(Washington, D.C.) – In line with its mission of lifting up the untold and often overlooked stories of the American Latino community, Friends of the American Latino Museum (FRIENDS) has launched Latinos Making a Difference (LMD), a national digital campaign to highlight everyday people and prominent leaders in the Latino community who are taking action to help their communities and the nation in the face of the global pandemic. 

“For over 500 years, Latinos have played an instrumental role in shaping and strengthening the United States; from serving in every war in our nation’s history to having a positive impact in every crisis we’ve ever faced. The same is true with the current global pandemic,” Danny Vargas, Chairman of Friends of the FRIENDS board. “Part of our mission has always been to tell the stories of Latino contributions throughout our history and today. We want to spotlight ordinary people doing extraordinary things, important leaders in key roles and uplift our nation in these challenging times.” 

The Latinos Making a Difference campaign aims to shed light on the many Latinos in America taking action to help those impacted, from making masks and providing meals to essential workers to fundraising for a family in need and serving on the frontlines. Nominate yourself or someone you know to be featured by visiting https://americanlatinomuseum.org/LMD/. 

“Latinos are among the hardest hit by COVID-19, experiencing higher health and economic disparities than the overall U.S. population. Yet, despite these challenges, our community continues to work across essential industries, they show up and do their part to keep the nation moving forward,” stated Estuardo Rodriguez, president and CEO of FRIENDS. “We hope this campaign provides the well deserved recognition that many of these innovative and committed individuals deserve.”