Fresh Air
John Leguizamo Gives The Untold Story Of Latinos In America
Oct 2, 2024
John Leguizamo, an Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor and activist, dives into the untold stories of Latino contributions to U.S. history. He discusses his PBS docuseries, VOCES American Historia, and his mission to reshape historical narratives that often overlook Latino voices. Leguizamo also reflects on his journey through performance art and the importance of authentic representation in Hollywood. He highlights the intersection of art, politics, and cultural identity, emphasizing the transformative power these stories have on community engagement.
45:55
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Quick takeaways
- John Leguizamo's docuseries reveals the significant contributions of Latinos to American history often omitted from textbooks.
- The podcast discusses the trauma of language suppression among Latino communities and its impact on cultural identity and mental wellbeing.
Deep dives
Untold Contributions of Latinos
The docuseries explores the significant yet overlooked contributions of Latinos to the development of American history. Research indicates that a staggering 87% of Latino contributions are absent from mainstream history textbooks, shedding light on the systemic omission of these narratives. John Leguizamo shares how his personal journey, sparked by his son's experience with bullying, led him to uncover a wealth of information about Latino history, which transformed his sense of identity and empowerment. This exploration seeks to provide proof and context for the Latino contributions that have been erased or minimized throughout history.
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