AHU' History

In March of 1997, a handful of individuals met to discuss the possibility of creating a new organization that would advocate for Hispanics in Lexington.  The group continued to meet on a regular basis and under the leadership of Ben Figueras, Asociación de Hispanos Unidos- Lexington Hispanic Association (AHU) was officially created and held its first public meeting on May 17.

In the spring of 1998, the first-ever raid of a tobacco warehouse was conducted and over 80 Hispanic families where left without their family’s breadwinner.  This was an opportunity for AHU to provide basic services to these Hispanic families. Around this time, the Lexington community started to take notice of the Hispanic newcomers in the community.  In December of 1998, the Herald-Leader published an article entitled, “Why Hispanics Come and They Leave Behind?

AHU continued advocating for Hispanics by attending council meetings and putting silent pressure on the government to act.  The government then set up the first Hispanic Task Force to discuss the needs of the Hispanic population.  These initial efforts resulted in considering a position of a coordinator for immigrant services and planted the seed for the idea of a Hispanic initiative network and a community center.   The Cardinal Valley Center opened its doors to the Hispanic community that year.

In 1999, the booming Hispanic population, led to an increase in Hispanic restaurants and businesses and the creation of the first soccer league.  The local economy was fueled by hardworking Hispanics who were attracted by local jobs, especially those in the horse industry.  Also, Radio Vida, the first bilingual radio, was created in February. 

By 2000, there were an estimated 20,000-25,000 Hispanics living in Lexington.  In February, the first Immigrant Service Coordinator position was created.   In March, there was a survey conducted at the Fayette County schools and found that 70 different nations and 42 languages were represented in the school system.  Also, Census results showed an increase of 235% of Hispanics in Lexington and 172% of Hispanics in Kentucky, in the last decade. 

Page <1> <2> <3> <4> <5>