Friends of the Nat'l Museum of the American Latino

Fighting for a National American Latino Museum to educate, inspire, and complete the telling of U.S. history. Not affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution.

[Friends of the Nat'l Museum of the American Latino @latinomuseum]

Yesterday in Los Angeles, the Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino in partnership with @LALIFF joined the @ConsulMexLan with @carlos_glezgtez to present the 2nd annual Casa Mexico Pre-Oscars Brunch.

Held at the @academymuseum, the gathering brought together filmmakers, artists, and industry leaders to celebrate the century old creative partnership between Mexico and Hollywood and the storytellers and artists shaping the future of global cinema.

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, conversations like these are essential to ensuring that our shared history, Latino culture and creativity are fully reflected in the American story.

#OscarsWeek #LatinoFilm #Hollywood #LatinoCreators

[Friends of the Nat'l Museum of the American Latino @latinomuseum]

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom and a reminder that the history of the Americas has always been deeply connected.

While approximately 500,000 enslaved Africans were brought to what is now the United States, an estimated 10 million were forcibly taken to Latin America and the Caribbean. Their descendants shaped the cultures, traditions, and histories of communities across the hemisphere.

In the decades after Mexico abolished slavery in 1829, many enslaved people made the dangerous journey across the southern border in search of freedom. Today, the descendants of the Mascogos (Black Seminoles) in Coahuila, Mexico, continue a more than 150-year-old Juneteenth tradition that reflects the enduring connection between Black and Latino history.

As we approach America 250, this history reminds us that the American story cannot be fully told without Latino history, including the stories of Afro-Latinos.

Photo source: Texas Standard

#Juneteenth #AmericanLatinoHistory #America250 #BuildItOnTheMall

[Friends of the Nat'l Museum of the American Latino @latinomuseum]

Yesterday, our Director of Events & Programs, Diana Fernández, joined moderator Mark Madrid and Anna Marie Tutera of The Museum of Kansas City for a fireside conversation at The Founder's Pitch KC: Where Business Meets the Global Sports Economy.

As Kansas City welcomed the world during the FIFA World Cup, the conversation explored the movement to build the National Museum of the American Latino, the often-overlooked contributions of Latinos in Kansas City and across the Midwest, the impact of Latino athletes, broadcasters, coaches, and sports leaders, and why representation matters for future generations.

A special thank you to CiCi Rojas, Chair of the Friends of the American Latino Museum Board of Directors and co-founder of @KCTicoSports, for the invitation and for convening such an important conversation at the intersection of sports, business, culture, and history.

As America 250 approaches, conversations like these remind us that the American story cannot be fully told without the Latino experience.

#AmericanLatinoMuseum #America250 #FIFAWorldCup #KansasCity #LatinoHistory #SportsEconomy

[Friends of the Nat'l Museum of the American Latino @latinomuseum]

⚽ Did you know? Latino countries have helped define the history of the FIFA World Cup from the very beginning.

The first-ever World Cup was hosted by Uruguay in 1930, where the home team became the tournament’s inaugural champion. Since then, Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay have won a combined 10 World Cup titles, producing some of the sport’s most unforgettable moments and legendary players.

As we celebrate America 250, it’s another reminder that Latino stories have always shaped global culture, and continue to shape the games that bring the world together. 🌎

#WorldCup #America250 #LatinoHistory #Fútbol

[Friends of the Nat'l Museum of the American Latino @latinomuseum]

The deadline is today! Raíces Essay Contest submissions are due!

Students have just a few hours left to submit essays exploring the Hispanic history woven into their own communities, from local landmarks and family stories to cultural traditions and historic figures.

As America approaches 250 years, Raíces is a chance to make sure Hispanic stories are seen as part of the foundation of U.S. history.

Submit by June 15: https://t.co/AOFch5iMnl

[Friends of the Nat'l Museum of the American Latino @latinomuseum]

Advocacy Week 2026 is a wrap — and our bipartisan coalition is stronger than ever.

We were proud to stand alongside @HispanicFed, @USHCC, @myushbc, @LULAC, @alpfa, @Hace_Online, @NAHJ, @Alvavets, @NHCSL, @sernational, @GrupoT21, and @hispaniclobbyists to rally support for the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Act.

A heartfelt thank you to @RepDonBacon, @TXRandy14, @RepBrianBabin, @RepFrenchHill, @RepRitchie, @RepMcCaul, @RepHalRogers, @RepPeteAguilar, @JudgeCarter, @RepMoolenaar, @MarkAmodeiNV2, @RepMonicaDLC, @SenAlexPadilla, and @SenatorLujan for reinforcing their commitment to honoring U.S. Latino history on the National Mall.

American history is not complete without the 500 years of history this museum would tell. We won’t stop until we #BuildItOnTheMall. 🦅

[Friends of the Nat'l Museum of the American Latino @latinomuseum]

We’re ready to kick off the tournament that brings the world together with our friends at @NBCUTelemundo ⚽️🏆

El #Mundial2026 will bring friends and familia together for four weeks. We are excited about the opportunities to come together and celebrate not only what brings us together but the history of our Latino community across the U.S. for over 500 years.

We hope to see you at some of the games and watch parties across the nation. Let’s go #WorldCup2026!!

#BuildItOnTheMall #SportsDiplomacy #USLatinoHistory #America250

[Friends of the Nat'l Museum of the American Latino @latinomuseum]

On This Day: June 5, 1967

Reies López Tijerina and the Alianza Federal de Pueblos Libres led the Tierra Amarilla Courthouse Raid in New Mexico — a defining moment in the Chicano Movement and the fight for ancestral land rights promised under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

The raid brought national attention to generations of Mexican American land loss and the demand for justice in the Southwest.

This history is part of the American story — and a reminder of why Latino history must be preserved and shared.

#OnThisDay #AmericanLatinoHistory #America250 #Builditonthemall

[Friends of the Nat'l Museum of the American Latino @latinomuseum]

Happy Pride Month! 🌈

This month, we're celebrating the contributions of LGBTQ+ Latine leaders who have helped shape our communities and our country.

Today, we're honoring Sylvia Rivera, a Latina activist whose courage helped shape the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.

Born in New York City to Puerto Rican and Venezuelan parents, Rivera became a powerful voice for transgender rights and spent her life fighting for people who were too often pushed aside, including trans youth, unhoused LGBTQ+ people, and others living on the margins.

Alongside Marsha P. Johnson, she co-founded STAR, creating a space of support and community for young people who needed it most.

Her story is a reminder that Latino history is American history, and that our nation's story is richer and more complete when we recognize the people who fought to expand opportunity, dignity, and belonging for others.

#Builditonthemall #HappyPrideMonth #America250

[Friends of the Nat'l Museum of the American Latino @latinomuseum]

This past week, we celebrated Karol G making history. 🇨🇴

The Medellín-born superstar became the first Colombian artist—and one of only a handful of artists ever—to receive the American Music Awards’ International Artist Award of Excellence, an honor that had not been awarded since Whitney Houston received it in 2009.

A proud moment for Colombia, for Latinas, and for the global impact of our culture.

#AMA #Latinaexcellence

[Friends of the Nat'l Museum of the American Latino @latinomuseum]

Hollywood and Mexico have always been made for the big screen. 🎬🇲🇽

Honored to celebrate the 3rd anniversary of “Hollywood & Mexico: Made for the Big Screen,” recognizing a century-old creative partnership that has shaped generations of American film.

From Cantinflas and Salma Hayek to the countless Latino artists, filmmakers, musicians, and storytellers building on this legacy today, Mexican and Latino culture remain central to Hollywood’s story.

Thank you to @consulmexlan, @laliff_, and @prosperitynow for helping celebrate this powerful cultural and creative connection. #HollywoodAndMexico #LatinoFilm #MexicanCinema #LALIFF

[Friends of the Nat'l Museum of the American Latino @latinomuseum]

LALIFF 2026 is in full swing! 🎬

From powerful screenings to unforgettable conversations, we’re celebrating 25 years of Latino storytellers and culturally significant cinema all weekend long in Hollywood.

There’s still more to experience May 29–31.

#LALIFF2026 #LatinoFilmInstitute #LatinoCinema #LatinoStorytellers #FilmFestival #Hollywood

[Carlos González Gutiérrez @carlos_glezgtez]

Celebramos la 3ra edición de "Hollywood & Mexico: Made for the Big Screen", junto al 25 aniversario del festival @LALIFF📽️. Nos acompañó la secretaria de Cultura @ccurieldeicaza, quien promovió la nueva política de incentivos para promover a la industria fílmica mexicana🇲🇽🧵1/3

[Friends of the Nat'l Museum of the American Latino @latinomuseum]

This Memorial Day, we honor the service members who gave their lives in defense of our country, including generations of Latino service members whose courage and sacrifice are part of the American story.

One of those heroes was Private David B. Barkeley, a Mexican American soldier from Laredo, Texas, who served in World War I. In 1918, Barkeley died after completing a dangerous reconnaissance mission behind enemy lines in France. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery.

His story is a reminder that Latino service and sacrifice have shaped this country across generations.

This Memorial Day weekend, we remember those who never came home, and we honor the families and communities who carry their legacies forward.

[Friends of the Nat'l Museum of the American Latino @latinomuseum]

The 25th edition of LALIFF begins next week in Hollywood!

Friends of LALIFF is proud to celebrate 25 years of elevating Latino storytellers, filmmakers, and culturally significant cinema. Join us May 27–31 for an unforgettable festival honoring our community’s stories on the big screen.

🎬 LALIFF 2026
📍 Hollywood, CA
📅 May 27–31

#LALIFF2026 #LatinoFilmInstitute #LatinoStorytellers #LatinoCinema #Hollywood #FilmFestival

[Friends of the Nat'l Museum of the American Latino @latinomuseum]

A trailblazer, barrier-breaker, and champion for Latino communities.

We were proud to celebrate Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez as she received the Founders’ Lifetime Achievement Award at Latino Talks 2026 this past week.

As the first Puerto Rican woman elected to Congress, Rep. Velázquez has spent decades fighting for economic opportunity, affordable housing, small businesses, and greater representation for Latino communities across the country.

Her legacy is woven into the story of Latino leadership in America, and her impact will continue inspire generations to come.

Congratulations, @rep_velazquez!

#America250 #builditonthemall

[Friends of the Nat'l Museum of the American Latino @latinomuseum]

At their best, museums help us understand where we come from and the journey, challenges and creativity that have brought us to this moment. Museums can also bring attention to the countless stories that have not been told. They give communities a place to see themselves reflected and give all of us a fuller picture of the history that ties us together.

For Latino communities, that matters deeply. U.S. Latino history has always been part of the American story, from the communities who shaped this land long before 1776 to the artists, workers, service members, leaders, and families shaping our nation today.

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we have a chance to tell that story more fully and more honestly.

That’s why the National Museum of the American Latino matters and that's why it must join the other iconic Smithsonian museums on our National Mall. It’s where our American history is presented for the world.

#internationalmuseumday #builditonthemall #america250

[Friends of the Nat'l Museum of the American Latino @latinomuseum]

Originally rooted in commemorations marking the cultural exchange and historical connections between Europe, Latin America, and Indigenous peoples, Día de la Latinidad has evolved into a broader celebration of Latino identity, culture, heritage, and community across the Americas.

It marks the signing of the Constitutive Convention of the Latin Union in Madrid on May 15, 1954.

From generations of artists, workers, organizers, educators, and families, Latino communities have shaped this country in countless ways and those stories deserve to be seen, preserved, and celebrated.

Drop your flag below!

#America250 #Builditonthemall

[Friends of the Nat'l Museum of the American Latino @latinomuseum]

At the Bernardo de Gálvez Memorial in Washington, D.C., Ambassador of Spain Ángeles Moreno Bau and @spainintheusa hosted a wreath-laying ceremony honoring the legacy of Bernardo de Gálvez, a Spanish hero of the American Revolution, and the longstanding and often understated history of friendship between Spain and the United States.

Gálvez played a critical role in the American fight for independence, working with men from Cuba and Puerto Rico, among other regions to provide supplies to the Continental Army, and leading successful campaigns that helped secure the Mississippi River, disrupt British supply lines, and secure the southwestern regions.

As we get closer to the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, moments like this help us honor the stories and figures who shaped our nation’s founding and also shed light on the lesser known impact of Latinos across history.

#America250 #Builditonthemall

[Friends of the Nat'l Museum of the American Latino @latinomuseum]

Today we commemorate the birthday of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, whose call for independence helped ignite Mexico’s fight for freedom and changed the course of history. Remembered as the Father of Mexican Independence, his legacy continues to inspire generations through the enduring values of courage, justice, and self-determination.

His story is an essential part of the broader history and contributions of the Mexican community across the Americas.

#America250 #MexicanIndependence #Builditonthemall

[Friends of the Nat'l Museum of the American Latino @latinomuseum]

History keeps being made. This past week, Bad Bunny broke Billboard’s all-time Hot Latin Songs record as “DTMF” reached its 57th week at No. 1, surpassing “Despacito.” Latino artists continue shaping music history in real time.

#America250 #LatinoArtists #Builditonthemall

[Friends of the Nat'l Museum of the American Latino @latinomuseum]

Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, an unexpected triumph that became a lasting symbol of determination and resistance.

Today, we also celebrate the deep and lasting contributions of Mexican and Mexican American communities whose labor, artistry, leadership, and traditions have helped shape the United States for generations. 🇲🇽✨

#America250 #Builditonthemall #Mexico #CincodeMayo