Jose Pizarro Figueroa, 2019 Veteran of Honor, given a memorial resolution

Buffalo, NY – Chairwoman April Baskin honored Hispanic Heritage Month at the Erie County Legislature’s session on September 26 through a resolution commemorating the accomplishments of local people and groups.

Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15^th through October 15^th and was established in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson as a weeklong celebration. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan formally designated the month-long commemoration.  Many local Western New York organizations including the Hispanic Heritage Council and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra have unique program offerings that highlight the contributions of the Hispanic cultural both nationally and locally.

In addition, Legislator Baskin also sponsored a resolution honoring Hispanic veteran Jose Pizarro Figueroa who served in the US Army and frequently traveled to Buffalo from his home in Queens to perform with his band “Voces de Jublio”. Many of his 8 children and grandchildren live in the Buffalo area and continue his musical and ethnic legacy.

“I firmly believe our diversity is our strength. As a Legislator for the most diverse district in Erie County, I am proud to honor the great contributions of the many Hispanic community leaders that have made Buffalo a better place to live through their cultural impact. Erie County makes worthwhile investments in groups like the Hispanic Heritage Council every year so they can continue the great work they do preserving and spreading Hispanic culture across our city,” said Legislator Baskin.

For more information on Hispanic Heritage Month’s events and many others, visit the Hispanic Heritage Council’s website at hispanicheritagewny.org.