Attn: David M. Rubenstein
Chair, Smithsonian Board of Regents Smithsonian Institution
1000 Jefferson Drive SW #113
Washington, D.C. 20560
Dear Chairman Rubenstein,
On behalf of the Friends of the American Latino Museum (FRIENDS), we respectfully bring to your attention a matter of great concern to us and millions of American Latinos around the nation: the issue of equity and inclusion in the telling of our U.S. history. As the Smithsonian Board of Regents begins its search for a new Secretary, we would like to underscore how important it is that this individual reflect the growing diversity of our nation. To be precise, we would argue that the next Secretary of the Smithsonian should be of Hispanic descent.
We proudly follow in the footsteps of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and our organization has been working for more than a decade to create a museum in our nation’s capital that will educate, inspire and encourage a greater understanding of the contributions made by Latino leaders, pioneers and communities to our American way of life. We can trace the contributions of American Latinos back at least 500 years. It is time that the American public and international visitors know their stories. If not, we risk having stereotypes and false narratives perpetuated by news outlets, fellow Americans, and politicians.
The next Secretary will outline a vision for the next decade, and that vision should be reflective of the great and growing diversity of America. It is imperative that the next Smithsonian Secretary have an understanding of the commitments made through the Smithsonian’s own 1994 Willful Neglect report that laid bare the seemingly intentional omission of U.S. Latino history from our nation’s museums. The 2018 UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Initiative report found that few of the recommendations from that report have been fulfilled, but the incoming Secretary will have the opportunity to recommit and prioritize the 25-year-old recommendations.
As you know, the role of the Smithsonian Secretary is critical to ensuring that communities are equally and accurately represented throughout the Smithsonian Institution. Not only will the next Secretary be the head of the Institution, but he or she will decide whose stories are told on the National Mall.
As the Smithsonian’s Board of Regents begins to interview candidates for the position, we ask you to consider the following concerns in your search to ensure he/she understands that American Latinos have contributed greatly to our country’s patriotism, innovation, and artistry:
We are grateful for your attention to this matter and welcome further conversation with you and your fellow Board members.
Sincerely,
Raul “Danny” Vargas
Chairman of the Board
Friends of the American Latino Museum
Estuardo Rodriguez
CEO and President
Friends of the American Latino Museum
CC:
Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Joaquin Castro
Member of Congress
Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus
Jose Serrano
Member of Congress
Will Hurd
Member of Congress
Robert Menendez
Member of Congress
John Cornyn
Member of Congress
As Congress enters into a momentous new session, Friends of the National American Latino Museum (FRIENDS) is galvanizing high-profile supporters across the nation with the launch of its Regional Leadership Networks. Local and national leaders will serve as the champions and ambassadors for the campaign to create a Smithsonian National American Latino Museum on our National Mall. They represent the incredible strength and support this campaign has cultivated since its inception over a decade ago.
Launched on February 20, the New York-based network features leaders in politics, media, and business from the Tri-state area. Among the network’s members are Rubén Blades, salsa icon and Grammy award-winning artist, Margaret Hoover, bestselling author and host of PBS’s Firing Line, Melissa Mark Viverito, former Speaker of the New York City Council, and Senator Gustavo Rivera, State Senator in the New York State Senate representing the Bronx.
Following New York, regional networks are expected to be launched throughout 2019 in California, Illinois, Florida, and Texas. 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 Regional Leadership Networks embody the shared pride and heritage that is at the core of our campaign,” said Francella Chinchilla, Vice President of Advocacy and Partnerships. “A Smithsonian National American Latino Museum on our National Mall will elevate Latino voices and stories from across the United States, and our campaign does the same. These Regional Leadership Networks are yet another level of support in addition to the nearly 100 National Nonprofit Partners and the Chair’s Advisory Council support that has already gathered all over the nation. Through these voices, it is clear that Americans want this museum and want our Congress to pass legislation towards its creation this year.”
The current list of members in the New York network is as follows, with more to be added:
*titles provided for identification purposes only
The Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino released this statement following comments from NBC news host Tom Brokaw on assimilation in the United States:
“When we understand history, we better understand the present. The comments by Tom Brokaw underscore the distortion of American history that has for too long painted a false picture of the Latino community, and place the ongoing lack of understanding in this country on center stage. Even as the southwest United States is covered in cities with Spanish names, streets and a scattering of memorials to the 500 years of U.S. Latino history, we still use the word ‘assimilation’ blindly. The food, music, and even cities in the U.S. are living testaments to the rich tapestry of interwoven cultures that tell the American story.
Learning Spanish or English as a second language is always an asset, and should not be seen as an ‘assimilation’ requirement. Based on the founding dates of some of our first cities and capitals across the country, one might ask, ‘who assimilated to whom?’ While we find these comments from Tom Brokaw troubling, the larger point is that this is our shared American story, and has always been.
We can no longer ignore or overlook the harmful effects of leaving gaps in teaching our history. Ignorance, biases, and false assumptions about our community do every American a disservice, and rob us of a pride that make us all stronger. The need for a Smithsonian National American Latino Museum is all the more necessary on our National Mall when even distinguished journalists like Tom Brokaw get our history and our present wrong.”
The Friends of the American Latino Museum released this statement in recognition of the Smithsonian Institution’s announcement of a $10 million donation to open the Smithsonian Latino Center’s Molina Family Latino Gallery:
“We extend our most heartfelt congratulations to Secretary Skorton and the Smithsonian Latino Center Director, Eduardo Díaz, on this historic announcement that will illuminate our American history with a gallery in the National Museum of American History on the National Mall.
We add our gratitude to the Molina siblings, Dr. J. Mario Molina, John Molina, Dr. Martha Molina Bernadett, Janet Watt, and Josephine Molina, for their sizeable donation. In honoring the legacy of their father, Dr. C. David Molina, they also honor the lives of Latinos and Latinas throughout American history that have given, sacrificed and contributed to the success of our union. This gift will serve to honor, educate, and inspire generations that have yet to fully see themselves in the tapestry of our country. We also applaud corporate leaders for their partnership in making efforts like the Molina Family Latino Gallery possible, including Target’s generous $2 million gift towards the gallery’s opening.
This gallery is an encouraging step in the right direction, but the American Latino narrative, and our 500 year history and contributions, can only truly, and accurately, be presented when there is a full museum opened to the 20 million people that come from all over the world to learn about our country’s history in our nation’s capital. We look forward to working with Congress and our nation’s leaders to ensure that this significant step is followed soon by the approval for the creation of a Smithsonian National American Latino Museum.”
Friends of the American Latino Museum (FRIENDS) mourns the passing of a dear friend and champion for the Latina community, former Commissioner Sandy Colón Peltyn. We offer our deepest condolences to her family, and it is with tremendous honor and affection that we remember her passion and dedication to the fight for an American Latino Museum on the National Mall.
Dame Colón Peltyn was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She performed around the world as a singer, and hosted television and talk shows in the United States and Puerto Rico. She was appointed to serve on the commission for a National American Latino Museum by President Barack Obama, and was an outspoken advocate for celebrating Latino history and culture in the United States. Her vivacity and energy was a joy to all who knew and worked with her.
Ms. Colón Peltyn most recently served as the principal in charge of business development, marketing, political affairs, and community relations for DeSimone Consulting Engineers in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was active in the Las Vegas philanthropic and cultural community, raising over ten million dollars for charities and organizations in the area. She has been honored as “Woman of the Year” by the Epicurean Club, The College of Southern Nevada, and the Foundation for an Independent Tomorrow, “The Hispanic of the Year” by the Latin Chamber of Commerce, and the “Volunteer of the Year” by the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. She has been featured as one of the “Twelve Most Influential Hispanic Women in the Nation” in Temas Magazine of New York, and as one of the “Twenty Most Influential Women in Southern Nevada” and “Socialite of the Year” for her charitable work by Las Vegas Magazine. She was knighted as “Dame of Grace,” for the Order of St. John by Prince Henri Constantine de Vigo Paleologo for her humanitarian work.
“Our dear friend, Sandy, was a force of nature. Her joy and exuberance were infectious, and her smile would light up the room when she walked in. She was loved by anyone who had the pleasure of meeting her, and her extraordinary life is an inspiration to all. She was a fierce advocate for others throughout her life as a bold leader and a true force for change,” said Danny Vargas, Chairman of the FRIENDS board. “She was a proud Puerto Rican Latina and a proud American, and while we mourn her passing, we celebrate a life very well lived.”
Friends of the American Latino Museum (FRIENDS) announced today that among the honorees at the 2018 annual American Latino Influencer Awards (ALIAs) ceremony will be United States Congresswoman Nydia M. Velàzquez (D-NY), who will receive the Legacy Award for her lifetime of service and fearless advocacy for the American Latino community and all Americans. Congresswoman Velàzquez will be honored at the ceremony on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Washington, D.C.
Congresswoman Velàzquez, born in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, is serving her thirteenth term as the Representative for New York’s 7th Congressional District. Velàzquez was the first Puerto Rican woman to serve on the New York City Council in 1984, as well as the first Puerto Rican woman elected to the House of Representatives in 1992. Prior to her election, Congresswoman Velàzquez served as the Director of the Department of Puerto Rican Community Affairs in the United States and led one of the most successful Latino empowerment programs in the nation. She is currently the current Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee, and as the committee’s top Democrat, Congresswoman Velàzquez has overseen $200 billion worth of federal programs and contracts, while emphasizing equal rights for underrepresented communities. She has promoted greater economic opportunities for the poor and working class and supported small business and entrepreneurship initiatives by prioritizing issues such as tax, health care, and pension reform. She continues to champion the recovery efforts to help rebuild Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria devastated the island.
“Throughout her career, Congresswoman Velàzquez has been a fierce advocate and champion of those often ignored while also opening doors for the next generation of Latina leaders across the country,” said Estuardo Rodriguez, Executive Director at FRIENDS. “Her enduring dedication to public service and blazing a trail for others exemplifies the integrity and tenacity of the Latino community. We celebrate her legacy with this award, and look forward to one day giving her story a permanent home on the National Mall in a Smithsonian National American Latino Museum.”
Presented by Target, the ALIA’s recognizes Latinos and Latinas who have had a significant impact on our nation’s culture and society and whose stories are representative of the contributions of our community throughout American history. The awards also receive generous support from WarnerMedia, PG&E, Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc and AARP.
The event will take place on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at The Intercontinental Hotel, 801 Wharf St., SW, Washington, D.C. 20024. To attend, purchase tickets for the event here. For more information on the ALIAs and FRIENDS, please visit https://americanlatinomuseum.org/.
(Washington, DC) – Friends of the American Latino Museum (FRIENDS) announced today that Chefs for Puerto Rico, a World Central Kitchen initiative, will receive the Public Service Award at the 2018 American Latino Influencer Awards (ALIAs) ceremony for its work alleviating hunger in Puerto Rico following devastation from Hurricane Maria that lingers to this very day. The award celebrates Latino and Latina leadership and vision in tackling challenges in communities throughout the country, and the Chefs for Puerto Rico movement has embodied the spirit of the award through its creative and innovative approach to disaster relief. Alexandra Garcia, Chief Program Officer at World Central Kitchen, along with Chefs for Puerto Rico team members Chef Jesus Serrano, Chef at minibar and Alexsandra Ortiz, Think Food Group, will accept the award on behalf of Chefs for Puerto Rico at the ceremony on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Washington, D.C.
World Central Kitchen, founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, is a non-profit of chefs committed to creating smart solutions to hunger and poverty. Just days after Hurricane Maria destroyed essential infrastructure and power sources on the island in September of 2017, Andrés and the World Central Kitchen team arrived in Puerto Rico to cook meals and mobilize networks of emergency kitchens, food trucks, and partner organizations to make sure that communities in need received quality meals. Since their arrival, the Chefs for Puerto Rico movement has provided over 3.7 million meals throughout every municipality in Puerto Rico, operating 25 kitchens through the help of over 20,000 volunteers.
“After the storm, World Central Kitchen saw first hand the tremendous destruction caused by Hurricane Maria and recognized the need for a creative solution to minimize further casualties due to limited access to food and malnutrition,” said Estuardo Rodriguez, Executive Director of FRIENDS. “In a time when the residents across Puerto Rico needed it most, Chef José Andrés and the entire Chefs for Puerto Rico team worked tirelessly to provide relief for millions, showing true leadership and vision in public service. The American Latino community has always played a strong role in developing innovative solutions to global challenges, and with this award we celebrate that legacy in Chefs for Puerto Rico’s exceptional work.”
Presented by Target, the ALIA’s recognizes Latinos and Latinas who have had a significant impact on our nation’s culture and society and whose stories are representative of the contributions of our community throughout history. The awards also receive generous support from Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc, AARP, and Warner Media.
The event will take place on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at The Intercontinental Hotel, 801 Wharf St., SW, Washington, D.C. 20024. To attend, purchase tickets for the event here. For more information on the ALIAs and FRIENDS, please visit https://americanlatinomuseum.org/.
(Washington, DC) – Friends of the American Latino Museum (FRIENDS) announced today that among the awardees at the 2018 American Latino Influencer Awards (ALIAs) ceremony will be four recipients of the Valor Award, an award to honor Latino and Latina veterans whose sacrifices for our nation and our freedoms embody the legacy of Latinx military service in the United States. The awardees, Ret. Major General Angela Salinas, Colonel Ivette Falto-Heck, PhD., Rear Admiral Christina Alvarado, and Brigadier General Irene Zoppi, will be honored at the ceremony on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Washington, D.C.
The four awardees represent the courage and strength of Latina servicemembers:
Presented by Target, the ALIA’s recognizes Latinos and Latinas who have had a significant impact on our nation’s culture and society and whose stories are representative of the contributions of our community throughout history. The awards also receive generous support from Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc, AARP, and Warner Media.
The event will take place on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at The Intercontinental Hotel, 801 Wharf St., SW, Washington, D.C. 20024. To attend, purchase tickets for the event here. For more information on the ALIAs and FRIENDS, please visit https://americanlatinomuseum.org/.
Campaign to create Smithsonian National American Latino Museum honors leading figure in U.S. Latino community
(Washington, DC) – Friends of the American Latino Museum (FRIENDS) announced today that among the honorees at the 2018 annual American Latino Influencer Awards (ALIAs) ceremony will be former United States Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez.
Secretary Gutierrez will be honored at the ceremony on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Washington, D.C. The ceremony recognizes Latinos and Latinas who have had a lasting impact on our nation and whose stories are representative of the contributions of Latinos and Latinas throughout our history.
Secretary Gutierrez, born in Havana, Cuba, served as Secretary of Commerce from 2005 to 2009 under President George W. Bush. As secretary, he was instrumental in pushing for immigration reform and was a steadfast advocate for the importance of immigrants’ contributions to the economy. Prior to his confirmation, Secretary Gutierrez served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Kellogg Company – the youngest CEO in the company’s hundred-year history. He currently serves as the Chair of the National Foreign Trade Council and of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-Cuba Business Council, and sits on the Boards of the Chamber’s U.S.-India Business Council, the Boao Forum for Asia, Occidental Petroleum Corporation, MetLife, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Viridis Learning, the George W. Bush Institute’s Human Freedom Advisory Council, and Republicans for Immigration Reform. He is also Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Meridian International Center and the co-Chair of Albright Stonebridge Group, a global strategic advisory firm.
“Secretary Gutierrez has long been a champion and voice for the American Latino community,” said Estuardo Rodriguez, Executive Director at FRIENDS. “His story illustrates the lasting impact of Latino leaders in business and politics; we are grateful for his ongoing commitment and service to the nation. Stories of trailblazers like Secretary Gutierrez need a permanent home on the National Mall to educate and showcase Latino contributions in American history.”
“Carlos Gutierrez has been a leader in business, government, and the community,” said Danny Vargas, Chairman of the FRIENDS board. “He has been a personal role model to me and many others, and his life serves as an inspiration to all Americans.”
FRIENDS will be honoring Secretary Gutierrez at the ALIAs on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at The Intercontinental Hotel, 801 Wharf St., SW, Washington, D.C. 20024. To attend, purchase tickets for the event here.