As the topic of immigration continues to dominate headlines, it becomes more important to educate young readers on the history of other cultures, specifically the incredible contributions made by Latinos in America. The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History will open a permanent exhibit on influential Latinos in 2021. Charged with the task of telling the long, complicated relationship of Latinos in the U.S.--a relationship so long, it predates the country--the gallery offers an opportunity to reflect on the stories and experiences of Latinas and Latinos throughout the U.S. today. Nuestra America highlights the incredible contributions of the following:
Sylvia Acevedo
Luis Alvarez
Pura Belpre
Martha E. Bernal
Julia de Burgos
Cesar Chavez
Sandra Cisneros
Roberto Clemente
Celia Cruz
Olga E. Custodio
Oscar de la Renta
Jaima Escalante
Marcario Garcia
Emma Gonzalez
Laurie Hernandez
Juan Felipe Herrera
Dolores Huerta
Jennifer Lopez
Xiuhtezcatl Martinez
Sylvia Mendez
Lin-Manuel Miranda
C. David Molina
Rita Moreno
Ellen Ochoa
Jorge Ramos
Sylvia Rivera
Maria Elena Salinas
Sonia Sotomayor
Dara Torres
Roberto Unanue