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,” Fernandez said. “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. 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 part of the project, 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.

In celebration of this project and to gather more community input, NCC will host an evening event Oct. 29, at 5:30 p.m. at the Northampton Community College Fowler Family Southside Center, located at 511 East Third St., Bethlehem, 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 Fernandez at afernandez@northampton.edu by Oct. 25.

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