An Interview with Pioneer and Community Leader Jose Feliciano
Jose Feliciano was born in the hills of Puerto Rico in the small town of Yauco. His dad, who served in the United States military for seven years, moved to Cleveland in 1952 when it was the sixth largest city in America, having nearly a million people. Securing work, he sent for his family from Puerto Rico and Jose arrived at age 2. Jose grew up on the near West Side of Cleveland in what now is known as Ohio City. He lived across the street from St. Patrick's School and Church, an historically Irish Catholic Parish. He did not speak English until he was six years old so at the Cleveland public school he started, he found out later, he was identified as Educable Mentally Retarded (EMR).
When he transferred to St. Patrick's school after several months he, with the help of the Ursuline nuns, learned English rather quickly in several months. He also learned Latin as an altar boy. He says his neighborhood was a fairly typical blue-collar neighborhood made up mainly of Irish, Italians, Polish and other Eastern Europeans. His family was the first Puerto Ricans in the neighborhood which was closely knit and watched out for each other. He still recalls the first time he was called a "spic" and it still stings. But he says the opportunities, friendships, and love of the neighborhood people far outweighed the few bad incidents. He says that his upbringing made him Tri-Cultural: American, Puerto Rican and Irish Catholic. He went to Cathedral Latin high school and played basketball and baseball. This was before Roberto Clemente became a famous superstar and favorite of the Puerto Rican community. He still remembers where he was when Clemente died in the plane crash on his mission to deliver relief supplies to Nicaragua following a devastating earthquake there in 1972.
He wanted to be a social worker and received his B.A. from John Carroll University. At JCU he discovered the Spanish American Committee which planted the seed to work in and help the community. He earned a J.D. from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, and later an M.B.A. from Cleveland State University. He told how the State of Ohio let people do jury trials even before they were attorneys! He started at Legal Aid under his boss Joe Meissner and became a trial attorney. He loved doing jury work and says his position as Public Defender was his best job ever. He had never met Cleveland Mayor George Voinovich but after some introductions and interviews he, at age 29, became the city's Chief Prosecuting Attorney under Voinovich. He made history by serving as the first Hispanic public official in the history of the City of Cleveland by serving as the city's chief prosecuting attorney.
He was selected as a White House Fellow under President Ronald Reagan out of thousands of candidates. That's where he first met his longtime friend Rita Moreno and VP George H.W. Bush, General Colin Powell and the rest of Reagan's cabinet. He tells stories of his work overseas on the Caribbean Basin Initiative and trips to the USSR, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. When he was attending a performance in President Reagan's box at the Kennedy Center he though how great God was to him and how great America was to him. He had many opportunities but chose to work at the law firm of Baker Hostettler mainly because they offered the freedom to continue and grow his community projects. He tells stories about the firm's founder Newton Baker and FDR, Joseph Kennedy and others. He was selected for the American College of Trial Lawyers and chosen to be President of the Cleveland Bar Association where he implemented community-focused changes.
Among his many recognitions, the U.S. Jaycees selected Mr. Feliciano as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men in America in 1984, an award received by, among others, John and Robert Kennedy, Henry Kissinger, and Elvis Presley. He is a recipient of the John Carroll University's Alumni Association Alumni Metal and in 2012 was inducted into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame. In 2023 he was awarded the Cleveland Heritage Medal which is bestowed upon "individuals whose significant contributions through leadership, collaboration and service have left an indelible mark on all spheres of the Cleveland community". One of his greatest achievements is the founding, with Adrian Maldonado and Judge José Villanueva, of the Hispanic Roundtable (HRT). The HRT is a nonprofit civic leadership organization whose purpose is to develop a vibrant, independent, and self-reliant Hispanic community, one which is making a significant contribution not only to the advancement of the Hispanic community but also to the betterment of the entire community. He speaks of the 3 "E's" - Empowerment, Education, and Economic development.
Every three years, HRT hosts a community convention, Convención Hispana, which includes every Hispanic organization in the Greater Cleveland area. The entire Hispanic community is invited to suggest and identify issues and resolutions related thereto are passed. Speakers have included Rita Moreno, Former HUD leaders Julian Castro and Henry Cisneros, the singer Jose Feliciano and others. He tells funny stories of sharing the name with Jose Feliciano, the blind singer of the Christmas classic Feliz Navidad, and now his son, Jose Jr. He speaks about Judge Jose Villanueva, Sister Alicia Alvarado, Mayor Ralph Perk, Irene Morrow and his friend Terry Cleveland with whom he started the May Dugan Center in Cleveland. He talks about the contributions and need for immigrants and how Hispanics, with their work ethic, faith and family values are needed for political power, economic contributions and the richness of their culture.
No wonder they call him El Jefe, the Boss. Watch.
Lucy Torres inducted into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame
Lucy Torres was inducted by Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin.
Hispanic Heritage Month Closing Event at Cleveland City Hall
There was a celebratory closing event for Hispanic Heritage Month in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall on Wednesday October 15, 2025. There were vendors, food, resources and entertainment.
Maria Santana from LAHSO (Latin American Historical Society of Cleveland)
A highlight of the Hispanic Heritage Month Closing Event at Cleveland City Hall was the Fashion Show by ladies from the Latina Image Leadership Program of Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center. The Latina Image Leadership Program builds leaders by inspiring and educating young Latina women ages 13 to 17 to achieve their full potential through the power of sisterhood.
Latina Image Fashion Show ladies in colorful costumes
Celebrando at Julia De Burgos Cultural Arts Center
Julia De Burgos Cultural Arts Center in Cleveland Ohio was founded in 1989 as a family oriented center to serve the Latino youth and their families through programs and activities designed to foster cultural pride and art appreciation. On Sunday September 14, 2024 they celebrated their 10th annual Celebrando which is dedicated to honoring the rich cultural heritage of the Hispanic and Latino communities in Cleveland. It's a vibrant and engaging occasion filled with music, dance, and traditional cuisine, as well as educational and artistic presentations.
Spotting and Avoiding Scams for Hispanic and other Communities
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is a government agency that protects people from frauds and scams. Unfortunately, scammer often target communities that they feel are vulnerable. That may be senior citizens, immigrants or members of ethnic communities. The FTC partnered with Ethnic Media Services (EMS) and hosted an event in Cleveland Ohio on September 24, 2024 dealing with Spotting and Avoiding Scams - especially for the ethnic communities. Experts from several agencies were joined by ethnic community leaders and members of ethnic media outlets for a robust and informative session.
Speakers from the FTC, Legal Aid and Cuyahoga County at the Scam event
The Hispanic Roundtable hosted their 2024 community convention on Saturday September 21,2024. It featured a Naturalization Ceremony, workshops for immigration, financial and medical advice, student contests, health screenings, a resource fair and more. The keynote presentation was a conversation between HRT co-founder José C. Feliciano and EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) winner Rita Moreno.
Julia De Burgos Cultural Arts Center in Cleveland Ohio was founded in 1989 as a family oriented center to serve the Latino youth and their families through programs and activities designed to foster cultural pride and art appreciation. On Saturday September 14, 2024 they celebrated their 10th annual Celebrando which is dedicated to honoring the rich cultural heritage of the Hispanic and Latino communities in Cleveland. It's a vibrant and engaging occasion filled with music, dance, and traditional cuisine, as well as educational and artistic presentations.
Doors to My Barrio at Julia de Burgos features old doors as canvases for artists to paint about the land of their heritage including Argentina, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Panama, Chile, El Salvador, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Peru, Guatemala, Cuba, Venezuela and more.
The annual Cleveland Puerto Rican Parade was held Sunday August 4, 2024.
The Parade was put on by the Hispanic Police Officers' Association (HPOA) which has been proudly serving it's members and the greater Cleveland community since it was founded in 1986.
Rafael Hernandez Brito, Omar Vizquel and Carlos Baerga
Cleveland was the proud host of the 2024 Pan-American Masters Games from July 12-21, 2024. A major event of the International Masters Games Association, the Games offer an opportunity to showcase competitive spirit and athletic ability of masters athletes on a global stage. Thousands of athletes from 6 continents (sorry Antarctica), 48 states and more than 70 countries, including Argentina, came to Cleveland in a celebration of health, vitality, friendship and an active lifestyle at any age.
José C. Feliciano Awarded Cleveland Heritage Medal
The Cleveland Heritage Medal is bestowed upon individuals whose significant contributions through leadership, collaboration and service have left an indelible mark on all spheres of the Cleveland community. But for these extraordinary men and women, the magnificent story and history of Cleveland would not be what it is today. In a ceremony on Thursday, November 16, 2023 in the Cleveland City Hall Rotunda, José Feliciano, Sr. was the well-deserved recipient of this prestigious honor.
The Cleveland Puerto Rican Community community demonstrated their proud heritage at One World Day in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. One World Day has been the official event of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation since 1946. Over 50,000 people visited the gardens on One World Day 2023.
The Puerto Rican Community participated in the Parade of Flags which had 1500 people from over 53 countries.
Puerto Rican community in Parade of Flags on One World Day
Pleibol is a fundraising weekend filled with games, food, and festive celebrations. This event pays tribute to the profound impact of Black and Latino individuals on the world of baseball. Pleibol spans three days leading up to Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month; A Gala Dinner Friday Night, Community Games on Saturday and The Tournament on Sunday. The goal is to honor the rich history of minorities in baseball while raising funds for two deserving organizations, Julia De Burgos Cultural Arts Center and Baseball Heritage Museum.
Carlos Baerga and Julia de Burgos dancers at Pleibol
The annual Cleveland Puerto Rican Parade was held Sunday August 6, 2023. The Parade was put on by the Hispanic Police Officers' Association (HPOA) which has been proudly serving it's members and the greater Cleveland community since it was founded in 1986.
Good Friday Procession: St Michael the Archangel Church, St. Colman Church, La Sagrada Familia
A procession covered 3 churches in Cleveland on Good Friday 2023. It began in the mostly Puerto Rican St. Michael the Archangel Church at Scranton and Clark in Cleveland. Bishop Edward Malesic offered a welcome and prayer and then led the procession with other priests, men carrying a large statue of the body of Jesus, ladies carrying a statue of the Sorrowful Mother, a man dressed as Jesus carrying a cross, Roman Centurions, Saint Veronica and more. They marched through the neighborhoods to St. Colman Church where they processed in for a service. The final stop was at La Sagrada Familia Church on Detroit.
The gymnasium at La Sagrada Familia Parish on Cleveland's West Side, was filled with dozens of colorful, sawdust carpets, known as the Carpets of Holy Week. In Spanish, they are called Alfombras de Semana Santa. The handiwork was done by individuals, families, parish organizations, nonprofits and other groups.
The annual Cleveland Puerto Rican Parade was held Sunday August 7th. The Parade was put on by the Hispanic Police Officers' Association (HPOA) which has been proudly serving it's members and the greater Cleveland community since it was founded in 1986.
The 2022 Parade Honorees were:
Ramonita Vargas, Grand Marshal
Victor Ruiz, Padrino
Keisha González, Madrina
Zaria Ivelisse Ortiz, Miss Teen Puerto Rico 2022
Click on the white arrow below to watch a video of some highlights of the Parade including former Cleveland Indians Carlos Baerga and Candy Maldonado. I did not include the cars and other vehicles in the parade - they will be in a separate video. I also did not include the many politicians in the parade.
After the 2022 Cleveland Puerto Rican Parade, the crowds gathered at Roberto Clemente Park for a Festival with music, food, camaraderie and dignitaries.
Mayor Justin Bibb, Council President Blaine Griffin, Councils Jasmin Santana, Kerry McCormack and others spoke as well as Cleveland Indians great Carlos Baerga.
Victor A. Ruiz inducted into Cleveland International Hall of Fame
Since 2010, the Cleveland International Hall of Fame (CIHF) has inducted people who have made significant and lasting contributions to our multicultural society. Cleveland is home to people representing about 120 different ethnic groups. The CIHF exists not only to honor those special people but also to inspire a new generation of leaders to follow in their footsteps.
Over 150 worthy candidates were nominated for both the 2020 and 2022 Classes of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame. The selection committee was advised by previously inducted members of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame.
Victor Ruiz was inducted by Tri-C President Dr. Alex Johnson.
José C. Feliciano receives honorary degree from Tri-C
Born in Yauco, Puerto Rico, and raised on Cleveland's near west side, Feliciano became the city's first major Hispanic public official when he was appointed chief prosecutor in 1980. Deeply committed to advancing Cleveland's Hispanic community, Feliciano founded the Hispanic Roundtable, the Hispanic Leadership Development Program, the Hispanic Community Forum and the Ohio Hispanic Bar Association.
José Feliciano receives honorary degree from Tri-C
2019
Puerto Rican community in the Cultural Gardens on One World Day
The Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation hosted the 74th annual One World Day on August 25, 2019. Police estimates say that over 30,000 people visited the Gardens and attended One World Day. Though they do not yet have a Cultural Garden, the Puerto Rican community was active and participated in the Parade of Flags.
The Parade of Flags where people in costumes of their heritage carry the flags, is a highlight of One World Day and the Puerto Rican community was a great part of it. This year was undoubtedly the largest and most colorful in memory.
Puerto Rican community in the Parade of Flags on One World Day
The 51st annual Cleveland Puerto Rican Parade was held Sunday August 4th. The Parade was put on by the Hispanic Police Officers' Association (HPOA) which has been proudly serving it's members and the greater Cleveland community since it was founded in 1986.
After the 2019 Cleveland Puerto Rican Parade, the crowds gathered at Roberto Clemente Park for a Festival with music, food, camaraderie and dignitaries.
Sister Alicia Alvarado, OP inducted into the 2018 Cleveland International Hall of Fame
Sister Alicia Alvarado was born in Villalba, Puerto Rico. Sister Alicia entered the Sisters of St. Dominic of Akron, now the Dominican Sisters of Peace, from San Juan Bautista Parish, Cleveland in 1979. She celebrated her Silver Jubilee of Religious Profession in 2007. Sister Alicia has ministered with the Hispanic communities most of her religious life and before entering. In 1982-84 she was Hispanic Program Coordinator on the Commission on Catholic Community Action for the Cleveland Diocese. Sister Alicia has received numerous awards for her work in social justice and her ministry among the Hispanic population.
She was inducted on April 17, 2018 in front of 500 guests at the Cleveland Marriott Hotel Ballroom. Sister Alicia Alvarado was inducted by Jose Feliciano.
According to the Cleveland Puerto Rican Parade website "A parade celebration of Puerto Rican arts and culture has been observed by Cleveland's Puerto Ricans each summer since the late 60s. Its purpose has been to bring together the city's residents and to educate the community-at-large about the rich Puerto Rican culture. As we celebrate 50 years of history, we welcome the next organizers, Hispanic Police Officers' Association, and look forward to a gleaming future for this event.
Ivan "Papo" Ruiz, Padrino and Selina Pagan, Madrina of the Parade
The Puerto Rican Parade of Greater Cleveland carries a strong history of cultural awareness, pride, and education, led by a resilient community who's love for their homeland, spirit of freedom, justice, and unity have never waivered. After 50 years, when the Parade's founders first celebrated their Puerto Rican heritage in the City of Cleveland, we proudly continue this legacy."
After the 2018 Cleveland Puerto Rican Parade, the crowds gathered at Roberto Clemente Park for a Festival with music, food, camaraderie and dignitaries.
Officer Emmanuel Velez and 2018 Miss Puerto Rican Image Nayeli Claudio and Runnerup Aleishka Marrero
Cleveland Puerto Rican community at Cleveland Multicultural Event
The Cleveland Puerto Rican Community was represented at the 7th annual International Community Council - Worldwide Intercultural Network (ICC-WIN) holiday party on December 14, 2016.
120 people participated in the fashion show and each walked the runway to music from their country. Click on the white arrow to watch the short video of the Puerto Rican models, Sofia, Lily and Phoebe Barlow.
Every 3 years Convencion Hispana is put on in Cleveland by the Hispanic Roundtable. The 2016 Convencion was held at Max Hayes High School on West 65th Street. This free assembly provided education, empowerment, health and workforce development resources for Northeast Ohio's Latino community.
One highlight of the Convencion was the discussion led by Hispanic Roundtable president Jose Feliciano with Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and Cuyahoga County executive Armond Budish.
Jose Feliciano and Cleveland Fire Chief Angelo Calvillo
The legendary Rita Moreno came to Cleveland to be the keynote speaker at the 2016 Convencion Hispana. The evening before she was a guest at a preview reception at Baker Hostetler where Hispanic Roundtable president Jose Feliciano practices law.
Rita Moreno is a Puerto Rican-American actress and singer. Her career has spanned over 70 years; among her notable acting work are supporting roles in the musical films The King and I and West Side Story, as well as a 1971–77 stint on the children's television series The Electric Company, and a supporting role on the 1997-2003 TV drama Oz.
José A. Villanueva inducted into Cleveland International Hall of Fame
Honorable José A. Villanueva was inducted into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame on April 29, 2015. Judge Villanueva was born in Utuado, Puerto Rico. Judge Villanueva has served in the General Division of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas since 1988. His election marked the first time a member of the Hispanic Community achieved elective office in Cuyahoga County. He also became the first Hispanic elected county-wide in the state of Ohio.
Judge Villanueva is a founder of the Ohio Hispanic Bar Association, the Hispanic Community Forum and the Hispanic Roundtable. In 2014 Judge Villanueva was honored by the Ohio Hispanic Bar Association, receiving the organization's first Leadership and Community Service Award.
The 60th annual Humanitarian Award Dinner of the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio honored Rick Chiricosta, President and CEO of Medical Mutual of Ohio, and Jose C. Feliciano, Partner at Baker Hostetler.
ClevelandPeople.Com congratulates these two worthy choices and gives a special shout out to our Puerto Rican and Hispanic Ambassador, Jose Feliciano.
Jose Feliciano Jr and Sr. at the Diversity Center event
2013
History of Puerto Rican Music and Dance performed by the Julia De Burgos Cultural Arts Center
The History of Puerto Rican Music and Dance was performed by the Julia De Burgos Cultural Arts Center at International Cleveland Community Day in the Atrium of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This included Bomba, Plena, Mrengue, Salsa and modern music from Ricky Martin, Bruno Mars and Jennifer Lopez.
Highlights of the annual Puerto Rican Parade in Cleveland Ohio. Floats, music, Mayor Jackson, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, Gina de Jesus, cool cars and more.
Dance performance at Culture Shock 2013 Tri-C West April 18, 2013
Miss Puerto Rican Image 2012 Aidelis Rivera performed at the 2013 Culture Shock event which was put on by Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) West and the Parma City School District.
Puerto Rican Dance by Explosion Divina from the Julia De Burgos Cultural Arts Center Opening of Ames Family Atrium in Cleveland Museum of Art October 28, 2012
Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center The Julia De Burgos Cultural Arts Center is dedicated to preserving and sharing the Puerto Rican and Caribbean traditions through the teaching and practice of the visual, performing, & literary arts.
The dark blue represents countries where Spanish has official status. The light blue is where Spanish is spoken without official recognition.
Populated for centuries by aboriginal peoples, the island was claimed by the Spanish Crown in 1493 following Columbus' second voyage to the Americas.
In 1898, after 400 years of colonial rule that saw the indigenous population nearly exterminated and African slave labor introduced, Puerto Rico was ceded to the US as a result of the Spanish-American War.
Puerto Ricans were granted US citizenship in 1917. Popularly-elected governors have served since 1948. In 1952, a constitution was enacted providing for internal self government.
In plebiscites held in 1967, 1993, and 1998, voters chose not to alter the existing political status.
Read more about the Puerto Rican and other Ambassadors. If you are interested in being considered to be an official ClevelandPeople.com Ambassador to the Cleveland Puerto Rican community, please contact us.
