CHSA Applauds House Passage of Legislation Establishing First Smithsonian Latino Museum

​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 27, 2020 
Celia Olivas, CHSA Communications Director: (209) 981-9141, Celia_Olivas@Duckworth.Senate.Gov

Washington, D.C. — Today, the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association released the following statement:

“CHSA applauds the House of Representatives for passing H.R. 2420, the National Museum of the American Latino Act, to establish the first American Latino Museum within the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. 

“Throughout our nation’s history, Latinos have pushed our nation forward in immeasurable ways, yet the contributions made by Latinos and the Latino community have largely been left out of American history books and our national cultural institutions. Despite being nearly 60 million strong in the United States, the Latino community continues to experience underrepresentation in nearly every corner of society. As one of the fastest growing minority groups in the country, it is more important than ever to enshrine the American Latino story in a national museum for the world to see and celebrate.

“With the establishment of this museum, we look forward to seeing American Latino contributions, leadership, and experiences highlighted in our nation’s capital. We’re eager for the day when thousands of children will walk through this museum’s doors and be filled with inspiration and empowerment from seeing the strength, resilience, and courage of their ancestors. CHSA also applauds the provisions of this legislation that create education and liaison programs to support the work of other Latino heritage museums around the country and provide scholarships to students. 

“Latino history is American history, and it’s past time that our rich heritage is showcased in the Smithsonian Institution. CHSA looks forward to the swift passage of this crucial legislation in the Senate and to its full implementation so that generations of American Latinos may be able to learn and bask in the beauty and triumphs of their history. We thank all those whose tireless contributions over the years have made this vision a reality."

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