Washington, DC— On Thursday, October 17, the Friends of the American Latino Museum will host a press conference at the House Triangle following a historic House Committee on Natural Resources hearing for the National Museum of the American Latino Act (H.R. 2420).
The press conference will be livestreamed.
Who:
Notable Attendees:
When: Thursday, October 17 at 12:30 pm
Where: House Triangle, outside the United States Capitol
Livestream: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanLatinoMuseum/
Hearing Witnesses:
Hearing Date: Thursday, October 17 at 10:00 am
Hearing Location: Room 1334 Longworth House Office Building
Livestream: https://naturalresources.house.gov/hearings
Background: H.R. 2420 has more than 210 bipartisan cosponsors, a bipartisan Senate counterpart, and would establish the long overdue Smithsonian Museum on the National Mall dedicated to commemorating the 500 plus years of American Latino contributions to our nation’s military, sciences, economic power, civil rights and the arts. Longtime supporters of the museum campaign from the arts, business, academia, and federal government will come together to call for the creation of this museum at a time when misunderstandings of and discrimination against the Latinx community has reached dangerous levels. This museum is needed now to combat ignorance, increase awareness and to show understanding and appreciation of American Latinos in this nation.
Join us on this momentous day 25 years in the making as we unite to ensure that American Latino history and culture finally receives its rightful place in a more complete and accurate telling of American history.
Friends of the National American Latino Museum (FRIENDS) announced the launch of its inaugural Florida Regional Leadership Network, featuring leaders in politics, civil rights, and business statewide including original bill sponsor and long-standing champion, fmr. Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. The network is a part of the FRIENDS national Regional Leadership Network program to galvanize support from high-profile leaders across the country. Members will serve as the champions and ambassadors for the campaign to create a Smithsonian National American Latino Museum on our National Mall, representing the incredible support for the campaign in Florida and the legacy of Latino history in the state.
“The Florida Regional Leadership Network represents the commitment to heritage, identity, and legacy that drives our campaign,” said Francela Chi de Chinchilla, Vice President of Advocacy and Partnerships. “The story of the Latino community in Florida is an integral part of the state’s history, and a Smithsonian National American Latino Museum would elevate the chapters in Floridian history including the founding of St. Augustine, the oldest European settlement in the United States, the election of former Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the first Latina elected to Congress in US history, and more. Our campaign already enjoys bipartisan congressional support from twelve members of the Florida congressional delegation; and these members of the Florida Leadership Network will help our campaign underscore how important this museum is to honoring the legacies and contributions of American Latinos in the state.”
The current list of members in the Florida network is as follows, with more to be added:
*titles provided for identification purposes only
Members will join networks that launched this year in New York and Arizona to spread awareness and support for the long-overdue museum through the media, in-person advocacy, and digital engagement—creating momentum for the campaign in their communities. A quarter-century after the nation was first made aware of the severe underrepresentation of Latinos throughout the Smithsonian Institution, the Regional Leadership Networks are a symbol of the growing momentum calling for a National American Latino Museum.
Today Friends of the National American Latino Museum (FRIENDS) announced the launch of One Nation: ¡Presente!, a campaign during Hispanic Heritage Month to celebrate the collective 500-year history, vision, and contributions of American Latinos to our nation. The campaign will showcase the political and public support for the National Museum of the American Latino Act (HR 2420/S1267), a bipartisan, bicameral bill to establish a museum on the National Mall dedicated to honoring the contributions of Latinos throughout American history.
“From entrepreneurs and inventors who changed history, to military veterans who fought for our country’s freedom, Latinos have contributed widely to the fabric of America from its earliest days,” said Danny Vargas, Chairman of the FRIENDS board. “America’s history as presented in our nation’s capital is incomplete without the countless stories of heroes who strengthened George Washington’s hand during the War of Independence or leaders who took American brands like Coca-Cola and made them international icons. Recognition of their stories is important to the future of who we are as a nation. For more than two decades there has been a call to fill the void, and it is time Congress passes the bill authorizing a Smithsonian National American Latino Museum.”
With over 160 bipartisan Members of Congress in support to-date, bill sponsors include Senators Bob Mendendez (D-NJ) and John Cornyn (R-TX), Representatives Will Hurd (R-TX), José Serrano (D-NY) and Tony Cardenas (D-CA), and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month FRIENDS will be mobilizing supporters across the nation at regional events to call on their elected officials to publicly support the legislation. Among the many events, FRIENDS is partnering with the storied Lincoln Center in NYC for a special concert event and attending the 17th Annual La Familia Latino Heritage Festival in Minneapolis. Leaders from FRIENDS will also address the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Conference in New Mexico, the 32nd Annual Hispanic Heritage Awards at the Kennedy Center, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists in San Antonio, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, the Hispanic National Bar Association, the Latino Coalition, and several more.
“Latinos are intertwined in every aspect of our nation since before its inception,” said President and CEO Estuardo Rodriguez. “It is important that we expand on our American history by focusing on its diverse and collaborative origins. Less than two percent of all national monuments and historic sites are dedicated to women or communities of color. We can’t allow our stories to be omitted or erased. Our Latinx youth deserve a place that gives our culture a voice and spotlights our vital role in the development of our great nation.”
From September 15 through October 15, the campaign will highlight little known American Latino figures throughout history and present day through four theme weeks: week 1 is focused on the performing arts, week 2 is military history, week 3 is civil rights, and week 4 will be sports and food. Supporters of the campaign, including musical icon Rubén Blades and Latin Grammy winner Gaby Moreno, have already begun sharing their performing arts inspirations as part of this campaign. We encourage everyone to not only share these stories but their own, of grandparents, parents, siblings and loved ones who have contributed to our nation, through the Latinx inspiration social media challenge using the hashtag #OneNationPresente. Ultimately, the campaign urges supporters to contact their legislative leaders and ask them to support the National American Latino Museum Act. See details at americanlatinomuseum.org/presente.
Latino stories are the most underrepresented in the Smithsonian’s collections—as acknowledged by the institution itself in its 1994 Willful Neglect report, and reconfirmed in UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute’s 2018 report, demonstrating a lack of Latino voices and history so severe, it seemed intentional. 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. Today’s legislation acts on the report’s recommendations to move forward with the creation of a Smithsonian National American Latino Museum and take an important step towards righting the disparities outlined in the 1994 report that remain.
(Washington, D.C.) – Friends of the National American Latino Museum (FRIENDS) announced the launch of its inaugural Arizona Regional Leadership Network, featuring leaders in politics, media, and business statewide. The network is a part of the FRIENDS national Regional Leadership Network program to galvanize support from high-profile leaders across the country. Members will serve as the champions and ambassadors for the campaign to create a Smithsonian National American Latino Museum on our National Mall, representing the incredible support for the campaign in Arizona and the legacy of Latino history in the state.
Members will spread awareness and support for the long-overdue museum through the media, in-person advocacy, and digital engagement to create momentum for the campaign in their communities. They will continue the drumbeat that began over 25 years ago when Congress and the nation were made aware of the severe underrepresentation of American Latino history throughout the Smithsonian Institution.
“The Arizona Regional Leadership Network embodies the pride in our heritage that is at the core of our campaign,” said Francela Chi de Chinchilla, Vice President of Advocacy and Partnerships. “Latino history in Arizona is inseparably intertwined with the history of the state, and a Smithsonian National American Latino Museum would elevate the stories of important Arizonans like those of civil rights leader Cesar Chavez or Anita Lewis Chávez, the first Latina judge in the state’s history. We already enjoy bipartisan congressional support from Senator Martha McSally, Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee Raul Grijalva, Representatives Ruben Gallego, Ann Kirkpatrick, and Greg Stanton; and these members of the Arizona Leadership Network will help our campaign underscore how important this museum is to honoring the legacies and contributions of Latino Americans in Arizona.”
The current list of members in the Arizona network is as follows, with more to be added:
*titles provided for identification purposes only
(Washington, D.C.) – The Friends of the American Latino Museum (FRIENDS) extends its congratulations and gratitude to the Town of Bernalillo, New Mexico on the town’s recent resolution in support of legislation to establish a Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino. Adopted on July 8, 2019, the resolution underscores Bernalillo’s commitment to honoring the vital role of Latinos in American history, and voices support for H.R. 2420 and S. 1267 to authorize the creation of a museum through the Smithsonian Institution. New Mexico plays a strong part in American Latino history, with numerous key figures originating in the state, including suffragist and civil rights leader Adelina Ortero-Warren and the first Latino elected to the US Senate, Dennis Chavez.
“The Town of Bernalillo is excited to participate in this conversation institutionalizing the rich and deep Latino heritage of our country,” said Jack Torres, Mayor of Bernalillo. “The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino will reinforce for our families the importance of their ancestors and how generations of Bernalillo residents contributed to the formation and ongoing successes of our nation.”
“We know there is local support all over the nation for the creation of this museum,” said Francela Chi de Chinchilla, Vice President of Advocacy and Partnerships of FRIENDS. “We thank the residents, Town Council, and Mayor of Bernalillo for their dedication to ensuring that the stories of American Latinos throughout history are included in our national institutions. It is critical that Congress pay attention to what is happening in their hometowns and heed the call for the passage of the National Museum of the American Latino Act.”
The Town of Bernalillo’s resolution joins localities from Miami to New York to Tolleson, Arizona across the United States that have passed resolutions in support of a Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino.
Bipartisan, bicameral group of bill sponsors and supporters reintroduce legislation for a Smithsonian National American Latino Museum(Washington, D.C.) – On May 1, Congressman José E. Serrano (D-NY), Congressman Will Hurd (R-TX), Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), and a group of bipartisan colleagues from the House and Senate reintroduced the National Museum of the American Latino Act. The Friends of the American Latino Museum (FRIENDS) is proud to work with our partners on both sides of the aisle in Congress to advance this important mission of elevating the stories of the Latino community in the United States. The legislation would establish a Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino on the National Mall, dedicated to honoring the contributions of Latinos throughout our nation’s history.
The bill sets into motion the process of establishing a future museum, an important step forward in a campaign that has had bipartisan and national public support for more than a decade. A Smithsonian National American Latino Museum would finally give credence to the history and legacy of a community which represents one-sixth of the American population and is an integral part of both our nation’s heritage and future. Latinos and Latinas have made countless contributions to American innovation and served proudly in every American war, yet their stories are largely absent from Smithsonian museums on the National Mall.
“It’s unbelievable that we are now in our 25th year of advocating in support of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino,” said musician and campaign supporter Emilio Estefan. “There is no doubt that Latinos have made critical contributions to the foundation and development of this country in the arts and in every possible sphere. All we ask is that the contributions of Hispanics receive the same level of exposure and respect like those seen when you visit the Smithsonian museums in DC. We respectfully request that this bill be passed in this congressional session.”
“Latinos have been contributing to the fabric of America from its earliest days, and yet we still don’t have a place on the National Mall to celebrate these contributions,” said Danny Vargas, Chairman of the FRIENDS board. “It is now necessary and urgent that we establish a national museum to recognize the full picture of American history. Congress has every reason it needs to pass the bill authorizing the Smithsonian National American Latino Museum in this session.”
Latino stories are drastically underrepresented in the Smithsonian’s collections—acknowledged by the institution itself in its 1994 Willful Neglect report demonstrating a lack of Latino voices and history so severe, it seemed intentional. In 2008, a presidentially-appointed Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of the American Latino was established to explore the feasibility of a museum, culminating in a 2011 report. This legislation acts on the report’s recommendations to move forward in the creation of a Smithsonian National American Latino Museum, a process that follows closely in the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s footsteps. The bill will take an important step towards righting the disparities outlined in the 1994 report, which a 2018 study by the University of California Los Angeles’ Latino Policy and Politics Initiative concluded still has much to be done.
(Washington, D.C.) – In partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico, the March on Washington Film Festival, and The Raben Group, the Friends of the American Latino Museum will host a series of panels and film screenings during this year’s Casa México at SXSW 2019, highlighting stories from the American Latino community.
The creative and entertainment industry, broadly, continues to face pressure to focus on increasing diversity with more inclusive storytelling and diversity in front of and behind the camera. We are proud to renew our collaboration this year with Casa México to place a spotlight on Latino storytellers, changemakers, voters, and innovators, to bring their stories and work into focus.
Panels include Post Midterms: Is Texas Turning Purple?, a conversation between DNC Chair Tom Perez, LIBRE Initiative President Daniel Garza, and the Director of Latino Decisions, Dr. Matt Barreto on the shifting political climate in Texas, and The U.S. Latino Narrative – Who is in the Driver’s Seat?, a two-part discussion on reframing the narrative around Latinos in the United States, featuring Latino journalists, politicians, and cultural changemakers.
Screenings of two short films, La Oposicion, which explores immigration policy under the Trump Administration, and The Other Side, the story of deported musician Jose Marquez and his daughter Susanna, who have been separated for almost 15 years but meet every month on either side of the US-Mexico border wall, and a special preview screening of the upcoming film “The All-Americans”, a story of the greatest high school football rivalry you may have never heard of, will be accompanied by panel discussions with the filmmakers and policymakers on the films’ impact and relevance in today’s political climate.
The events will be hosted in the iconic Mexic-Arte Museum, located on 419 Congress Ave, and will be held from March 8th to 10th. Read more about the panels and RSVP here.
(Washington, D.C.) – The Friends of the American Latino Museum released this statement commemorating the appointment of Lonnie Bunch III as the next Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution:
“The Friends of the American Latino Museum extends our sincere congratulations to Lonnie Bunch III on his appointment as the next Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. As an experienced museum professional and historian, Bunch is exceptionally qualified to lead the world’s largest museum and research institution in its mission to educate and inspire the American public and visitors from around the world. Having served as the founding director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Bunch is well aware of the power and importance of inclusive storytelling in our nation’s museums. His leadership and experience make him well-equipped to expand on the Institution’s commitment to an accurate and more complete portrayal of our nation’s diverse heritage, with a particular focus on American Latino history and culture which remains lacking.
As the first person of color appointed to the role, Bunch will be the first African American Secretary of the Smithsonian. Charged with preserving and celebrating our nation’s heritage, the Smithsonian’s administrative body must reflect the diversity of our origins as well as of our future. We applaud the work of the Smithsonian Board of Regents in the selection of Lonnie Bunch III, and are confident that his legacy of inclusivity and innovation will be a tremendous asset to the institution.
As Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Bunch’s commitment to honoring African American history on our National Mall led to the creation of a museum that has welcomed over 4 million visitors and contains over 40,000 objects. The success of the National Museum of African American History and Culture demonstrates not only Bunch’s impressive leadership, but the thirst and excitement among the American people for a more complete telling of our nation’s history. It is our hope that Bunch will continue his dedication to including the stories of all Americans in the Smithsonian, and shed more light on the need to rectify the absence of Latino voices through the creation of a museum celebrating our history and culture on the National Mall.”
(Washington, D.C.) – Friends of the American Latino Museum (FRIENDS) announced today that Indianapolis, Indiana-based artist Cristiano Mattos is the winner of the FRIENDS’ 8th annual design contest, the first recurring winner in the contest’s history. Presented with the generous support of Target, the annual contest invites artists from around the country to share their vision of what American Latino history means to them. Mattos’ winning design was chosen among seven finalists after a weeklong public vote open to the hundreds of thousands of FRIENDS supporters nationally. This is the second year that Mattos’ submission has been selected by voters as the winning design.
“In my piece, I intended to represent the beauty of Latin culture found in the innocent eyes of a child,” said artist Cristiano Mattos. “The creation of an American Latino Museum would be a reminder that Latin culture is part of the American experience, and has contributed in a positive way to the country that we all call home.”
Growing up in the vibrant city of São Paulo, Brazil, Mattos developed his appreciation for art and design at an early age. He studied media arts and animation at the Arts Institute of Indianapolis, and has traveled globally throughout Europe and the United States to develop and hone traditional and new media techniques. His experiences around the world have heavily influenced his art, citing diversity in the communities he has lived in as a key inspiration for his work.
“Each year, we are humbled by the story-telling through art that is submitted to our design contest,” said Estuardo Rodriguez, President and CEO of FRIENDS. “With a record number of submissions this year, it speaks volumes that we had more finalists for voters to choose from than ever before. Cristiano’s beautiful piece highlights the rich history and roots of Latino culture, bringing the past to life.”
“Target is proud to support the Friends of the American Latino Museum’s annual design contest because we understand how powerful representation and visibility can be in bringing communities together,” said Laysha Ward, Executive Vice President and Chief External Engagement Officer, Target. “We commend FRIENDS for carrying on this tradition of drawing on the Latinx community for inspiration to guide this important campaign forward for the eighth year running. Congratulations to Cristiano on his wonderful design and this accomplishment.”
This year’s contest received the highest numbers of submissions in the contest’s eight-year history from artists hailing from Georgia to California. The winning design will be featured nationally in the 2019 FRIENDS campaign efforts to create a Smithsonian National American Latino Museum, including on campaign posters, promotional materials, and FRIENDS digital platforms reaching over 400,000 subscribers. In addition, Mattos will receive a $500 Target gift card courtesy of our presenting sponsor, whose continued support provides an opportunity for FRIENDS supporters to contribute their talents to this historic campaign.
The Friends of the American Latino Museum released this statement following Congressman José Serrano’s (D-NY-15) announcement that he will retire at the end of the 116th Congress:
“A champion for his constituents, the American Latino community, and our nation, Congressman Serrano will be missed upon his retirement at the end of this term. As a member of Congress and the New York State Assembly, Congressman Serrano has served the American people for over 40 years. His leadership and legacy in Congress has paved the way for future leaders, leaving a lasting impact on Capitol Hill.
An original co-sponsor of the legislation to authorize a Smithsonian National American Latino Museum, we are grateful for Congressman Serrano’s commitment to preserving the impact and influence of American Latinos throughout our nation’s history. His personal story beginning in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico and ascending to the halls of Congress over the course of his career exemplifies the need for an institution to share these stories, and we will continue the fight for a National American Latino Museum on our National Mall that will include his legacy.
Congressman Serrano’s strengths as a legislator, mentor, and friend are clear to all who know and work with him. Throughout his years of public service, he has been a steadfast advocate for others, and we know he will face Parkinson’s with the same unwavering resolve and determination that has characterized his career. We take this opportunity to thank him for his service, and we look forward to continuing our work together through the end of the 116th Congress.”