Hispanic Heritage Month In New Haven | New Haven Free Public Library

New Haven’s Hispanic and Latine community is vibrant and rapidly growing at approximately 41,700 residents (2026), making up over 31% of the City’s population. Notable persons shaping the City’s cultural, historic, and civic landscape include trailblazing community organizers, prominent elected officials and longtime journalists from the Greater New Haven area.

Juan Candelaria

Representative Juan Candelaria has served in the CT General Assembly, from New Haven’s 95^th district, since 2002. He became the first Latino to hold the position of CT House Deputy Speaker and has played a key role in passing legislation for instate tuition and providing driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants.

Alice Caraballo

A community leader, Alice Caraballo, is former Interim Director at the Junta for Progressive Action, New Haven’s first Hispanic-led nonprofit known as JUNTA. Alice works to improve the economic, social and political conditions of Latine families by advocating for immigrant rights and for supporting youth.

Photo credit: Karen Ponzio Photo

Migdalia Castro

Alderwoman Migdalia Castro is a longtime member of the New Haven Board of Alders. She is an experienced advocate for the City’s Hispanic community, focusing on economic development and programs for youth.

Abelardo King

A media pioneer, Abelardo King of West Haven, launched a free weekly Spanish newspaper that’s named “La Voz Hispana de Connecticut” (The Hispanic Voice of CT”). He has advocated for numerous Hispanic causes in New Haven and has been named West Haven’s “Hispanic American of the Year”.

Dr. Madeline Negrón

Dr. Madeline Negrón has served as Superintendent of New Haven Public Schools since July 2023 and has worked in public education for more than 25 years. She is the first latina superintendent in New Haven. Beyond her district leadership, she is a co-founder and former president of the Connecticut Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents and serves on several state education committees.

Joe Rodriguez

Joe Rodriguez co-founded and became the president of Puerto Rico United, which is very active in organizing area cultural events. This experience includes the coordination of New Haven’s annual Puerto Rican Day celebration on the City Green.

Hispanic Heritage Month at Ives Main Library

Thursday, September 17th from 6-7:45 pm

Ives Main Library Adult Services will be hosting a 60-minute documentary screening of Bad Bunny: Global Takeover, along with a post-screening discussion, led by Nina Vazquez, on the film, the singer’s cultural impact, and Reggaeton music. This film is part of the monthly World Cinema Club library film series.