The EC200 committee is celebrating the fourth and final event in the EC200 Heritage Commemoration Series, taking place on Saturday, August 25 at the historic Roycroft Campus in East Aurora with an afternoon celebrating WNY Hispanic Heritage.  This free event will feature musical performances by Sol Y Sombra along with speakers discussing Hispanic heritage in WNY with a focus on the WNY Hispanic Heritage District and the Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute. Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually from September 15 – October 15 and this year’s theme is “Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope.” The event will take place on the Roycroft Campus’ Great Lawn from 2-6   PM at 31 South Grove St. in East Aurora.

We are excited to conclude the EC200 Bicentennial Series on Campus with a celebration of Hispanic heritage in Western New York,” stated Curt Maranto, Executive Director of the Roycroft Campus.  “The Roycroft was founded on the ideals of individuality, inclusivity and community; it is an honor to celebrate the rich and diverse culture in Erie County while also providing opportunities for new audiences to experience the Roycroft’s history and legacy.

Esmeralda Sierra, President of the Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY Inc. added, “For the Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY, it's a pleasure to partner with the Roycroft Campus to celebrate Hispanic history, heritage and culture. Commemorations, such as Hispanic Heritage Month, are fundamental to preserving history. Events and collaborations like this are an excellent opportunity to educate all generations on our history, heritage, culture and traditions. As an organization, we are proud to collaborate with the Roycroft Campus to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of our community, with hopes to inspire newer generations of Hispanics to feel a sense of pride, and foster appreciation for the Hispanic culture from the community at large.”

“Buffalo has been a beacon of hope to people from around the globe for 200 years. Our unique, diverse stories are woven into the tapestry of our community and our lives. This celebration honors the spirit and dedication of people committed to diversity and inclusion in a celebration that unites and bonds us all,” said Casimiro Rodriguez Sr., Chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee of the Erie County Bicentennial Committee.

The Campus’ Visitor Center will be open for guests to explore the Roycroft’s history, along with the Copper Shop Gallery & Gift Shop which features the work of over 100 local and international artists as well as a wide variety of home goods and unique gifts.

Speakers between musical selections will include Esmeralda Sierra, President Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY Inc.; Kelly S. Hernandez, Wellcare Community Relations Outreach Specialist & HHC Director; Miguel Santos, Consumer Advocate for National Grid, and Casimiro Rodríguez, President Emeritus & Founder of the Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY Inc.

Free samples of Hispanic food and drinks will be available while supplies last thanks to the generosity of Goya Foods. Flying Bison Brewing Company will also be offering beer tastings. Attendees should bring their own blankets or chairs and may also bring their own refreshments; they are also asked to observe a carry-in/carry-out policy for food and trash. Masks should be worn while entering and exiting the event space and when purchasing food or drinks or using the restroom.

Background:

Planning for EC200 began almost two years ago with an organizational effort that included the County Executive’s office along with Executive Director of the Buffalo History Museum Melissa Brown, Erie County Historian Douglas Kohler, and a few dozen local historical, cultural, and community stakeholders.

The group grew to include hundreds of volunteers working on programming, marketing, inclusion and outreach for the year-long bicentennial celebration. Committee work is focused on Education, Programming, Marketing, Media/Social Media, and Diversity and Inclusion.

Included among the organizations joining the Erie County Departments of Environment & Planning and Parks, Recreation and Forestry in presenting EC200 are Visit Buffalo Niagara, the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, Hispanic Heritage, the Buffalo History Museum, Explore and More - The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum,  Flying Bison Brewing Company, the Baird Foundation, Shea’s Performing Arts Center, EPIC, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and the WNY Pride Center as well as many local historical sites.

For more information:

On EC200 visit:      https://www3.erie.gov/ec200/

On the Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY visit: http://hispanicheritagewny.org/ 

On the Roycroft Campus visit:   https://www.roycroftcampuscorporation.com/

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