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Hispanic Federation Applauds House Vote Establishing National Museum of the American Latino Within the Smithsonian Institution

House vote comes nine years after release of National Museum of the American Latino Commission Report to Congress

 

WASHINGTON, DC — As more Americans are recognizing the importance of racial and ethnic equity and representation in all institutions of our society, Hispanic Federation applauds Congress’ contribution to that effort with today’s House vote establishing the National Museum of the American Latino as part of the Smithsonian Institution.

Nine years ago, the National Museum of the American Latino Commission issued a report to Congress laying out a blueprint for the museum’s establishment. With strong bipartisan support, the House passed H.R. 2420 establishing the museum by voice vote. A companion measure pending in the Senate (S.1267) should be taken up immediately, according to Hispanic Federation.

“American history is a rich, complex tapestry of contributions from many different groups, and Latinos are an integral part of that fabric,” said Frankie Miranda, President, Hispanic Federation. “Latino history in North America has continued to evolve over the last 500 years, yet it is largely ignored by the cultural and academic mainstream. These contributions to the American story are not taught in classrooms or represented accurately in the media.

“Visitors to this museum - including Latinos, themselves - will see a more accurate portrayal of Latinos and their role in building and strengthening this great nation, and therefore will experience a more authentic and comprehensive depiction of U.S. history. There is urgency, desire, and need for a Smithsonian museum to highlight and preserve this great heritage for the benefit of all Americans,” concluded Miranda.

“War heroes, entertainers, astronauts, political leaders, civil rights leaders, teachers, athletes, and Latinos and Hispanics from all disciplines and walks of life deserve recognition for their great contributions to the American story by inclusion in the Smithsonian Institution. As the largest minority group in this country, currently comprising one-sixth of the U.S. population, a National Museum of the American Latino that tells the story of those contributions is long overdue,” said Brent Wilkes, Senior Vice President for Institutional Development of Hispanic Federation, and board member of the Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino.

With strong bipartisan support in the Senate, establishing an American Latino Museum within the Smithsonian Institution is now in their hands. We again urge quick passage of the National Museum of the American Latino Act (S. 1267).

The Smithsonian is the principal repository of our nation’s collective memory, achievements, research, and cultural identity. The museum will collect, study, and establish programs relating to American Latino life, art, history, and culture. The establishment of this museum will also stimulate an environment of collaboration among American Latino cultural institutions and centers, fostering a new cultural ecology that ultimately promotes greater cultural awareness and understanding.