Library Observances : The Hispanic American Experience

Discover the ancient civilizations that thrived in the Americas thousands of years before European settlers arrived. This program is the perfect supplement to any American history curriculum. Improve the self-esteem of students with Central or South American ancestry, while raising the overall level of historical understanding in teen viewers. Learn where the Mayas & Aztecs eventually came to settle and the lasting impact of the Inca on the European and American society.

In five chapters, the documentary demonstrates how Wisconsin's booming Latino population is reviving rural communities and aging urban centers. Latino children are filling empty classrooms, and a new generation of Latino leaders and professionals are bringing energy and diversity to the Badger State.

This program uncovers the countless ways in which Central and South American civilizations have influenced the U.S. From language to medicine, from food to manufacturing, the program develops a strong understanding of these influential and ancient civilizations. It explores the idea of "Manifest Destiny," discovers Puerto Rico's quest for independence, and finds out how the "Little War" affected Mexico.

This multi-platform documentary examines the priorities of a politically diverse Latino electorate in the run-up to the 2024 presidential election. It focuses on key issues that will drive Latino voter turnout in some of the most hotly contested battleground states like Nevada, Arizona, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, as well as California and Florida, which have large Latino populations.

The Bronze screen honors the past, illuminates the present, and opens a window to the future of Latinos in motion pictures. From silent movies to urban gang films, stereotypes of the Greaser, the Lazy Mexican, the Latin Lover and the Dark Lady are examined. Rare and extensive footage traces the progression of this distorted screen image to the increased prominence of today's Latino actors, writers and directors.

This program celebrates notable Hispanic American women whose influence has touched every walk of life. From artists to astronauts, writers to politicians, and singers to actors, Hispanic Americans have made their mark in history and changed the world. Celebrating the contributions these Latino-American heroes have made to our country helps us find unity in our diversity, strength in our democracy and an understanding of the rich culture that enriches the fabric of the American dream. These women show us how powerful they are as individuals and how much they have inspired others with their dedication, unshakable drive and determination. Join us as we discover the fascinating lives of these extraordinary women, including Rita Moreno, Julia Alvarez, Joan Baez, Salma Hayek, Gloria Estefan, Toypurina (First Civil Rights Advocate), Emma Tenayuca (Labor Rights Activist), Frida Kahlo (Artist), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (US Representative), Selena Ellen Ochoa (First Hispanic Woman in Space), Linda Ronstadt, Jenifer Lopez, Dolores Huerta (Female Women's Rights Advocate), Julia Alvarez (Writer) and Chief Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

Host John Leguizamo explores the rise of the new empire, the United States. While Latinos were often relegated to the fringes of mainstream society, they made profound contributions to the fabric of the U.S. and beyond. Reflecting on his journey, John learns that Latinos were not just an asterisk in history, but that Latino history is the history of the United States.