Latino speakers will gather to promote “Latino Empowerment,” the 20th annual Hispanic Issues Forum on April 13.

College Hispanic American Students (CHAS) and the Latino Council are sponsoring the forum. Speakers will discuss the political outlook on the Latino vote and current issues facing the Latino community in Dallas.

The Latino Empowerment theme was chosen because of upcoming Texas gubernatorial and U.S. Senate races involving Latinos in the community. CHAS president Elizabeth Martinez believes that this year’s theme fits well.

“With the Senate run-offs taking place, it is obvious that the Latino vote has contributed to the candidatesâ” Martinez said. “We want to encourage more voting and help the Latino community reach its full potential.”

The first speaker, Roberto Aguinaga, a research coordinator from the William C. Velasquez Institute of San Antonio, will provide statistics of local, state and national voter demographics.

Following Aguinaga will be four elected Latino school board members in Dallas: Rafael Anchia, Elvira Reina, Elba Garcia and John Loza. All four will share their experiences holding public office.

Martinez wants the school board members to speak and bring awareness to inform the public that the Latino population is under-represented.

“The Dallas Independent School District is so heavily populated with Latinosâ” Martinez said. “Yet there are very few Latinos on the board.”

After the speakers, CHAS is hosting the Latino Explosion.

“This is where we get the opportunity to show off our diverse talents and the positive aspects of our cultureâ Martinez said.

The Hispanic Issues Forum will take place from 2-9:30 p.m. April 13 in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center ballrooms.