These Latinos Were Honored with National Medals for Art, Humanities

By Ericka N. Hernandez, NBC News (5 minute read) 

Some of the most notable Latino artists, musicians and writers were recognized by the White House for their cultural contributions.

President Barack Obama awarded the National Medal of Art and Humanities to five renowned Hispanics who have played key roles in elevating the experiences, culture and art of Latinos and weaving them into American society through their body of work. Their work has broken barriers, helped tell the civil rights struggles of Latinos, expanded the understanding of Latinos in the U.S. and added to the many dimensions of the American mosaic.

“We believe that the arts and the humanities are in many ways reflective of our national soul. They’re central to who we are as Americans: dreamers and storytellers and innovators and visionaries,” Obama said.

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Four received the National Medal of Arts: Author Sandra Cisneros, conjunto musician Santiago Jimenez Jr., film director, actor and civil rights activist Luis Valdez and playwright Moisés Kaufman. READ MORE 

{Screenshot courtesy of C-SPAN]