latino Institute is dedicated to empowering Latino students through academic, cultural, and community programs. A center of excellence on campus, the Institute shines a light on Latino culture, bridges gaps in understanding about Latino heritage, and provides opportunities for Latino students to grow as compassionate servant leaders and achieve a rewarding education.

For more information about the Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute, please visit the Institute's website.

Categories: Arts and Culture

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