BETHLEHEM, PA – Northampton Community College (NCC) has received a $5,500 grant from the PPL Foundation to complete essential tasks for a Hispanic Roots of Bethlehem project. This diversity-focused initiative aims to highlight the rich history and contributions of Hispanic leaders who have shaped Bethlehem since 1923.

Toni Fernandez, Manager of Community Outreach at NCC, is serving as Project Manager and is spearheading the development of a comprehensive timeline that will organize photos, oral histories, and texts to showcase the lasting impact of 25 influential Hispanic figures on the region’s social, cultural, and economic landscape.

“The goal of this project is to create a tangible record of Hispanic leaders who have influenced the community, especially since they are often underrepresented in traditional historical materials,” said Fernandez. “By preserving and sharing these stories, we aim to foster a more inclusive understanding of our region’s history and inspire future generations.”

The project is expected to be completed by December 2024. It will be distributed and exhibited throughout the region, serving as an educational resource for local K-12 and college students, and as a tool for community engagement among organizations, local libraries, historical societies, museums, and media. It will also be available at NCC’s Fowler Family Southside Center as well.

As part of the project, Toni Fernandez is calling on community members to contribute by sharing photos, stories, or suggestions for individuals to be featured in the timeline. This collaborative effort seeks to ensure that all voices are heard and represented.

Upcoming Event: Celebrating Hispanic Leadership

In celebration of this project and to gather more community input, NCC will host an evening event on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at the Northampton Community College Fowler Family Southside Center, located at 511 East 3rd Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015, Room 103.

The event will feature highlights from the research on Hispanic leaders in Bethlehem and provide a platform for community members to contribute their own stories and materials.

Refreshments will be served. For more information and to RSVP, please contact Toni Fernandez at afernandez@northampton.edu by Friday, October 25, 2024.

About Northampton Community College

With an enduring commitment to the regional communities it serves and a focus on student success, Northampton Community College is an educational institution of extraordinary distinction, earning accolades at the state and national levels for innovative programs, outstanding faculty, and impressive student achievements. It counts among its successful alumni a four-time Pulitzer Prize winner and an Academy Award winning director, as well as a host of CEOs, presidents, and leaders of business and industry. Today, Northampton Community College has locations in Bethlehem, Southside Bethlehem, and Monroe County, serving 30,000 students annually from 53 counties, 42 countries, and 25 states. For more information or to apply, please visit northampton.edu. Follow NCC’s President on X @NCCPresDaveRuth, and the college on LinkedIn, Instagram @NorthamptonCommCollege, TikTok @NorthamptonCC, and Facebook.