Hispanic Heritage Month Kicks Off in San Angelo

“Why is this month so important? We bring flavor to this country,” says 119th District Court Judge Gonzalo Rios to a cheering crowd at this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month kickoff ceremony.

“We bring music, we bring dancing, we bring traditions that are sorely needed in this country, especially in this day-and-age.”

On the steps of San Angelo City Hall, performers from local schools and members of the San Angelo Hispanic Heritage Museum & Cultural Center welcomed the celebrations ahead, which are slated through Oct. 15.

Seven San Angolans will be recognized for their contributions to the community at the award banquet later this month.

The organization’s goal is to establish funding and community support to develop a Hispanic Heritage Museum and Cultural Center in San Angelo.

Museum & Cultural Center Board President Manny Campos led the ceremony while the crowd watched performances from the Lincoln Middle School Mariachi, sister program to the Lake View High School “Mariachi Los Caciques”, led by Rosendo Ramos. Followed by dancers from Angelo State and Angelo Catholic School.

Judge Rios went on to speak about his experiences growing up on San Antonio Street in San Angelo, and his path to leadership.

“I asked how many Hispanic judges we had in 1992,” he told listeners. “I could count them on two hands. Last week at our Judicial Conference, we had 135.”

In his Proclamation, which was read aloud, Mayor Tom Thompson officially recognized the board:

“The San Angelo Hispanic Heritage Museum & Cultural Center is dedicated to preserving and
sharing the stories, history, and legacy of the Hispanic and Latino community, ensuring that
future generations understand and appreciate the vital role Hispanic Americans have played in
shaping our shared identity.

“Through education, celebration, and reflection, Hispanic Heritage Month provides an
opportunity for all members of our community to learn about and honor the diverse cultures,
languages, and histories that unite us.”