(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- The Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute (JAULI) is proud to welcome acclaimed political strategist and philanthropist Luis A. Miranda Jr. for an engaging fireside chat on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 6:00pm 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. The public is welcome to attend this free event, but seating is limited so registration is required. Complimentary copies of Relentless will also be provided to attendees who register, while supplies last.
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, actor and composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, Miranda has also leveraged his platform to amplify Latino voices in the arts and entertainment, notably through groundbreaking productions like In the Heights and the Tony and Grammy award-winning play, 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, and Viva Broadway.
“The Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute is thrilled to host such an inspiring and influential figure as Luis A. Miranda Jr.,” said Lori Tarke, JAULI director. “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, College of Arts and Sciences, Seton Hall University.
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.
Established through a generous gift from benefactors Joseph and Carmen Ana Unanue in 2005, the Joseph A. Unanue 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.
One of the country’s leading Catholic universities, Seton Hall has been showing the world what great minds can do since 1856. Home to nearly 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students and offering more than 90 rigorous majors, Seton Hall’s academic excellence has been singled out for distinction by The Princeton Review, US News & World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek. Seton Hall, which embraces students of all religions, prepares its graduates to be exemplary servant leaders and caring global citizens. Its attractive main campus is located in suburban South Orange, New Jersey, and is only 14 miles to New York City, offering a wealth of employment, internship, cultural and entertainment opportunities. A new independent economic analysis of the University found that Seton Hall provides a significant impact on New Jersey's economy, totaling over $1.6 billion annually and creating and sustaining nearly 10,000 jobs. The University’s nationally recognized School of Law is prominently located in downtown Newark. The University’s Interprofessional Health Sciences (IHS) campus in Clifton and Nutley, New Jersey, houses Seton Hall’s College of Nursing, its School of Health and Medical Sciences as well as the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.
