María Torres Complete Interview
This interview with Maria Torres took place on September 27, 2012 in Buffalo, NY and was conducted by Stephanie Bucalo. Maria was born in Puerto Rico and later moved to Florida before finally establishing a home in Buffalo. She and her husband would travel between Florida and Buffalo for a few years following the planting seasons in both places until they finally decided to stay in Buffalo to allow their children to have the best educational opportunities. At this point, Maria found a job working on a farm south of the City of Buffalo until she became pregnant at which time she had to leave her job. While working on the farm, she would prepare lunch for the laborers each day. She became known throughout the Hispanic community for her cooking and her dedication to making sure people of all ages had adequate meals throughout the day. Maria eventually was recruited to help at the Puerto Rican Chicano Committee, which, was a community center dedicated to serving the social needs of the Hispanic community. She was later approached by the City to recruit seniors in need of housing. She helped start a Senior Center through PRCC, now Hispanics United of Buffalo. Once she recruited enough seniors to open the center, she realized that the seniors needed a free lunch program and one did not already exist. She worked endlessly to gain the resources she needed to provide free lunches for them every day and succeeded. She still prepares lunches for the seniors even though she is in her 80s. Maria was actively involved in the community, not just at PRCC and the Senior Center, but also in the Church and in other social venues. She loves her work and is very proud of what she and the other people involved in creating the Center have accomplished. She is also a proud parents and enjoys seeing her children’s success.
Esta entrevista con María Torres tomó lugar el 27 de septiembre del año 2012 en Búfalo, NY y fue conducida por Stephanie Bucalo. María Torres nació en Puerto Rico y más tarde se mudó a Florida antes de establecer un hogar en la Ciudad de Búfalo. Ella y su esposo viajaron entre Florida y Búfalo siguiendo las estaciones de las cosechas hasta cuando por fin decidieron establecer un hogar en Búfalo para darles a sus hijos las mejores oportunidades educativas. En este momento, María encontró empleo en una granja al sur de la Ciudad hasta cuando se embarazó en cual momento ella tuvo que dejar su puesto. Durante su tiempo trabajando en la granja, ella preparó la comida para los trabajadores cada día. Se puso conocida por su comida y por su dedicación a asegurarse que la gente de todas edades tenía la comida adecuada por todo el día.Eventualmente, María fue reclutada a ayudar por el Puerto Rican Chicano Committee, la cual, era una organización dedicada a ofrecerle ayuda con los servicios sociales a la comunidad hispana. Más tarde fue contactada por la Ciudad para reclutar a los mayores que necesitaban los servicios del centro. Ella ayudó a empezar un centro para los mayores por PRCC, ahora conocido por el nombre Hispanos Unidos de Búfalo. Al momento en cuando ella reclutó residentes suficientes para abrir el centro, ella se dio cuenta que ya no existía un programa gratis del almuerzo para los mayores. Ella trabajaba sin parar para ganar los recursos necesarios que necesitaba para realizar el programa y proveer los almuerzos a los mayores cada día. Ella logró. Todavía, hoy en día, ella sigue preparando los almuerzos para los mayores. María fue activamente involucrada en la comunidad, no solo con PRCC y el Centro para los Mayores, pero también en la Iglesia en otros lugares sociales. A ella le encanta su trabajo y se siente muy orgullosa de lo que ella y los otros involucrados con la creación del Centro han logrado. Ella también es una madre orgullosa y disfruta de ver los éxitos de sus hijos.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Mar%C3%ADa+Torres+%28Interviewee%29">María Torres (Interviewee)</a>
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Hispanic Heritage "Bring Us Your History!" Project
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
2012-09-27
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=37&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Hispanic+Heritage+Council+of+WNY%2C+INC">Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY, INC</a>
Digital collection copyright 2016 by the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. This collection or portions thereof are not to be used for any commercial purposes without the expressed written permission of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. Users of this website are free to utilize material from this collection for non-commercial and educational purposes.
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Digital Collections
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Spanish
Lucy Candelario Complete Interview
This interview with Lucy Candelario took place on May 8, 2014 at the Father Belle Center in Buffalo, NY and was conducted by Stephanie Bucalo. Lucy was born in Buffalo, NY to a Puerto Rican migrant family. Lucy’s father and grandfather both worked in hotels, restaurants and factories to support their families. Lucy reflects on her childhood growing up in Buffalo. She attended Grover Cleveland High School and was surrounded by many other ethnicities. Carmen, Lucy’s mother, contributes to the conversation by sharing some of her experiences as a child growing up in a bilingual and multicultural environment. Carmen was able to assimilate fairly easily into the the work force because she already knew English from her school in Puerto Rico. Lucy felt more discrimination and racial tensions while she was attending school despite growing up in a multiethnic neighborhood. Lucy also shares her experiences growing up in the Pentecostal Church. Many people believed that all Puerto Ricans were Catholic, however many were part of the Pentecostal Church. This experience shaped how Lucy learned to act in the community. She describes how the religious community has progressed over the years and the many differences between the Catholic and Pentecostal Churches. Lucy shares her perspective on family values of the past and of today. She also discusses working conditions at her husband’s work and a few other memories from her younger years.
Esta entrevista tomó lugar el 8 de mayo del año 2014 al Centro del Padre Belle en Búfalo, NY y fue conducida por Stephanie Bucalo. Lucy nació en Búfalo, NY a una familia inmigrante puertorriqueña. El padre y el abuelo de Lucy ambos trabajaron en los hoteles, los restaurantes, y las factorías para apoyar a sus familias. Lucy refleja en su juventud en Búfalo. Ella asistió a la escuela secundaria de Grover Cleveland y tenía muchas etnicidades alrededor de ella. Carmen, la madre de Lucy, contribuye a la conversación por compartir unas de sus experiencias de su juventud creciendo en un ambiente bilingüe y multicultural. Carmen se asimiló fácilmente a la fuerza laboral porque ya sabía hablar inglés porque se lo enseñó en la escuela primaria en Puerto Rico. Lucy sintió más discriminación y tensiones raciales cuando asistía a la escuela a pesar de crecerse en un vecindario multicultural. Lucy también comparte sus experiencias creciendo dentro de la iglesia pentecostal. Mucha gente crecía que todos los puertorriqueños eran católicos pero una gran parte era parte de la iglesia pentecostal. Esta experiencia formó como Lucy aprendió a comportarse en la comunidad. Ella describe que la comunidad religiosa se ha progresado por los años y las muchas diferencias entre las iglesias católicas y pentecostales. Lucy comparte su perspectiva sobre los valores familiares del pasado y de hoy en día. Ella también explica las condiciones laborales del trabajo de su esposo y algunas otras memorias de su juventud.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Lucy+Candelario+%28Interviewee%29">Lucy Candelario (Interviewee)</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Stephanie+Bucalo+%28Interviewer%29">Stephanie Bucalo (Interviewer)</a>
Hispanic Heritage "Bring Us Your History!" Project
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
2014-05-08
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=37&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Hispanic+Heritage+Council+of+WNY%2C+INC">Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY, INC</a>
Digital collection copyright 2016 by the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. This collection or portions thereof are not to be used for any commercial purposes without the expressed written permission of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. Users of this website are free to utilize material from this collection for non-commercial and educational purposes.
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Digital Collections
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Spanish
Eleanor Paterson Complete Interview
This interview with Eleanor Paterson took place at Erie Community College (ECC) in Downtown Buffalo, NY. Eleanor is the director of the Bilingual Program at ECC and has been a part of the Hispanic Women’s League since 1983. Eleanor comes from a Jewish family but fell in love with the Spanish language and culture after spending time with her husband in Spain. Once she returned to Buffalo she taught at the Herman Badillo Bilingual School, pursued her PhD in Bilingual Education, and has since become deeply involved in the Hispanic community. In this interview Eleanor discusses her role as the director of the Bilingual Program at ECC, the Hispanic Women’s League, and shares her thoughts on the current state of the Hispanic community.
Esta entrevista con Eleanor Paterson tomó lugar a Erie Community College (ECC) en el Centro de Búfalo, NY. Eleanor es la directora del Programa Bilingüe a ECC y ha sido una parte de la Liga de las Mujeres Hispanas desde el año 1983. Eleanor viene de una familia judía pero cayó enamorada del lenguaje español y la cultura después de pasar tiempo con su esposo en España. Cuando ella volvió a Búfalo, ella enseñó a Herman Badillo Bilingual School, persiguió su doctorado en la Educación Bilingüe, y hasta este momento había sido muy involucrada dentro de la comunidad hispana. En esta entrevista, Eleanor explica su rol de directora del Programa Bilingüa a ECC, la Liga de las Mujeres Hispanas, y comparte sus pensamientos sobre el estado corriente de la comunidad hispana.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Eleanor+Paterson+%28Interviewee%29">Eleanor Paterson (Interviewee)</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Stephanie+Bucalo+%28Interviewer%29">Stephanie Bucalo (Interviewer)</a>
Hispanic Heritage "Bring Us Your History!" Project
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
2013-08-29
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=37&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Hispanic+Heritage+Council+of+WNY%2C+INC">Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY, INC</a>
Digital collection copyright 2016 by the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. This collection or portions thereof are not to be used for any commercial purposes without the expressed written permission of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. Users of this website are free to utilize material from this collection for non-commercial and educational purposes.
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Digital Collections
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English
Ernie Perez Complete Interview
This interview with Ernie Perez took place in Buffalo, NY and was conducted by Stephanie Bucalo. Ernie was born in Puerto Rico but moved with his family to Buffalo in 1956. He is the youngest of 20 children. Ernie’s family learned about job opportunities in Buffalo from his three oldest brothers. Ernie shares stories about language acquisition, education, employment, and the Pentecostal religion. He also shares his memories while working at the Puerto Rican Community Center--now the Pucho Olivencia Center.
Esta entrevista con Ernie Perez tomó lugar en Búfalo, NY y fue conducida por Stephanie Bucalo. Ernie nació en Puerto Rico pero se mudó con su familia a Búfalo en el año 1956. Él es el más joven de 20 niños. La familia de Ernie aprendió sobre las oportunidades para trabajo por sus tres hermanos más mayores. Ernie comparte cuentos sobre la adquisición lingüística, la educación, el empleo, y la religion pentecostal. Él también comparte sus memorias trabajando en el Centro Puertorriqueño de la comunidad--ahora el Centro Pucho Olivencia.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Ernie+Perez+%28Interviewee%29">Ernie Perez (Interviewee)</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Stephanie+Bucalo+%28Interviewer%29">Stephanie Bucalo (Interviewer)</a>
Hispanic Heritage "Bring Us Your History!" Project
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
2013-09-05
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=37&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Hispanic+Heritage+Council+of+WNY%2C+INC">Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY, INC</a>
Digital collection copyright 2016 by the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. This collection or portions thereof are not to be used for any commercial purposes without the expressed written permission of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. Users of this website are free to utilize material from this collection for non-commercial and educational purposes.
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Digital Collections
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Jorge Reyes Complete Interview
This interview with Jorge Reyes, Elba Dilecki and Johnny Sanabria took place on August 13, 2013 at their summer home in Lackawanna, NY and was conducted by Stephanie Bucalo. Jorge and Elba (Abby) are siblings and arrived in Buffalo when their father came to the area in search of employment after World War II. His family knew that many Puerto Ricans were coming up north to work in the fields and then returned to the island during the winter. His father decided to stay and work in a factory through the winter. Jorge shares stories about his youth in school, the military, time in the community and in the workplace. He places a strong emphasis on the strict family values largely because his academic upbringing was very difficult and had he not had such a strong family structure, his life would be completely different today. Abby shares some stories about her time growing up, playing softball, school and raising a family. Johnny jumps in to reinforce many stories about baseball and its ability to bring the community together.
Esta entrevista con Jorge Reyes, Elba Dilecki y Johnny Sanabria tomó lugar el 12 de agosto de 2013 en su casa del verano en Lackawanna, NY y fue conducida por Stephanie Bucalo. Jorge y Elba (Abby) son hermanos y llegaron a Búfalo cuando su padre vino al área en búsqueda de empleo después de la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Su familia sabía que ya hubo muchos puertorriqueños viajando al norte para trabajar en el campo y regresando a la isla durante el invierno. Su padre decidió de quedarse y trabajar en una factoría durante el invierno. Jorge comparte unos cuentos sobre su juventud, el ejército, su tiempo dentro de la comunidad y al trabajo. Él pone mucha énfasis en los valores estrictos familiares largamente porque su formación educativa era tan complicada y si él no hubiera tenido una estructura familiar tan estricta, su vida habría sido muy diferente hoy en día. Abby comparte unos cuentos sobre su tiempo juvenil, jugando al softball, en la escuela y creciendo a su familia. Johnny entra en la conversación para reforzar los datos sobre la liga de béisbol y como era una manera de juntar la comunidad.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Jorge+Reyes+%28Interviewee%29">Jorge Reyes (Interviewee)</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Stephanie+Bucalo+%28Interviewer%29">Stephanie Bucalo (Interviewer)</a>
Hispanic Heritage "Bring Us Your History!" Project
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
2013-08-13
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=37&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Hispanic+Heritage+Council+of+WNY%2C+INC">Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY, INC</a>
Digital collection copyright 2016 by the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. This collection or portions thereof are not to be used for any commercial purposes without the expressed written permission of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. Users of this website are free to utilize material from this collection for non-commercial and educational purposes.
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Digital Collections
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Delia Lydia Rodríguez Complete Interview
This interview with Delia Lydia Rodriguez took place on September 29, 2012 in her home in Buffalo, NY and was conducted by Stephanie Bucalo and Casimiro Rodriguez. Lydia was born in Hormigueros, Puerto Rico but moved first to Virginia with her husband and later to Buffalo. She travelled with him to Germany while he served in the army but eventually established a home where her family was in Buffalo. Lydia worked for the Casa Cultural Puertorriqueña (PRCC) in child care. In this interview she described the different activities that took place at the center and also within other parts of the community. Lydia was volunteer at School 6 for 10 years while her grandchildren attended school there. She did whatever they asked her to do. Lydia shares her thoughts on the past and current states of her community and her philosophy on coexistence in a multicultural environment.
Esta entrevista con Delia Lydia Rodriguez tomó lugar el 28 de septiembre del año del 2012 en su casa en Búfalo, NY y fue conducida por Stephanie Bucalo y Casimiro Rodriguez. Lydia nació en Hormigueros, Puerto Rico pero se mudó primero a Virginia con su esposo y más tarde a Búfalo. Ella viajó con su esposo a Alemania porque él servía al ejército pero eventualmente establecieron un hogar donde ya vivía su familia en Búfalo. Lydia trabajaba para la Casa Cultural Puertorriqueña (PRCC) en el cuidado de los niños. En esta entrevista ella describe las actividades diferentes que tomaron lugar al centro y también dentro de la comunidad. Lydia era voluntaria en la escuela 6 por 10 años mientras sus nietos estudiaban ahí. Ella hacía lo que le pedían. Lydia comparte sus pensamientos sobre los estados pasados y presentes de su comunidad y su filosofía sobre la coexistencia dentro de un ambiente multicultural.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Delia+Lydia+Rodr%C3%ADguez+%28Interviewee%29">Delia Lydia Rodríguez (Interviewee)</a>
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Stephanie+Bucalo+%28Interviewer%29">Stephanie Bucalo (Interviewer)</a>
Hispanic Heritage "Bring Us Your History!" Project
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
2012-09-29
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=37&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Hispanic+Heritage+Council+of+WNY%2C+INC">Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY, INC</a>
Digital collection copyright 2016 by the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. This collection or portions thereof are not to be used for any commercial purposes without the expressed written permission of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. Users of this website are free to utilize material from this collection for non-commercial and educational purposes.
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Digital Collections
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Spanish
Agustín Chito Olivencia Complete Interview
This interview was conducted in Cheektowaga, New York on September 14, 2012. The interview was conducted by Stephanie Bucalo. It is difficult to hear the interview sometimes because there is a bit of background noise. Agustín Olivencia, or “Chito”, shares some very personal stories about his family in the interview, which causes him to be emotional at times. Agustín Chito Olivencia was born in Hormigueros, Puerto Rico and his father (Pucho Olivencia) brought the family to North Collins in 1950 because there was work available on the farms. The family later moved to the east side of Buffalo, and were one of the only Latino families in the neighborhood at the time. Chito attended St. Lucy’s, a Catholic school, and at first he had trouble with the language, but his father was in the army and he was learning English, so when he would come home he would teach the kids. As a child, Chito had a passion for activism and started his own club with his friends called the Latin American Youth Organization. He was also exposed to the world of politics at a young age because he would observe his father and sometimes have to drive him to court or other places in the community to help people. Chito’s activism followed him to adulthood and even though he worked for the Erie County Parks, he also dedicated his time to community involvement. He was in charge of a radio station, had his own newspaper, ran a political group and helped in planning and executing community events. It is evident that he was highly influenced by his father, who was always involved with the community offering help and guidance to others. Chito has always enjoyed politics, and although he is now retired, he still continues to be involved with the Hispanic community. Chito is very passionate about continuing what his father started when he was alive. His activism and political involvement has made him a huge asset to the Hispanic community and has set the bar high for the other generations to follow. Chito is motivated by the attitude that when you set your mind to something, you can make it happen, and he and his family have left this legacy behind.
Esta entrevista ocurrió en Cheektowaga, Nueva York el 14 de septiembre de 2012. La entrevista fue realizada por Stephanie Bucalo. Es difícil escuchar la entrevista a veces porque hay un poco de ruido en el fondo. Agustín Olivencia, o "Chito", comparte algunas historias muy personales sobre su familia en la entrevista, que a veces le provoca que esté emocional. Agustín Chito Olivencia nació en Hormigueros, Puerto Rico y su padre (Pucho Olivencia) llevó la familia a North Collins en 1950 porque había trabajo en las granjas. Un poco más tarde la familia se mudó a la parte oriental de Búfalo y era una de las únicas familias latinas en el barrio durante la época. Chito asistió a Santa Lucía, una escuela católica y al principio tenía problemas con el idioma, pero su padre estaba en el ejército y estaba aprendiendo inglés, cuando volvía a casa lo enseñaba a los niños. Chito tenía una pasión para el activismo durante su niñez y fundó su propio club con sus amigos que se llama la Organización de la Juventud Latinoamericana (LAYO). También estaba expuesto al mundo political durante su juventud porque él observaba a su padre y a veces tenía que llevarlo a la corte o a otros lugares en la comunidad para ayudar a la gente. El activismo de Chito siguió hasta la edad adulta y aunque trabajó para los parques del Condado de Erie, también dedicó su tiempo en la participación dentro de la comunidad. Tenía una emisora de radio, tenía su propio periódico, estaba a cargo de un grupo político y ayudó en la planificación y ejecución de eventos de la comunidad. Es evidente que era influenciado mucho por su padre, quien siempre estaba involucrado en la comunidad ofreciendo la ayuda y la dirección a los demás. Chito siempre ha disfrutado de la política, y aunque ahora está jubilado, él continúa a involucrarse en la comunidad hispana. Chito está muy apasionado a continuar lo que su padre empezó cuando estaba vivo. Su activismo y participación política le ha hecho un gran recurso para la comunidad hispana y se ha puesto el listón alto para las otras generaciones en seguida. Chito es motivado por la actitud de que cuando propones algo, puedes hacerlo realizar, y él y su familia han dejado este legado aquí.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Agust%C3%ADn+Chito+Olivencia+%28Interviewee%29">Agustín Chito Olivencia (Interviewee)</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Stephanie+Bucalo+%28Interviewer%29">Stephanie Bucalo (Interviewer)</a>
Hispanic Heritage "Bring Us Your History!" Project
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
2013-09-29
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=37&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Hispanic+Heritage+Council+of+WNY%2C+INC">Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY, INC</a>
Digital collection copyright 2016 by the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. This collection or portions thereof are not to be used for any commercial purposes without the expressed written permission of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. Users of this website are free to utilize material from this collection for non-commercial and educational purposes.
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Digital Collections
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English
Miguel Santos Complete Interview
This interview with Miguel Santos took place on March 1, 2012 in Buffalo, NY and was conducted by Stephanie Bucalo. Miguel arrived in Buffalo to find that there was a growing Hispanic population and became actively involved in supporting it. Miguel is deeply involved in the religious community and discusses its importance in establishing a strong Hispanic community. Miguel was also very involved in planning the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade. He gives an elaborate description of the parade’s history and who was fundamental in making it come to life. Miguel also discusses the advent of bilingual education, how the program has transformed over the years and the importance of having access to bilingual/multilingual education. Miguel is very proud of his heritage and loves to promote that very same pride within his community. It is not hard to miss his enthusiasm and passion for the history and culture of his community throughout the interview.
Esta entrevista con Miguel Santos tomó lugar el primero de marzo del año 2012 en Búfalo, NY y fue conducida por Stephanie Bucalo. Miguel llegó a Búfalo a descubrir que ya existía una comunidad hispana floreciente y se puso activamente involucrado en su apoyo. Miguel es profundamente involucrado en la comunidad religiosa y describe su importancia en estableciendo una comunidad hispana fuerte. Miguel también estaba muy involucrado en la planificación del Desfile del Día Puertorriqueño. Él da una descripción bien detallada de la historia del desfile y quien era fundamental del desarrollo del desfile. Miguel también explica el nacimiento del programa bilingüe, como se ha transformado el programa por los años y la importancia de tener acceso a la educación bilingüe/multilingüe. Miguel es muy orgulloso de su herencia y a él le encanta promover este mismo orgullo dentro de su comunidad. No es tan difícil de escuchar su entusiasmo para la historia y la cultura de su comunidad por toda la entrevista.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Miguel+Santos+%28Interviewee%29">Miguel Santos (Interviewee)</a>
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Hispanic Heritage "Bring Us Your History!" Project
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
2012-03-01
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=37&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Hispanic+Heritage+Council+of+WNY%2C+INC">Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY, INC</a>
Digital collection copyright 2016 by the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. This collection or portions thereof are not to be used for any commercial purposes without the expressed written permission of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. Users of this website are free to utilize material from this collection for non-commercial and educational purposes.
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Digital Collections
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José Santos Rolón
This interview took place on July 16, 2013 at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval Park in Buffalo, NY on board the USS Little Rock. The interview was conducted by Stephanie Bucalo and accompanied by José Santos Rolón’s family and friends. José is a Korean War Veteran and a long time Civil Service employee. Parts of the interview are difficult to understand due to the air conditioning on the boat. At times, it is hard to hear José speaking because he often mumbles and the air condition is very loud. José Santos Rolón was born in Puerto Rico then migrated to Naples, FL before settling in Buffalo, NY. José received some formal education in Puerto Rico. José enlisted in the United States Army when he turned 18 years old. He served in the Korean War and received three bronze medals for his heroic efforts during his service. After serving in the Armed Forces, José settled in Buffalo, NY and applied for employment in the Civil Service sector. His brother already lived in Buffalo and worked for the Veteran’s Association. He encouraged José to seek a Civil Service position. José did not get the call from the Civil Service Department right away so he found employment at New York Central, but was laid off while he was on his honeymoon. Shortly after, he received a call from the Civil Service Department and was offered a position at the Post Office. He worked in the Civil Service Sector for 32 years before comfortably retiring. José shares many intimate stories about his time in Korea, including one when he almost loses his life and another when he almost loses his leg. Even though José’s service experiences are traumatic, he proudly tells his stories and ensures us that he enjoyed serving the United States and is proud to have had the opportunity.
Esta entrevista tomó lugar el 26 de Julio 2013 al Parque Naval de Búfalo y Erie County en Búfalo, NY al borde del USS Little Rock. La entrevista fue conducida por Stephanie Bucalo y acompañada por la familia y los amigos de José Santos Rolón. José es un veterano de la Guerra Coreana y un empleo de mucho tiempo del sector de Servicio Civil. Unas partes de la entrevista son difíciles de entender por la culpa del aire acondicionado en el barco. A veces, es difícil de escuchar a José hablando porque frecuentemente murmura y por el sonido del aire acondicionado. José Santos Rolón nació en Puerto Rico y luego migró a Naples, FL antes de hacer una vida en Búfalo, NY. José recibió alguna educación formal en Puerto Rico. José se alistó en el ejército estadounidense cuando cumplió los 18 años. Él sirvió en la Guerra Coreana y recibió tres medallas de bronce para sus esfuerzas heroicas durante su servicio. Después de servir en las Fuerzas Armadas, José hizo una vida en Búfalo, NY y se solicitó al sector del Servicio Civil. Su hermano ya vivía en Búfalo y trabajaba con la Asociación de los Veteranos. Él animó a José a buscar empleo de Servicio Civil. José no recibió una llamada del Departamento de Servicio Civil al inicio, pues encontró un puesto con New York Central, pero lo perdió mientras estaba en su luna de miel. Un poco después, recibió una llamada del Departamento de Servicio Civil y fue ofrecido un puesto al Correo. Él trabajó en este sector por 32 años antes de su jubilación. José comparte muchas historias personales sobre su tiempo en Corea, incluyendo una cuando casi perdió su vida y otra cuando casi perdió su pierna. Aunque las experiencias de su servicio son traumáticas, José con mucho orgullo cuenta su historia y nos asegura que disfrutó de su servicio a los Estados Unidos y es orgulloso de tener la oportunidad.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Jos%C3%A9+Santos+Rol%C3%B3n+%28Interviewee%29">José Santos Rolón (Interviewee)</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Stephanie+Bucalo+%28Interviewer%29">Stephanie Bucalo (Interviewer)</a>
Hispanic Heritage "Bring Us Your History!" Project
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
2013-07-16
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=37&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Hispanic+Heritage+Council+of+WNY%2C+INC">Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY, INC</a>
Digital collection copyright 2016 by the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. This collection or portions thereof are not to be used for any commercial purposes without the expressed written permission of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. Users of this website are free to utilize material from this collection for non-commercial and educational purposes.
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Digital Collections
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Jesús Padilla
This interview with Jesus Padilla was conducted on July 1, 2013 at the Niagara Branch Library by Stephanie Bucalo and Alma Carrillo. Jesus was born in Puerto Rico but migrated to Western New York with his parents when he was 6 years old. Initially they established a home on the Eastside of Buffalo but later followed the Puerto Rican community to the Lower Westside. Jesus shares memories from his childhood including moments when he felt heavy discrimination because of his ethnic background and language as well as how that shaped his desire to become deeply involved in the community. Jesus shares a particular story that really motivated him to provide translation and social services to migrants who could not speak English. He recalls a particular instance when a couple took their baby to the doctor’s and received instructions to feed the baby rice cereal. They could not understand English but recognized the word rice. They fed the baby rice and he choked and died. This traumatized Jesus largely because the baby would not have died if there a translator were present. He felt there was no reason for such a terrible tragedy to occur. Jesus went on to create programs for AIDS patients to help them receive the resources they needed and to also educate the community—especially their families—about AIDS. Many families were afraid of the disease and would treat their loved ones poorly because they didn’t understand the virus and how people can live with it. Jesus has very strong opinions about the various states of the Hispanic community and culture since his arrival to Western New York—he is especially vocal about the current state of the community.
Esta entrevista con Jesus Padilla fue conducida el 1 de julio de 2013 a la biblioteca en la Calle Niagara por Stephanie Bucalo y Alma Carrillo. Jesús nació en Puerto Rico pero migró a Nueva York del Oeste con sus padres cuando tuvo 6 años. Al prinicipio, ellos establecieron un hogar al lado del este de Búfalo pero más tarde sigieron la comunidad puertorriqueña al lado bajo del oeste. Jesús comparte sus memorias incluyendo los momentos cuando se sentía una descriminación profunda por la culpa de su etnicidad y su lengua tanto como este formósu deseo de involucrarse fuertemente en la comunidad. Jesús comparte una historia en particular que le animó realmente de proveer los servicios sociales y de traducción para los migrantes que no hablaron inglés. Él se recuerda de una instancia en particular cuando una pareja joven llevó a su hijo al médico y recibió instrucciones de darle al bébé el cereal de arroz. Ellos no podían entender el inglés pero reconocieron la palabra “arroz”. Le dieron el arroz al bébé y él se sofocó y murió. Este evento traumatizó a Jesús largamente porque el bébé no habría muerto si si estuviera un traductor ahí para asisitir a la familia. El sintió que no había ninguna razón para esta tragedia tan terrible. Jesús creyó programas para los pacientes de las SIDAS con la meta de ayudarlos recibir recursos necesarios y para educar a la comunidad—especialmente a sus familias—sobre las SIDAS. Muchas familias tenían miedo de la enfemedady les trataron pobre a sus cariños porque no entendieron el virusy como la gente vive con ello. Jesús tiene opiniones fuertes sobre los varios estados de la comunidad hispana y la cultura desde su llegada a Nueva York del Oeste—él es especialmente vocal sobre el estado actual de la comunidad.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Jes%C3%BAs+Padilla+%28Interviewee%29">Jesús Padilla (Interviewee)</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Stephanie+Bucalo+%28Interviewer%29">Stephanie Bucalo (Interviewer)</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Alma+Carrillo+%28Interviewer%29">Alma Carrillo (Interviewer)</a>
Hispanic Heritage "Bring Us Your History!" Project
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
2013-07-01
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=37&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Hispanic+Heritage+Council+of+WNY%2C+INC">Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY, INC</a>
Digital collection copyright 2016 by the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. This collection or portions thereof are not to be used for any commercial purposes without the expressed written permission of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. Users of this website are free to utilize material from this collection for non-commercial and educational purposes.
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Digital Collections
audio/mp3
English