History of the Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York Inc.

Honoring Heritage. Inspiring Generations. Building Community.

The Hispanic Heritage Council is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and advancing the rich history and cultural contributions of the Hispanic community in Western New York - and beyond. Through advocacy, policy engagement, and meaningful opportunities for future generations, the Council ensures that Latino culture, leadership, and legacy continue to thrive.

As the fastest-growing minority in the United States, the Hispanic community plays a vital role in shaping the social, cultural, and economic fabric of our nation. Today, nearly 70,000 Latinos call Western New York home, contributing daily to the region's vitality and diversity. Nationally, this importance has long been recognized. In 1968, the U.S. Congress established a week-long celebration of Hispanic culture, which was later expanded in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan to Hispanic Heritage Month, observed annually from September 15 to October 15.

In Western New York, September 15, 2010 marked a historic milestone, the region's first official Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. Erie County and the City of Buffalo launched the month with a ceremonial event at the Buffalo & Erie County Public Central Library, honoring the profound contributions of Latinos to the community. The celebration sparked pride, visibility, and momentum, as arts and cultural organizations across the region united to create a vibrant calendar of events celebrating Hispanic heritage, culture, and diversity.

That moment proved transformative for community leader Casimiro D. Rodriguez Sr. Drawing from his service on the Erie County Cultural Arts Resource Board in 2009, he recognized a critical absence of Hispanic representation within the cultural sector and took decisive action to address it. On April 4, 2011, his vision became reality with the official incorporation of the Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York as a New York State nonprofit organization. As its founding member, he brought together a committed board of leaders, Tamara Alsace, Gilbert Hernandez, Wilda Ramos, Sergio Rodriguez, John Sanabria, Miguel Santos, and Esmeralda Sierra, each united by a shared mission to uplift the community.

Since its founding, the Hispanic Heritage Council has worked year-round to celebrate, educate, and elevate the Hispanic community of Western New York. The Council curates Latino history exhibits at institutions such as The Buffalo History Museum, the Buffalo & Erie County Public Libraries, local schools, and public and private government entities. In 2014, their advocacy led to a landmark achievement when the City of Buffalo Common Council officially designated the Niagara Street Corridor as the Hispanic Heritage District, formally recognizing the enduring impact of Latino history and culture in the region.

In partnership with The Buffalo History Museum and the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, the Council helped develop a Hispanic history exhibit and an oral history project, ensuring that personal stories and lived experiences are preserved for generations to come. Signature annual celebrations, including Three Kings Day, Cinco de Mayo, Spanish Language Day, and the Hispanic Heritage Community Breakfast, bring together diverse audiences in unity and celebration. Through El Día del Niño (The Day of the Child), the Council places a special emphasis on youth, honoring a cherished Latin American tradition that promotes education, literacy, nutrition, character, and global understanding.

Through all its initiatives, the Hispanic Heritage Council remains committed to building a stronger, more inclusive community, one rooted in mutual respect, cultural pride, and shared humanity.