The Austin Community College District will mark Texas Independence Day with a multicultural celebration Thursday, March 1. The event will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Eastview Campus (3401 Webberville Rd., Room 8500).

ACC students, faculty, and staff will enjoy music, Mexican food, and Salt Lick barbecue; the event will give participants an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of Texas Independence Day and the roles many people played. March 2 is the 176^th anniversary of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence, when Texas separated from Mexico and became the Republic of Texas.

“Last year we had more than 300 students come out to celebrate, and we’re expecting at least that many this year,” says Carla Jackson, associate director of ACC’s Center for Public Policy and Political Studies (CPPPS). “This is a fun and educational event, and we encourage all students, faculty, and staff to take part.”

Guest speakers include Senator Gonzalo Barrientos, ACC Professor of History Larry Willoughby, and ACC Government Professor Lisa Perez-Nichols.

The celebration is presented by ACC’s Center for Public Policy and Political Studies (CPPPS, which is housed under the Department of External Affairs), its Center for Student Political Studies (CSPS), the Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, the Department of History, and Salt Lick.

For more information, contact Jackson at [email protected] or 223.7049.

Students needing a sign language interpreter or other accommodations should contact John Aintablian at [email protected] at least 48 hours in advance.