The Hispanic Information Telecommunications Network (HITN) premiered a new season of its acclaimed Puerto Rican Heritage Series on Friday, November 14, with a celebration at the Center for Puerto Rican Studies (Centro) at Hunter College in El Barrio.
PRH 2025 Honorees
Community leaders, elected officials, and members of the Puerto Rican and broader Hispanic communities gathered to honor five extraordinary figures whose leadership, creativity, and service have transformed lives and uplifted generations: Sonia Manzano, Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, Marta Moreno Vega, Hipólito ‘Paul’ Roldán, and, posthumously, Roberto Clemente.
“Puerto Ricans continue to play a vital role in shaping this nation, contributing in every manner possible,” said Michael D. Nieves, President and CEO of HITN. “This year, we celebrate those pioneers, visionaries who opened doors and made a difference in education, business, the arts, science, sports, and the fight for justice. Their stories of pura cepa and diaspora speak to future generations about our Puerto Rican resilience and strength.”
Special Recognition to Luis Gutiérrez:
The Puerto Rican Cultural Center’s Senior Advisor, Luis V. Gutiérrez, was HITN’s guest and the subject of one of the clips that recently won an Emmy. Gutiérrez, the former Alderman and Congressman who served 25 years representing the 4th District, was at the forefront of key human and political rights issues over the two-plus decades as a voice for progressives and Puerto Ricans. Among those issues, as part of Mayor Harold Washington’s City Council, were police brutality, gentrification, LGBT rights and, later, as a Representative, redistricting, the political status of Puerto Rico, the incessant bombing of the island municipality of Vieques, Puerto Rico, for U.S. & NATO War Game practice, freedom for Puerto Rican political prisoners and for over 30 years, until his retirement, as the national spokesperson for immigrants rights at the Federal level. It is that role that the HITN clip focuses on. Upon learning of the Emmy Award, Luis said, “I am happy and excited about the Emmy. Not because it was based on me, but the underlying story that in America, people should be judged on the content of their character, not the color of their skin. And in America, we were being judged because of who we are and where we come from, and that’s wrong.” Also recognized with thunderous applause were the Producer, Luis Sebastian Santana, and the Host for the series, Maria del Carmen González.
The honorees represent a broad spectrum of Puerto Rican excellence:
Sonia Manzano – Iconic actress and writer best known as ‘Maria’ on Sesame Street, and creator of Alma’s Way, whose storytelling has inspired children and advanced Latino representation in media.
Félix V. Matos Rodríguez – A groundbreaking academic leader, he became the first Puerto Rican and person of color to serve as Chancellor of CUNY, championing access, equity, and student success.
Marta Moreno Vega – The second Director of El Museo del Barrio, and Founder of the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute; she has spent decades preserving and celebrating Afro-Latino heritage worldwide.
Hipólito ‘Paul’ Roldán – A decorated Vietnam Veteran, MacArthur Fellow, and visionary community developer whose work reshaped Chicago’s housing landscape with thousands of affordable homes.
Roberto Clemente Walker – The first Hispanic inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, he achieved 3,000 hits and was an unrepentant spokesperson for Latino players, as well as a hero to youth. His humanitarian selflessness continues to inspire new generations.
The program premiered five short documentaries chronicling each honoree’s remarkable journey, followed by the presentation of commemorative plaques, including one bestowed on the late Roberto Clemente.
Now in its fourth year, the Emmy Award–winning Puerto Rican Heritage Series has become a cornerstone of HITN’s November programming, spotlighting the rich legacy of Puerto Ricans in American history. Through coverage with powerful storytelling, HITN ensures these legacies of courage, vision, and tradition endure for generations to come.
The complete series and short films are streaming now on HITN’s digital platforms and the Puerto Rican Heritage website.
