The City of Holyoke has long been a place where Hispanic and Latino cultures are uplifted and celebrated—especially the city’s Puerto Rican heritage. The mural above, one of many in Holyoke that celebrates Latino heritage, was created by Puerto Rican artist Dom Romx as part of Beyond Walls and Nueva Esperanza’s El Corazón / The Heart of Holyoke project to beautify Holyoke with art that represents its many residents.
Holyoke has had numerous instrumental community leaders who have played a role in shaping what the city is today. Here are just a few:
Felipe Pantoja (1940-2023) founded the Hispanic Institute and published the first Puerto Rican newspaper in Holyoke. He was the first Latino and bilingual teacher at Holyoke Public Schools, where he became the founding director of the bilingual program. His work paved the way for many students and staff to learn and teach in their native language. He taught at HPS for 34 years, also teaching English to adult learners at Kelly School.
Betty Medina Lichtenstein, a community leader and former executive director of Enlace de Familias, became the first Puerto Rican woman elected to hold a public office in Massachusetts in 1985 when she won the first of four consecutive two-year terms on the Holyoke School Committee. In 2019, the City of Holyoke dedicated the street next to Enlace de Familias as "Betty Medina Way" to honor her work and legacy in Holyoke. Today, she continues her inspiring work at Enlace even after she officially retired.
Carlos A. Vega (1950-2012) was a prominent Ecuadorian community activist who lived in Holyoke. He contributed significantly to social justice initiatives, notably as the executive director of Nueva Esperanza, where he facilitated development of 400 affordable housing units in South Holyoke. His impact is still felt in the city, with his memory reflected in the Carlos Vega Park and through the Carlos Vega Fund, which supports social justice projects in the Greater Holyoke area.
The Holyoke school community is participating in a month-long celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs through October 15. Holyoke is a multicultural city where 81 percent of students and more than half of city residents identify as Latino or Latina, so this recognition is especially important here. Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the diverse contributions and experiences of American citizens whose roots come from Puerto Rico and throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America, and Spain.