NEW YORK CITY (WABC) — In this episode of Tiempo, we spotlight education, culture, and the preservation of Latino history in the New York region.
We begin with a conversation with Dr. Anibal Soler Jr., superintendent of Yonkers Public Schools. As the leader of New York State’s third-largest school district, Soler discusses the impact of Yonkers’ growing Latino population, which makes up nearly half of the city’s residents and more than half of its student body. The discussion explores educational opportunities, college-readiness programs, and efforts to ensure equity and support for Hispanic and Latino students across the district.
The program also celebrates a major milestone for Teatro SEA, which marks its 40th anniversary in 2026. Founder Dr. Manuel Morán joins the show to reflect on four decades of bilingual theater, puppetry, music, and arts education. Since its founding in Puerto Rico in 1985 and subsequent move to New York City, Teatro SEA has become a leading force in bringing culturally relevant performances and educational programming to Latino and underserved communities.
Plus, Gerardo Contino, bandleader and cultural organizer, discusses efforts to preserve the legacy of San Juan Hill, the historic Manhattan neighborhood that once stood where Lincoln Center is today. The conversation explores the community’s profound influence on Black, Afro-Caribbean, and Puerto Rican culture, as well as its role in shaping American music through genres such as mambo, bebop, and stride piano. Contino also highlights how today’s artists and cultural institutions are working to ensure that San Juan Hill’s stories and contributions are remembered for future generations.
Tiempo with Joe Torres airs Sunday at 11:30 a.m. on Channel 7, WABC-TV in New York City.
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Tiempo airs Sunday at 11:30 a.m. on Channel 7.
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