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Waco Culture Guide

NAMED AFTER THE HUACO NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBE, THE VILLAGE OF WACO WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1849 AND INCORPORATED AS A CITY IN 1856 BY A JEWISH, JAMAICAN-BORN SPANIARD NAMED JACOB DE CORDOVA. Today, Waco is a diverse, bustling city of 138,183, with a demographic makeup that is 43 percent white, 32 percent Latinx American, 22 percent African American and 2 percent Asian American.

Wacoans come from many backgrounds and are comprised of different cultures, religions, and identities. They celebrate and pay homage to their diversity collectively in a multitude of ways. Throughout the city are districts, restaurants, and events that showcase the various populations that call the city home. The Waco Culture Guide highlights the cultures throughout the city with the belief that as Waco grows, so will the diversity present within the city.

Districts
Districts
Waco is home to a number of districts showcasing the richness of the places and people that call the city home.
African Americans in Waco
African Americans in Waco
African Americans have held a central role in the development of Waco and McLennan County since the first permanent settlements were established in the mid-nineteenth century.
Asian Americans in Waco
Asian Americans in Waco
Latinx Americans in Waco
Latinx Americans in Waco
Engage
Engage
Discover
Discover
Discover
Dine
Download Printable PDF
Download Printable PDF

Like Waco, the Culture Guide is composed of a diverse collection of stories told by people and organizations dedicated to highlighting all parts of our community. Each contributor has provided valuable information that will continue to educate both visitors and residents alike on the cultural wealth present throughout the city. Thank you to each of our contributors whose work made the culture guide possible. Waco is better because of you.

Contributing Individuals Contributing Organizations
Mark Arias Baylor Department of Multicultural Affairs
Josh Caballero Baylor Institute for Oral History
Wendy Gragg Cen-Tex African-American Chamber of Commerce
Rachel Pate Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Charlie Ruiz Creative Waco
JB Smith Hispanic Leadership Network
Irwin Tang La Puerta
Ashley Yeaman Waco Chamber of Commerce
Amanda Sawyer Waco Foundation
Michael Woodward Waco NAACP
Shelby Roth The Texas Collection

External Affairs - Waco

External_Affairs@baylor.edu
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