On Sunday, ABC7NY’s Spanish‑language news program Tiempo broadcast from Hostos Community College in the Bronx to honor the lasting impact of Latino communities throughout the New York metropolitan area. The episode, hosted by veteran journalist Joe Torres, celebrated both the deep roots and contemporary achievements of Latino New Yorkers.
From early explorers to modern neighborhoods
The segment opened with a brief history lesson, noting that the first recorded Latino presence in the region dates to 1613 when Juan Rodriguez arrived from Santo Domingo. Since that early arrival, Latino peoples have helped shape the city’s character and growth.
In the 20th century, waves of Cuban immigrants settled in Hudson County, New Jersey, while Puerto Rican culture flourished in Manhattan’s historic enclaves of El Barrio and Loisaida. Dominican communities took root in Washington Heights and Inwood, and later arrivals from Mexico, Central America and South America reshaped neighborhoods across all five boroughs and beyond.
Spotlight on today’s Latino leaders
The Bronx‑based episode highlighted a diverse group of Latino scholars, community activists, entrepreneurs and entertainers. These individuals were labeled “Tiempo Trailblazers and Unsung Heroes,” underscoring the program’s mission to give voice to those who have contributed to the city’s vibrancy but may not receive widespread recognition.
Among those featured were a local university professor researching immigration policy, a small‑business owner who opened a family‑run bakery in the South Bronx, and a young artist whose work reflects the multicultural tapestry of the borough. Their stories illustrate how faith, family and hard work continue to drive progress in the community.
Why the celebration matters
Hostos Community College, a public institution dedicated to serving a largely Latino student body, provides an ideal backdrop for this celebration. By partnering with Tiempo, the college reinforces its commitment to cultural education and community engagement, aligning with the college’s mission to empower students through both academic and cultural enrichment.
For listeners, the episode offers a reminder that the contributions of Latino New Yorkers are woven into the city’s fabric—from early settlement to modern entrepreneurship—strengthening the social and economic foundations of the region.
How to tune in
New episodes of Tiempo air Sundays at 11:30 a.m. on Channel 7, WABC‑TV, and are also available on the station’s Connected TV apps for Fire, Roku, Apple TV and Android TV. The podcast can be streamed directly from the ABC7NY website.
By spotlighting Latino heritage and contemporary achievement, the program encourages residents to appreciate the diverse histories that make New York a thriving, multicultural metropolis.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
