History of Puerto Ricans in Trenton

 Puerto Ricans began arriving in Trenton in the 1930s and 1940s, with more coming during the city’s industrial boom of the 1950s and 1960s.

Trenton’s first major Hispanic group faced significant obstacles and racism, but their pioneering efforts established business, education, and public service opportunities that have benefited subsequent Spanish-speaking newcomers.

Because of early Puerto Rican leadership, others from Latin America and the Caribbean coming to Trenton have been able to find bilingual daycare and public-school education, enjoy Spanish-speaking church services, and have important documents translated into Spanish.

Reverend Rodriguez is Director of Education at Trenton’s Iglesia Pentecostal Assemblies of God Church and is also founder and president of the Rodriguez Family Foundation, working on issues related to health, nutrition, parenting, public safety, and voting.