WASHINGTON—After a triumphant year in 2020 with getting the National Museum of the American Latino Act signed into law, Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino (FRIENDS) is working harder than ever in 2021 to ensure the future museum gets its proper placement on the National Mall.
While the historic legislation calls for the official establishment of a national museum dedicated to U.S. Latino culture and history within the Smithsonian Institution, there is no guarantee that the future museum will be constructed in the area between the Lincoln Memorial and the U.S. Capitol Building known as the National Mall. Leaders of the Smithsonian Institution have begun the process of determining where the Latino museum will be built.
“With two new museums in the works, one dedicated to U.S. Latino history and one devoted to women’s history, we understand that talks are fast moving around space on the National Mall and the definition of what it means to be ‘on the National Mall’ per se,” explains FRIENDS President and CEO, Estuardo Rodriguez. “Since the 2011 American Latino Museum Commission report, we have always been clear on the future location of this museum. Having finally secured the approval of Congress and the White House, we must ensure that vision is fulfilled.”
The National Museum of the American Latino will be the first-ever, stand-alone Smithsonian building dedicated to housing the long and storied history of the Latino community in the United States, many of whom are native peoples of this land as the border moved across the southwest. The National Mall sees upwards of 25 million visitors each year, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. With the most prestigious Smithsonian museums being situated between the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, FRIENDS leadership and supporters thought it necessary to write to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch—who carries the ultimate decision-making authority on where to build—and respectfully urge him to enact a plan that will ensure the Latino museum gets its proper place on the National Mall.
More than 100 influential Latino leaders in business, government, education, and entertainment have signed on to the letter. The letter will remain open for FRIENDS supporters to sign-on and encourage others to do so as well.
“Latino history is American history,” said Lili Gil Valletta, FRIENDS Board Chair. “There is too much at stake for current and future generations—Latinos and Americans of all backgrounds—not to see the Latino story represented on the most influential promenade in the U.S. We cannot be down the street or around the corner. We deserve a building that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the iconic museums we all know and love,” said Gil Valletta.
On May 20th, the letter below was delivered to Secretary Lonnie Bunch, the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. The letter was co-signed by over 100 influential supporters. To add your name to this list, please click here.
Lonnie G. Bunch III
Secretary
The Smithsonian Institution
PO Box 37012
Washington, DC 20013-7012
May 20, 2021
RE: Site Consideration for the National Museum of the American Latino
Dear Secretary Bunch:
We hope this letter finds you well. We submit this letter with the greatest admiration for the historic work you have ahead with the creation of two national museums that will not only expand, but improve the understanding of our American story for millions around the country and the world. As partners and allies of this initiative, we wanted to commend you for how quickly your team has begun the work to lay the foundation for the National American Latino Museum. With that, we also would like to underscore how important the location of this museum is for us and generations to come.
We understand that your current process includes both the review of possible locations, as well as a determination of what is defined as the area known as the National Mall. While we are excited that an initial review of locations and design has begun, it is the latter task that has us greatly concerned. After all, the definition of the National Mall is well settled for every tourist that has visited our nation’s capital for years. For that reason, we ask that all recommendations submitted to the Smithsonian Board of Regents are explicitly located on the National Mall defined as the area from the Lincoln Memorial stretching past the Washington Monument to the U.S. Capitol Building.
The Mall, as envisioned by French engineer Pierre L’Enfant, was intended to be a grand avenue west of the Capitol where significant civic buildings would be located and where Americans could come to share their stories and learn about our shared history. That vision was later refined by the McMillan Plan, which proposed establishing buildings devoted to scientific purposes and great museums. As you know better than most, today the National Mall houses our most important monuments and museums; it convenes our Congress, inaugurates our Presidents, and welcomes millions of Americans and international visitors who come to our nation’s capital to learn about our shared history.
From the years 2009 through 2011, the National Museum of the American Latino Commission convened nine public forums across the country to gather feedback from leaders and the general public about the creation of the museum, including its location. On the question of where to build this long-overdue museum, the answer was unanimous: the museum must be on the National Mall, even if it takes longer to build. This should come as no surprise, as the National Mall is iconic. It is where people from all corners of the country and the world come to learn about the story of America—even though that story is incomplete.
Latinos make up nearly 20 percent of the U.S. population and have been an integral part of the American story for more than 500 years. But Latinos remain one of the most underrepresented groups in the Smithsonian Institution, according to the 1994 Willful Neglect report. The purpose of the National Museum of the American Latino is to correct this blatant omission and illuminate the American Latino story for the benefit of all. Any location beyond what Americans recognize as the National Mall will be a disservice to—not only the Latino community—but to every American.
We thank you for your attention to this matter and look forward to working with you in the months ahead to ensure the appropriate site is selected.
Sincerely,
Estuardo Rodriguez
President & CEO
Friends of the American Latino Museum
Lili Gil Valletta
Chairwoman
Friends of the American Latino Museum
FRIENDS Board Members
Antonio Argibay, Principal, Meridian Design Associates, Architects, P.C.
Luis R. Cancel, Commissioner, National Museum of the American Latino
Sergio Fernandez de Cordova, Executive Chairman, PVBLIC Foundation
John Leguizamo, actor, comedian, producer
Yvette Peña,Vice President of Multicultural Leadership, AARP
Jorge Plasencia, CEO, Republica Havas
Mario Rodriguez, Chairman, Hispanic 100
Cici Rojas, President, Tico Sports
Claudia Romo Edelman, Founder, We Are All Human
Luis Spinola, President and CEO, Azteca Omega Group
Dr. Betty Uribe, California’s Consumer Bank Divisional Director, JPMorgan Chase
Danny Vargas, FRIENDS Chair Emeritus and President of VARCom Solutions
National Museum of the American Latino Commission
Henry R. Muñoz III, Commission Chairman, SOMOS US Vice-Chairman
Moctesuma Esparza, CEO, Maya Cinemas North America, Inc.
Emilio Estefan, CEO, Estefan Enterprises. Inc.
Carlos Ezeta, Commissioner
Jose B. Fernandez, Dean Emeritus, University of Central Florida
Susan Gonzales, CEO, AIandYou
Aida T. Levitan, President, ArtesMiami, Inc.
Andres Lopez, Commissioner
Eduardo J. Padron, President Emeritus, Miami Dade College
Emma Sepulveda Pulvirenti, Commissioner
Cid Wilson, President & CEO, Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR)
National Partners & Regional Leadership
Dr. Juan Andrade, President, United States Hispanic Leadership Institute
Mari Carmen Aponte, Former U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador
Julissa Arce, Chairwoman, Ascend Educational Fund
Ana Marie Argilagos, President & CEO, Hispanics in Philanthropy
Rudy Arredondo, President/CEO, National Latino Farmers & Ranchers Trade Association
Sindy Benavides, CEO, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
Ruben Blades, musician, actor, composer, lawyer
Roger Campos, Chairman, Minority Business RoundTable
Alejandra Campoverdi, Founder, Well Woman Coalition
Betty Cardenas, National Chairwoman, Republican National Hispanic Assembly
Ramiro A. Cavazos, President & CEO, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Francela Chi de Chinchilla, Vice President of Partnerships, Equis Labs
Jane L. Delgado, President and CEO, National Alliance for Hispanic Health
Abraham Enriquez, President, Bienvenido USA
GinaLinn Espinoza, Founder, Get Wise Latinas & Up Latino
Daniel Garza, President, The Libre Initiative
Amy Hinojosa, President and CEO, MANA, A National Latina Organization
Maria Teresa Kumar, CEO and President, Voto Latino
Cici Rojas, President, The Latino Coalition
Hector V. Barreto, Chairman, The Latino Coalition Foundation
Benjamin Lopez, Executive Director, National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP)
Frankie Miranda, President and CEO, Hispanic Federation
Marianna Morón, Chief Operating Officer, LNESC
Patricia Mota, President & CEO, Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE)
Janet Murguia, President and CEO, UnidosUS
Maria Gabriela Pacheco, Director of Advocacy, Development, and Communications, The Dream.US
Monica Ramirez, Justice for Migrant Women Founder & President, Latinx House Co-Founder, Poderistas Founding Principal
Annette Ramos, Executive Director, Rochester Latino Theatre Company
Elena Rios, President & CEO, National Hispanic Medical Association
Ivette Rodriguez, President and Founder, American Entertainment Marketing (AEM)
Brian de la Rosa, Business Owner, DLR Planning
Vanessa De La Rosa, Business Owner, DLR Planning
The Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Former U.S. Congresswoman
Felix Sanchez, Chair & Co-founder, National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts
Jennifer Sanchez, Intel
Raquel Tamez, CEO, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
Arturo Vargas CEO, NALEO Educational Fund
Nora Vargas, Vice Chair & Supervisor, San Diego County
Nikkie Whaley, Governing Board Vice President, Washington ESD, Phoenix, AZ
Brent Wilkes, SVP Institutional Development, Hispanic Federation
Community and Business Leaders
Maria Agui Carter, Professor/Filmmaker, Emerson College/Iguana Films
Richard Aguilar, President, Aguilar Productions, Inc.
Brittany Alfonzo, Editorial Director, Poderistas
Giraldo Alvare, CEO, Monte Cristo Ent., LLC
Cynthia Alvarado
Maria Eugenia Betancourt
Anna Michele Bobadilla, Sr. Associate VP & Assistant Provost, UT Arlington
Luz Boys, Founder, My Tea Places LLC
Celeste Carrasco, Director of Public Affairs, AT&T
Yuliana Castellanos, software engineer
Elaine Coronado, President + Chief Strategist, Argus Events
Dalia Diaz, Global Quality Manager, National Hispana Leadership Institute Alumni
Guadalupe Garcia
Dr. Yolanda Garcia
Eileen Garcia, Vice President, Solidarity Strategies
Xitlalt Herrera
Jenn Kauffman Ortega, Chief Community Officer, The Movement Cooperative
Kimberly M. Lavelanet, Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Irene Loza
Monica Lozano, President and CEO (retired), ImpreMedia, LLC
Rebecca McPhail, Program Management Business Partner, TikTok
Vladimir Enrique Medenica,Assistant Professor of Political Science, University of Delaware
Alison Mendoza-Walters, Public Health Impact, LLC
Richard Montanez
Lalo Montoya, Housing Justice Organizer, Make the Road Nevada
Jasmine Nazarett
Angeles Ortega, CEO, Mi Casa Resource Center
Xochitl Oseguera, Vice President, MamásConPoder.org
Kay Cude Past
Elaine A. Peña, Associate Professor of American Studies, George Washington University
Gabriela Perez, Product Manager
Roland Rene Ramirez, President, RRR Group
Robin Ramirez Juhasz
Elianne Ramos, Activist
Kristian Ramos, Executive Director, Autonomy Strategies
Maria Reyes, CEO, Nexis Consulting, LLC
Velinda Reyes, School Board President, San Isidro ISD
Veronica Rivera, Legislative and General Counsel, Leonas
George Rosales Benavides, Genealogist and Historian
Rachel Stein, Chief Analyst, Equis Labs
Erlinda Torres, President CEO E.T. Communiques, Inc., Arte Sagrado
Linda Valencia Martinez
Quintín Vargas, QVARGAS BOOKS
Luis Walters, Phi Iota Alpha
Luichy Walters
Liana Walters
cc: The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, President of the United States
The Honorable Raul Ruiz, Chairman, Congressional Hispanic Caucus
Presented By AARP & Target, Design Contest Celebrates Latino Heritage Through Art
WASHINGTON—Friends of the American Latino Museum (FRIENDS) has launched public voting for its 10th annual design contest to showcase the work of Latino and Latina artists from across the United States. The top 10 designs submitted for the contest are now available for friends and supporters of the Latino Museum to vote for online.
Voting is open now through Cinco de Mayo (May 5, 2021). The public can vote here.
Presented with the generous support of Target and AARP, the annual contest celebrates the national Latino community’s rich heritage and talent, inviting artists to share their vision of what American Latino history means to them.
“For the past 10 years, this contest has given artists from our community a platform to showcase their phenomenal talents and demonstrate their enthusiasm for sharing about Latino history in the United States,” said Estuardo Rodriguez, President and CEO of FRIENDS. “We have received more than 300 thoughtful, creative, and awe-inspiring designs that carry within them an authentic and moving story of Latinos in the US. I am thrilled to carry on this growing tradition and look forward to seeing who the public chooses as the winner this year.”
Friends and Supporters are encouraged to cast a vote for their favorite design and share the link to vote with others. The winner will be announced on Friday, May 7.
The winning design will be featured nationally in the 2021 FRIENDS fundraising efforts to secure the best location on the National Mall for the Smithsonian National American Latino Museum and to help secure funds to design and build this monumental museum. The 2021 design will appear on campaign posters, promotional materials and FRIENDS digital platforms throughout the year, reaching nearly 450,000 subscribers.
In addition, the winning artist will receive a $500 Target gift card.
Previous winners have included Latino painters, designers, and illustrators from coast to coast who represent the full diversity of American Latinos in the US.
Reminder: friends and supporters of the Latino museum are invited to vote here through Cinco de Mayo!
WASHINGTON—The Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino (FRIENDS) has made an important step in advancing its mission by making formal recommendations for the future National American Latino Museum’s Board of Trustees to the Smithsonian Board of Regents, the governing body of the Smithsonian Institution.
The 19 member Board of Trustees will be an integral part of the leadership, development and planning of the museum. The Trustees will advise the Smithsonian Regents on the planning, location, design and construction of the museum. With the formal announcement of the full slate of Trustees expected in June, the Trustees will also oversee the administration of the museum, fundraising and provide guidance on the acquisition of objects for the museum’s collections.
FRIENDS Chairwoman Lili Gil Valleta and President & CEO Estruardo Rodriguez made the submission to the Smithsonian Board of Regents.
“I envision a Board of Trustees that vividly reflects the fabric of America, a group made up of people who are Latino American and allies who have an affinity and respect for Latino heritage and culture. These esteemed individuals are trailblazers and business people, artists and artisans, history makers and activists, and men and women who live and breathe the core values of the American dream through their words and actions,” said Rodriguez.
The Smithsonian Board of Regents will make the final selection this spring. Specific persons recommended by FRIENDS have not been made public.
###
For Immediate Release: February 17, 2021
WASHINGTON—Friends of the American Latino Museum (FRIENDS), the only non-profit organization leading the movement to build a Smithsonian Museum for the American Latino, will celebrate the recent passage of the National Museum of the American Latino Act with a commemorative video premiering Friday, Feb. 19 at 5:30 PM EST on Facebook.
The celebration video is narrated by actor Tony Plana, featuring appearances by Emmy-award winning actor John Leguizamo, Grammy-award winning entertainment mogul Emilio Estefan, One Day at a Time showrunner Gloria Calderon Kellett, and Peabody award-winning journalist Mariana Atencio. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-CA) also make appearances, along with their former colleagues from congress Will Hurd (R-TX) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL).
Also making appearances are Unidos US President & CEO Janet Murguía, LULAC CEO Sindy Benavides and Justice for Migrant Women President Monica Ramirez, in addition to FRIENDS President & CEO Estuardo Rodriguez, Board Chair Lili Gil Valletta and Chair Emeritus Danny Vargas.
The celebration comes nearly 30 years after the first recommendation was made, through a scathing report on the Smithsonian entitled Willful Neglect examining the lack of American Latinos in the Smithsonian Institution and the need to create a National Museum of the American Latino. The Act, which officially establishes the museum as a part of the Smithsonian, was signed into law December 27, 2020.
To watch the premiere, click HERE at 5:30 PM EST on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021
Washington, DC — Last night, Congress approved the National Museum of the American Latino Act (H.R. 2420), which will create the long-overdue museum on the National Mall dedicated to commemorating over 500 years of American Latino contributions to the nation’s military, sciences, economic power, civil rights and the arts. The bill passed the House and the Senate yesterday evening as part of the omnibus that now moves to the President’s desk.
The Friends of the American Latino Museum (FRIENDS), the only organization dedicated to advocating for a National Latino Museum, celebrates this victory in its quarter century-long campaign.
“We are thrilled that the Congress voted to approve the National Museum of the American Latino Act and we are so grateful for the many years of bipartisan support. We look forward to the President signing the bill into law,” said Danny Vargas, Chairman of the FRIENDS board. “The passage of this bill caps off a decades-long effort to create an institution that would celebrate and commemorate the over 500 years of Latino contributions to the building, shaping and defending of America; enlighten all visitors to the fascinating complexity of Latino culture and today’s Latino community; and serve to inspire future generations. The time has come to tell the stories that have been excluded from our history book and missing from our museums. We celebrate this historic moment with the countless individuals who have worked so hard over the years to make this happen and our innumerous supporters all over the country.”
“Twenty-six years in the making, the determination of so many in Congress, in business, the arts and across our communities, finally pays off. A museum that highlights the contributions of Latinos and Latinas to our nation at a time when the pandemic has so disproportionately impacted our community seems very fitting,” said Estuardo Rodriguez, President & CEO of FRIENDS. “We are eager to see the White House sign the bill into law and continue our work to not only help raise the millions that will be needed, but ensure that the National American Latino Museum opens its doors alongside all of the iconic museums on our National Mall for the millions of tourists that desire to understand what has truly made our nation great.”
“From the brave soldiers who fought in the Texas Revolution, to the civil rights activists like Cesar Chaves, cultural icons like Selena, and leaders of all types in our communities – generations of Latino Americans have shaped our country as it is today,” said Senator John Cornyn (R-TX). “The National Museum of the American Latino will honor and preserve the stories of Latinos throughout our history, so generations of Americans can view a more accurate picture of the great American story.”
“We have overcome tremendous obstacles and unbelievable hurdles to get to this moment, but, as I’ve said before, Latinos are used to overcoming obstacles. Passage of the National Museum of the American Latino is the culmination of decades of hard work, advocacy, successes and set-backs in the movement to recognize Latino contributions to America’s history, economy and culture,” said Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ). “ With this vote, Latinos and Latinas across our nation finally have their stories, struggles, and impact on our country validated by the United States Congress. As a first-generation Cuban American, I know what it’s like to feel invisible in a nation where Latinos are seldom celebrated. I am enormously proud of my role in getting this legislation over the finish line and cannot wait until the day when I can take my granddaughters to visit the National Museum of the American Latino in our nation’s capital.”
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said, “Today’s passage of the Latino Museum Act is a long-overdue victory for all Americans, one that my friend and fellow New Yorker Congressman Jose Serrano began fighting for over 20 years ago. More than just a brick and mortar building, this historic bill recognizes, honors, and brings to life centuries worth of important Latino-American history by cementing their stories in our nation’s capital. In my home state of New York, I have seen firsthand how Latinos have enriched every fabric of our community, just like they have shaped and contributed to all aspects of our great nation since its inception. I’m proud to have supported this project and the lasting legacy it will leave for generations to come.”
“To fully understand American history, we have to understand all our history. That includes the contributions of the many Latinos, past and present, who have had a tremendous impact on our nation’s history and culture,” said Congressman Will Hurd (R-TX). “After more than 20 years of work, we were able to get this bill unanimously through the House, and today we reach another milestone with its approval through this year’s funding bill. I am proud to be a leader in this effort, and I look forward to the day when the stories of my constituents are forever memorialized for millions of expected visitors from all over the world to see.”
“This is a milestone that was decades in the making. With today’s passage of the COVID relief-Omnibus bill, Congress also approved the creation of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino. I couldn’t ask for a better way to end my career in Congress. I want to thank my colleagues in the Senate and House, as well as champions like FRIENDS of the American Latino Museum for their role in reaching this important moment for Latinos in the United States,” said Congressman Jose Serrano (D-NY).
“Today, in a historic moment of bipartisan cooperation, Congress voted to advance the development of a National Latino Museum,” said Congressman Tony Cárdenas (D-CA). “Latinos have been an integral part of the success of America and, for too long, we have largely been overlooked and our contributions underappreciated. We need a Latino Museum not only for its symbolic significance but, more importantly, for its educational purpose. Now more than ever, the American people deserve to learn the history and heritage of Hispanic Americans. I’m proud to have worked with my colleagues Representatives Serrano and Hurd and Senators Menendez and Cornyn on getting this passed, and I thank everyone who supported this bill.”
“I’m overjoyed that a project that I have been working on for decades has finally come to fruition. A Latino Museum will be a source of inspiration for future generations and will serve as a wonderful teaching opportunity for international visitors to understand how we have influenced every facet of our nation’s greatness,” said Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, former Congresswoman (R-FL) and former FRIENDS board member. “As a former Florida certified teacher, I have recognized for years that this Museum is a missing piece in comprehending that Latinos have improved the tapestry of our nation.”
“From 2009 – 2011, I, along with other talented Latino leaders from every corner and industry of our nation, served as a Commissioner to study the creation of a National American Latino Museum,” said artist and former Latino Museum Commissioner Emilio Estefan. “To see this bill pass through Congress almost a decade later is truly an emotional and inspiring moment. The National Mall and its museums tell the story of our nation, but for far too long have excluded Latinos from this narrative. Our story is a critical component of the nation’s story, and we look forward to opening those doors on our National Mall to inspire and educate the countless millions.”
“It’s been a quarter-century since my predecessor Raul Yzaguirre conceived of and chaired the blue ribbon task force that documented the need for a national museum dedicated to the history of the Latino community in America,” said Janet Murguía, President and CEO of UnidosUS. “With the historic passage of this bill, we can now turn that vision into reality. Many thanks to the bipartisan group of sponsors who moved the bill through Congress, including Senators Menendez, Cornyn and Rubio and Rep. Serrano. At a time of profound racial reckoning in this country, it’s important for all to see that our country’s diversity is what makes us strong. It’s time to recognize the contributions of Hispanic Americans to our nation, and realize that Hispanic heritage is American heritage.”
“LULAC, the country’s matriarch Latino civil rights organization for our community, is proud to witness the birth of the National Museum of the American Latino. We thank Senators Menendez and Cornyn, along with all of our Members of Congress who stood with our community in supporting the creation of this museum,” said Sindy M. Benavides, CEO of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). “For years to come once the museum is built, millions will enter its doors and be able to see themselves as part of a rich past of proud peoples and visionary leaders who toiled their entire lives, not solely for themselves but for those who would follow. Alas, Latinos in America will see their contributions included in what has made our United States of America the beacon of hope for our increasingly diverse nation. This vote by today’s leaders will make a lasting impact on America’s future.”
“What an amazing opportunity to celebrate our 500 years of sacrifice and contributions to the making of this great country and our suffering as well,” said actor, activist, and FRIENDS board member John Leguizamo. “We are the second oldest ethnic group in America after Native Americans. We are the only minority to have fought in every war dating back, and prior to, the Revolutionary War! Our contributions and struggles must be accounted for, including the atrocities which include the 6,000 Hispanics lynched, burned alive and shot in the 1800’s. I can’t wait for my children and my grandchildren to visit and feel seen and respected, as well as have other communities appreciate our value, through a National American Latino Museum!”
“The action taken by Congress today to include the creation of a Smithsonian American Latino Museum in the larger legislative package shows the true bipartisan momentum behind this project and moves us past the divisive rhetoric that sought to stall this endeavor. As the Chairman of the congressional commission who first studied the feasibility of the Smithsonian American Latino Museum and a lifelong believer in the educational power of museums, I call on the administration to sign this bill into law as soon as possible so that we can get to work making its creation a reality,” said Henry Muñoz, former Chair of the Latino Museum Commission. “For almost 500 years, since the founding of St. Augustine, Florida, Latinos have made significant contributions to the history, heritage, art, sciences, culture, geography and military accomplishments of our great country, but unfortunately that story isn’t currently reflective in our national museums. Let’s get to work on creating that space at a moment in our country’s history when we need cultural understanding more than ever. We must fulfill the mission of the Smithsonian Institution for the increase and diffusion of knowledge amongst all people, and that can only happen when the full story is told. This museum would be more than just a monument for the Latino community. It would be a lantern on our national mall illuminating the American story for all.”
“As we get closer to making the American Latino Museum a reality, it signifies a step in the right direction to acknowledge the contribution the Latino community has made to this country’s history,” said artist and activist Cristela Alonzo. “It is important to have a place that will allow our stories to be told. Latinos have been part of American history and we will be part of its future.”
“In these days of division and polarization, a Latino Museum revealing the diversity within the Latino community, while at the same time illustrating how the group has, for the most part, found a way to harmonize its interests and establish cohesion may be a path for the broader community to replicate,” said Ambassador Mari Carmen Aponte, co-author of the 1994 Willful Neglect report. “It is time for the Latino community to proudly hold its contributions to this country as a beacon of what it has done, and will continue to do. It is time for the Latino community to show our influence, our ability and our aptitude.”
On November 16, 2020, Professor Stephen Pitti, Professor of History and Director of Center for the Study of Race, Indigeneity, and Transnational Migration (RITM) at Yale University submitted the following letter to the to the Senate Rules Committee on behalf of the 210 signatories.
Dear Chairman Blunt and Ranking Member Klobuchar,
We write as historians of Latino communities in the United States to thank you for bringing the National American Latino Museum Act before the Rules Committee. We hope that you will support approval of this important legislation.
We believe that accurate recognition of Latino history is critical to the twenty-first century United States, and that the Smithsonian should take the lead in assuring that educators, policymakers, and others understand the involvement and perspectives, and the visions and contributions, of Latinos.
A new Smithsonian museum on the National Mall should engage broad audiences, collect historical artifacts and stories, gather teachers and researchers, host students of all ages, foreground artistic expressions, and sponsor well-informed public discussions on pressing topics. The museum should be polyphonic, representing many perspectives and experiences, and it should be ambitious, tracing communities from past centuries into our contemporary moment. We feel sure that it will also be grounded in scholarship, drawing from thousands of recent publications that have documented these histories.
The United States must preserve and share ever more accurate stories of its past, and the Smithsonian must play a central role in educating the public about Latinos in American history. We urge the Senate to support the National American Latino Museum Act, and we thank the bipartisan set of Senate co-sponsors who are now working to make this museum a reality.
Sincerely, and on behalf of the group below,
Stephen Pitti
Professor of History and Director of the RITM Center Yale University
1. Grisel Y. Acosta, Associate Professor, City University of New York – BCC
2. Michael Damien Aguirre, Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard University
3. Jose Alamillo, Professor, California State University Channel Islands
4. C.J. Alvarez, Assistant Professor, University of Texas at Austin
5. Allison Amend, Professor, Lehman College
6. Mike Amezcua, Assistant Professor of History, Georgetown University
7. Lauren Araiza, Associate Professor, Denison University
8. José Aranda, Associate Professor, Rice University
9. Gabriela F. Arredondo, Associate Professor and Chair, UC Santa Cruz
10. Eric Avila, Professor, UCLA
11. Dorothy Baca, Professor, University of New Mexico
12. Octavio Barajas, Professor, College of the Sequoias
13. Llana Barber, Associate Professor, State University of New York at Old Westbury
14. Philis M. Barragán Goetz, Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University – San Antonio
15. Lee Bebout, Professor, Arizona State University
16. Daniel Becerra, Assistant Professor, Brigham Young University
17. Brian Behnken, Associate Professor, Iowa State University
18. Maylei Blackwell, Associate Professor, UCLA
19. Eladio Bobadilla, Assistant Professor, University of Kentucky
20. Eddie Bonilla, Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Pittsburgh
21. Rick Bonus, Professor and Chair, University of Washington
22. Ralph William Boone, Lecturer, Lehman College (CUNY)
23. Allyson Brantley, Assistant Professor, University of La Verne
24. Laura Briggs, Professor, University of Massachusetts
25. Michael Bustamante, Assistant Professor, Florida International University
26. Katherine Bynum, Assistant Professor, Arizona State University
27. Geraldo Cadava, Associate Professor, Northwestern University
28. Albert M. Camarillo, Leon Sloss Jr. Memorial Professor, Stanford University
29. JoAnn Canales, Scholar in Residence Emerita, Council of Graduate Schools
30. Ginetta E.B. Candelario, Professor, Smith College
31. Julio Capo Jr., Associate Professor and Deputy Director of the Wolfsonian Public Humanities Lab, Florida International University
32. Matt Caprioli, Lecturer, Lehman College (CUNY)
33. Genevieve Carpio, Assistant Professor, UCLA
34. Maria Raquel Casas, Associate Professor, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
35. Antonia I. Castañeda, Professor Emeritus, St. Mary’s University
36. Melissa Castillo Planas, Assistant Professor, Lehman College
37. Eliana Castro, Assistant Professor, University of Vermont
38. Maria Elena Cepeda, Professor, Williams College
39. Jaime Chahin, Professor and Dean of Applied Arts, Texas State University
40. Robert Chao Romero, Professor, UCLA
41. Ben Chappell, Associate Professor, University of Kansas
42. John R. Chavez, Professor, Southern Methodist University
43. Marisela R. Chávez, Professor, California State University, Dominguez Hills
44. Miroslava Chavez-Garcia, Professor, UC Santa Barbara
45. Deborah Cohen, Associate Professor, University of Missouri – St. Louis
46. Eduardo Contreras, Associate Professor, Hunter College and The Graduate Center (CUNY)
47. Cary Cordova, Associate Professor, University of Texas at Austin
48. Raúl Coronado, Associate Professor, UC Berkeley
49. Maria Cotera, Associate Professor, University of Texas at Austin
50. Jorge E. Cuéllar, Assistant Professor, Dartmouth College
51. Arlene Davila, Professor and Director, New York University
52. Jesús F. de la Teja, Regents’ Professor Emeritus, Texas State University
53. Maritza De La Trinidad, Associate Professor, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
54. George Diaz, Associate Professor, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
55. Maggie Elmore, Assistant Professor, Sam Houston State University
56. Cindy Ermus, Assistant Professor, University of Texas at San Antonio
57. Stacey Engels, Adjunct Lecturer, Lehman College (CUNY)
58. Sandra I. Enríquez, Assistant Professor, University of Missouri-Kansas City
59. Edward Escobar, Emeritus Associate Professor, Arizona State University
60. Elizabeth R. Escobedo, Associate Professor, University of Denver
61. Jesus Jesse Esparza, Assistant Professor, Texas Southern University
62. Dionne Espinoza, Professor, California State University Los Angeles
63. Eileen J. Findlay, Professor, American University
64. Lori Flores, Associate Professor, Stony Brook University (SUNY)
65. Neil Foley, Robert and Nancy Dedman Endowed Chair in History, Southern Methodist University
66. Vanessa Fonseca-Chávez, Assistant Professor, Arizona State University
67. Claire F. Fox, Professor, University of Iowa
68. Benjamin Francis-Fallon, Professor, Western Carolina University
69. Alicia Gaspar de Alba, Professor, UCLA
70. Lorena Gauthereau, Lecturer and Manager, University of Houston
71. Maia Gil’Adí, Assistant Professor, University of Massachusetts Lowell
72. Mark A. Goldberg, Associate Professor, University of Houston
73. Trinidad Gonzales, President, Refusing to Forget
74. David-James Gonzales, Assistant Professor, Brigham Young University
75. Cynthia I. Gonzales, Associate Professor, Texas State University
76. Jerry Gonzalez, Associate Professor, University of Texas at San Antonio
77. John Morán González, J. Frank Dobie Regents Professor, University of Texas at Austin
78. Dr. Tiffany Gonzalez, Postdoctoral Fellow, Tulane University
79. Gabriela Gonzalez, Associate Professor, University of Texas at San Antonio
80. Adam Goodman, Assistant Professor, University of Illinois at Chicago
81. Sarah Zenaida Gould, Interim Executive Director, Mexican American Civil Rights Institute
82. Lillian Guerra, Professor, University of Florida
83. Frank Guridy, Professor, Columbia University
84. Ramón A. Gutiérrez, Professor, University of Chicago
85. Romeo Guzman, Professor, Claremont Graduate University
86. Lisbeth Haas, Professor Emeritus, UC Santa Cruz
87. Michelle Habell-Pallan, Professor, University of Washington
88. Ian Haney-Lopez, Chief Justice Earl Warren Professor, UC Berkeley
89. Lori Harris, Dean, University of Cincinnati
90. Brett Hendrickson, Professor, Lafayette College
91. Sonia Hernandez, Associate Professor, Texas A&M University
92. Ray Hernández-Durán, Professor, University of New Mexico
93. Brian Eugenio Herrera, Associate Professor, Princeton University
94. Torrie Hester, Associate Professor, Saint Louis University
95. Felipe Hinojosa, Professor, Texas A&M University
96. Jesse Hoffnung-Garskof, Professor, University of Michigan
97. Luis G. Hoyos, Emeritus Professor of Architecture, California State Polytechnic University Pomona
98. Michael D Innis Jimenez, Professor, University of Alabama
99. Ylce Irizarry, Associate Professor, University of South Florida
100. Karl Jacoby, Allan Nevins Professor, Columbia University
101. Benjamin H. Johnson, Professor, Loyola University Chicago
102. Gaye Theresa Johnson, Associate Professor, UCLA
103. Ana M. Juarez, Associate Professor, Texas State University
104. S. Deborah Kang, Anne Stark and Chester Watson Associate Professor, University of Texas at Dallas
105. Sonia Kania, Associate Professor, University of Texas at Arlington
106. Kris Klein Hernández, Postdoctoral Associate, Yale University
107. Max Krochmal, Associate Professor, Texas Christian University
108. Marisol Lebrón, Assistant Professor, University of Texas at Austin
109. Priscilla Leiva, Assistant Professor, Loyola Marymount University
110. Gerardo Licon, Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
111. Julian Lim, Associate Professor, Arizona State University
112. Rick Lopez, Professor, Amherst College
113. Troy Lovata, Professor, University of New Mexico
114. Mireya Loza, Visiting Assistant Professor, Georgetown University
115. Rosina Lozano, Associate Professor, Princeton University
116. Kelly Lytle Hernandez, Professor and The Thomas E. Lifka Endowed Chair of History, UCLA
117. Arturo Madrid, Professor Emeritus, Trinity University
118. Cecilia Márquez, Assistant Professor, Duke University
119. Benjamin Marquez, Professor, University of Wisconsin
120. Dr. Valerie A. Martinez, History Program Head and Assistant Professor, Our Lady of the Lake University
121. Veronica Martinez-Matsuda, Associate Professor, Cornell University
122. Juliana Martínez, Assistant Professor, American University
123. Katherine Massoth, Assistant Professor, University of New Mexico
124. Timothy Matovina, Professor, University of Notre Dame
125. Joseph McElligott, Lecturer, Lehman College
126. John Mckiernan-Gonzalez, Director of the Center for the Study of the Southwest and Associate Professor, Texas State University
127. Natalie Mendoza, Assistant Professor, University of Colorado Boulder
128. April Merleaux, Visiting Assistant Professor, Williams College
129. Ana Raquel Minian, Associate Professor, Stanford University
130. Nancy Raquel Mirabal, Associate Professor, University of Maryland, College Park
131. Nancy Raquel Mirabal, Associate Professor, University of Maryland, College Park
132. Anthony Mora, Associate Professor and Director, University of Michigan
133. Monica Muñoz Martinez, Associate Professor, University of Texas at Austin
134. Laura K. Muñoz, Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
135. Erin Murrah-Mandril, Assistant Professor, University of Texas at Arlington
136. Anna Nogar, Associate Professor, University of New Mexico
137. Chon Noriega, Distinguished Professor, UCLA
138. Mark Ocegueda, Assistant Professor, Brown University
139. Amy A. Oliver, Associate Professor, American University
140. Jessica Ordaz, Assistant Professor, University of Colorado Boulder
141. Lorena Oropeza, Professor, UC Davis
142. Cynthia Orozco, Professor, Eastern New Mexico University Ruidoso
143. Mark Overmyer-Velazquez, Professor and University Campus Director, University of Connecticut-Hartford
144. Christian Paiz, Assistant Professor, UC Berkeley
145. Jimmy Patiño, Associate Professor, University of Minnesota
146. Monica Perales, Associate Professor, University of Houston
147. Emma Perez, Professor/Research Social Scientist, University of Arizona
148. Bernadette Perez, Assistant Professor, UC Berkeley
149. Carolyn Pinedo-Turnovsky, Associate Professor, University of Washington
150. Patricia Portales, Professor, San Antonio College
151. Gerald Poyo, Professor, St. Mary’s University – San Antonio
152. Estevan Rael-Gálvez, Ph.D., Independent Scholar, Creative Strategies 360°
153. Marla Ramírez, Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison
154. Raúl A. Ramos, Associate Professor, University of Houston
155. Dr. Lisa Y. Ramos, Associate Professor, Alamo Colleges: San Antonio College
156. Ana Ramos-Zayas, Professor, Yale University
157. Raymond W. Rast, Associate Professor, Gonzaga University
158. Pedro A. Regalado, Junior Fellow, Harvard University
159. Joaquin Rivaya-Martinez, Associate Professor, Texas State University
160. Petra Rivera-Rideau, Assistant Professor, Wellesley College
161. Alberto Rodriguez, Associate Professor, Texas A&M University-Kingsville
162. Iliana Yamileth Rodriguez, Postdoctoral Fellow, Emory University
163. Ana Patricia Rodríguez, Associate Professor, University of Maryland, College Park
164. Ileana M. Rodríguez-Silva, Associate Professor, University of Washington
165. Dr. Samantha Rodriguez, Professor, Houston Community College
166. Anadelia Romo, Associate Professor, Texas State University
167. Oliver A. Rosales, Professor, Bakersfield College
168. Dr. Steven Rosales, Associate Professor, University of Arkansas
169. Lilia Raquel Rosas, Lecturer, University of Texas at Austin
170. Karen Roybal, Assistant Professor, Colorado College
171. Vicki L. Ruiz, Distinguished Professor Emerita, University of California, Irvine
172. Jason Ruiz, Associate Professor, University of Notre Dame
173. Elsa Ruiz, Lecturer, University of Texas at San Antonio
174. Lilliana Saldaña, Associate Professor, University of Texas at San Antonio
175. María Josefina Saldaña-Portillo, Professor, New York University
176. Cristina Salinas, Associate Professor, University of Texas at Arlington
177. George J. Sanchez, Professor, University of Southern California
178. Edgar Sandoval, Predoctoral Bolin Fellow, Williams College
179. A. K. Sandoval-Strausz, Associate Professor, Penn State University
180. Aldo Lauria Santiago, Professor, Rutgers University
181. John Phillip Santos, University Distinguished Scholar, University of Texas at San Antonio
182. Alicia Schmidt Camacho, Professor, Yale University
183. Gretchen Selcke, Director, Vanderbilt University
“José Luis Serrano Nájera, Assistant Professor, University of New Mexico
Kristie Soares, Assistant Professor, University of Colorado Boulder”
186. Priscilla Solis Ybarra, Associate Professor, University of North Texas
187. Rachel St. John, Associate Professor, UC Davis
188. Alexandra Minna Stern, Professor, University of Michigan
189. Camille Suárez, Assistant Professor, California State University Los Angeles
190. Tomás F. Summers Sandoval Jr., Professor, Pomona College
191. Lorrin Thomas, Associate Professor, Rutgers University – Camden
192. Eliseo Torres, Professor, University of New Mexico
193. Michelle Tovar, Associate Director of Education – Latino Initiatives, Holocaust Museum Houston
194. Michael L. Trujillo, Associate Chair, University of New Mexico
195. Luis Urrieta, Professor, University of Texas at Austin
196. Francisco Uviña-Contreras, Senior Lecturer, University of New Mexico
197. Robert O. Valdez, RWJF Professor, University of New Mexico
198. Louie Dean Valencia, Assistant Professor, Texas State University
199. Angela Valenzuela, Professor, University of Texas at Austin
200. Omar Valerio-Jiménez, Associate Professor, University of Texas at San Antonio
201. Elena Valdez, Reference Librarian, Santa Fe Public Library
202. Irene Vasquez, Professor and Chair, University of New Mexico
203. David Vazquez, Associate Professor, American University
204. Larisa Veloz, Professor, University of Texas, El Paso
205. Aimee Villarreal, Associate Professor, Our Lady of the Lake University
206. Sarah D. Wald, Associate Professor, University of Oregon
207. Julie M. Weise, Associate Professor, University of Oregon
208. Elliott Young, Professor, Lewis & Clark College
209. Emilio Zamora, Professor, University of Texas at Austin
210. Candace Zepeda, Professor, Our Lady of the Lake University
CC: Sen. Robert Menendez (NJ) CC: Sen. John Cornyn (TX)
On December 14th, 2020 the letter below was submitted to Congressional Leadership with over 140 influential signatories to encourage the passage of the National Museum of the American Latino Act. If you are interested in adding your name to this growing list, please sign-up here.
Dear Leader McConnell, Senator Schumer, Speaker Pelosi, and Representative McCarthy:
We write you today in response to the actions that took place on the Senate floor this past Thursday evening. On behalf of our organizations, our community, our families and future generations, that will one day be inspired by the countless stories exhibited in a Smithsonian National American Latino Museum, we urge you to work together to ensure that the National Museum of the American Latino Act (H.R.2420) is included in a year-end omnibus so that we can finally begin the work of creating a home for this long sought museum.
We are incredibly disappointed by Senator Mike Lee’s decision to block a bill that has such strong bipartisan support. As you know, our bill passed the House of Representatives by unanimous consent with more than 290 bipartisan cosponsors this summer; and has support from 46 cosponsors from both parties in the Senate. Additionally, on December 3, the Senate Rules Committee voted unanimously to advance the bill after holding a hearing on the initiative on November 17.
This bill has enjoyed strong bipartisan and bicameral support for years, led by Senators Bob Menendez and John Cornyn, and Representatives Jose Serrano, Tony Cardenas and Will Hurd. We are inspired by the energy and unity that this legislation has brought and are confident that all of those that have come together to drive this campaign forward would not want us, or Congress, to give up now. Since 1994, the Latinx community has been working and waiting to have its story told on the National Mall, and we must not wait longer if we can address this now. Throughout history, our community has fought, served and contributed to the founding, defending, growth and strength of the nation. It has endured, fortified, and overcome countless obstacles. Latinos have made our country what it is today and we urge you, our Congressional leaders, to commit to approving this bill before the end of this legislative session and make this museum a reality.
We thank you in advance for your leadership and we stand ready to support this historic endeavor from the bill’s ultimate authorization to the work required to open those doors on America’s front lawn.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to any one of us if I can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Raul “Danny” Vargas
Board Chair
Friends of the American Latino Museum
Estuardo V. Rodriguez
President & CEO
Friends of the American Latino Museum
FRIENDS Board
National Partners
Regional Leadership Network and Supporters
cc: Sen. John Cornyn (TX)
Sen. Robert Menendez (NJ)
Senate Rules Committee Chairman Roy Blunt (R-MO)
Senate Rules Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
House Administration Committee Chairwoman Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)
House Administration Committee Ranking Member Rodney Davis (R-IL)
Washington, DC — Today, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) opposed the movement to approve the National Museum of the American Latino Act (H.R. 2420) by unanimous consent. The legislation would create the long-overdue museum on the National Mall.
The Friends of the American Latino Museum (FRIENDS), the only organization dedicated to advocating for a National Latino Museum, issued the following statement:
“We are incredibly disappointed with Senator Mike Lee’s insultingly dismissive, condescending and misguided decision to block our bill to establish a National Museum of the American Latino to commemorate and celebrate over 500 years of American Latino history and contributions to the American story. Our bill passed the House of Representatives by unanimous consent with more than 290 bipartisan cosponsors this summer; and has support from 46 cosponsors from both parties in the Senate, as well.
Latinos across the nation have waited far too long to be represented on the National Mall, and it is disgustingly cruel to make them wait even longer. Latinos, throughout history, have endured, fortified, and overcome countless obstacles. We will continue to do so and will fight to ensure our stories, a critical component of the American story, are told for generations within the halls of our nation’s top institutions. Latinos have made our country what it is today and Senator Lee’s opposition to our bipartisan bill to establish a place of reflection on the history, culture, and contributions of Latinos nationwide is incredibly disheartening, but we stand ready to continue our efforts for this important missing piece of the fabric of our nation.”
Washington, DC — Today, the Senate Rules Committee unanimously voted to approve and advance the National Museum of the American Latino Act, a bill to establish a museum on the National Mall dedicated to honoring the contributions of Latinos throughout American history, out of committee. With broad bipartisan support, the Friends of the American Latino Museum (FRIENDS) now urges Senate leadership to bring the legislation to a final vote and send on to the President’s desk.
“We applaud and appreciate the unanimous support of the Senate Rules Committee to advance the bill and open the door for final passage by the full Senate,” said Danny Vargas, Chairman of the FRIENDS board. “It is a testament to the broad bipartisan nature of this legacy initiative that will illuminate the American story for the benefit of everyone. As we see the finish line within reach of this decades-long process, we are hopeful that we will soon celebrate this bill becoming law so we can begin building a world-class institution we can all be proud of.”
“Today’s action by the Senate Rules Committee is the last procedural hurdle before the full Senate is able to take up and, finally, pass the National American Latino Museum Act,” said Estuardo Rodriguez, President & CEO of FRIENDS. “This historically bipartisan initiative has overwhelming support grounded in the commitment to tell the full American story, one that serves to bring our nation together united in the contributions, talent and sacrifice that has made our nation great. We look forward to the full Senate’s passage of the National American Latino Museum Act in the coming days.”
As acknowledged by the Smithsonian Institution in a 1994 report, Willful Neglect, exhibits and collections of U.S. Latino history are the most underrepresented across all of its museums. In 2011, a presidentially-appointed commission to study the potential creation of a National Museum of the American Latino submitted its report to explore the feasibility of a museum as was recommended in Willful Neglect. The National Museum of the American Latino Act fulfills the report’s recommendations to move forward with the creation of a Smithsonian National American Latino Museum, and takes an important step towards righting the ongoing disparities in our nation’s museums that remain today.