As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, author, historian, and researcher, Wallace Reyes, Ph.D. will speak on Oct. 10 at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Tampa about the history of the cigar industry and also how the Hispanic and Latino communities impact Greater Tampa Bay. Dr. Reyes is the senior vice president of Gonzalez Habano Cigar Company, a family business, and will share his unique insight into these topics.
His family history in Tampa dates back to 1917, and he is an active member in the City of Tampa and in the state of Florida education and business sector. Reyes’ family emigrated from Puerto Rico where his family was in the cigar making business. In 1922, they began a cigar making business. Reyes is a fourth generation cigar maker.
The author of “Once Upon a Time in Tampa….Rise and Fall of the Cigar Industry,” Reyes talks about how The Greater Tampa area was once home to more than 30 cigar factories and how urban development and political upset in Cuba negatively impacted the industry.
Other speakers will include Dr. Mirtha Whaley, NSU Assistant Director and Director of Academic Affairs; Pedro Alvarez MD. Science, Nova Southeastern University Alumnus and Dr. Enid Rentas, Director of Osceola Virtual Schools
The Hispanic Heritage Month event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is free and open to the community at the NSU-Tampa campus, 3632 Queen Palm Drive. Guests are invite to mingle, enjoy heavy hor devours and meet Dr. Reyes and the other guest speakers. Dr. Reyes will sell his books along with tickets for a walking tour through historic Ybor City to take place on Oct. 11.
Seating is limited. RSVP by calling (813) 574-5200 for more details. For more information contact Michael Abraham at 813-574, or ma837@nova.edu.