The Buffalo Bills are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in a number of ways this year. One way the Bills are honoring the month is through a t-shirt design contest that celebrates Hispanic and Latino heritage.
Contestants submitted t-shirt designs that painted a picture of what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them.
Owner of Latinas Evolving LLC Tayrin Tapia and Social Media Strategist for Latinas Evolving LLC and Head Graphic Designer for the Buffalo Bisons Ally Marcano won the contest. Their shirts will be available for purchase in a limited-edition fashion, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Hispanic community locally.
The winning design features a circle logo made up of the flags that represent Hispanic heritage. Their idea came from wanting to showcase all the diversity in the Hispanic and Latino community in one logo.
"I wanted the design to reflect the diversity and unity within the Hispanic and Latino community," Marcano said of the design. "Putting all the flags together felt powerful because it shows how no matter where we're from, we are stronger when we stand together."
"It reminded me of the song "We Are the World" by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, where every singer, no matter their race or ethnicity, came together to contribute to a bigger cause," Tapia said of the shirt. "That same sense of unity is what this design represents."
Marcano and Tapia felt like the process of designing the winning shirt represented way more than just the art itself.
"Collaborating on this project with the Bills felt like a dream turned reality," Tapia said. "It's more than just a t-shirt; it's a reflection of our culture, resilience, and the diversity that unites our community."
The two have so much passion for their culture because of how they were raised and where they are from.
"My Hispanic heritage is my foundation," Tapia shared. "It represents resilience, strength, culture, and pride in where I come from. I was born in Puerto Rico, on the island that radiates light and culture through the sound of the ocean waves, the coquí at night, the breeze through the palm trees, and the singing and dancing to bomba and plena."
"Being Puerto Rican is a huge part of who I am," Marcano explained. "My heritage connects me to my family, my culture and the island that shaped so much of my identity. I had the honor of playing softball for Puerto Rico, which was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. Representing my culture on the field reminded me of the pride, resilience, and passion that comes with being Hispanic."
While Puerto Rico holds a very special place in their hearts, Buffalo quickly became a loving home for them. The Bills also quickly became their favorite team.
"I came to Buffalo at age 12 in the spring of 1992, when Jim Kelly was quarterback," Tapia said. "At first, I didn't know much about football, but by that winter I understood what it meant to be a Bills fan. I'll never forget hearing "The Bills Make Me Want to Shout" on Kiss 98.5 after a touchdown, my mom, brother, and I danced in our living room like lifelong fans."
To know that the team they love is honoring a month that means so much to them, Marcano and Tapia are feeling seen, heard and appreciated.
"It means so much to see an organization as big as the Buffalo Bills celebrate Hispanic Heritage," Marcano said. "As someone who lived in Buffalo for the past few years and is proud of her roots, it makes me feel seen."
"It means everything," Tapia explained. "Representation matters, and when an organization like the Bills takes time to celebrate Hispanic heritage, along with all cultures, races, and ethnicities, it validates the impact our community makes every day."
While they appreciate the love, they also understand that there's still work to be done.
"While our Hispanic and Latino cultures are something we celebrate with pride, they haven't always been recognized or respected," Tapia. "Our community has been part of history that too often goes unseen and silenced. I was born in Puerto Rico but raised in the Bronx, where I experienced both sides of the spectrum. Seeing the struggles of my family on the island compared to what we have access to in the U.S., despite Puerto Rico being a U.S. territory, is mind-blowing."
Tapia and Marcano are working hard to help the Hispanic and Latino community feel empowered by transforming their dreams into thriving businesses while celebrating their heritage. A portion of the proceeds from their winning t-shirt design will go to Latinas Evolving. They aim to redefine what success looks like for Latina entrepreneurs.
"Latinas Evolving is dedicated to empowering Latina entrepreneurs and leaders by creating spaces, programs, and resources where they feel seen, heard, and supported," Tapia said. "We also recognize our Latino male allies who stand with us. We publish an annual magazine, host panel discussions and Cafecito gatherings and build platforms where voices and stories can thrive. It's about reinvesting directly into our community and creating a cycle of support that builds lasting impact."
The shirts can be purchased by clicking here.
