Since 1988, the Hispanic Heritage Awards have been one of the highest honors bestowed by and for Latinos in the United States. Photo: hispanicheritage.org
The Hispanic Heritage Awards were established in 1988 by the White House, in conjunction with the official proclamation of Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States. Since then, they have become one of the greatest honors granted by Latinos and for Latinos, recognizing individuals who have left their mark on culture, the arts, science, sports, innovation, and community leadership. Organized by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF), the event takes place annually in Washington, D.C.
Such iconic venues as the Kennedy Center or the Warner Theatre have been the home for this celebration that, over nearly four decades, has honored iconic personalities such as Rita Moreno, Celia Cruz, Gloria Estefan, Sonia Sotomayor, Los Tigres del Norte, Carolina Herrera, and many more.
“This is not just a celebration. This is a call for unity” exclaimed Antonio Tijerino, president and CEO for the Hispanic Heritage Foundation as he walked the red carpet for the 38th Hispanic Heritage Awards at downtown Washington D.C. “We need to be united if we expect to move forward. We’ve been practicing for so many years to face this kind of challenges. So I think we will survive this difficult times”, Tijerino exclaimed.
The Hispanic Heritage Awards ceremony is broadcast nationwide through PBS, allowing millions of people across the United States and beyond to watch and celebrate the achievements of the Latino community. Yet, in an era where public media is being challenged by presidential mandates in the United States, the broadcast of this ceremony in particular seems as a resistance call more than ever.
“If you’re watching this ceremony on a screen, it surely is through PBS”, said Felix Contreras as he received the recognition for his journalistic contributions. Contreras is the creator of NPR’s Alt. Latino podcast and one of the main creative minds behind the very popular Tiny Desk Concerts format.
Felix Contreras championed his recognition in this year’s ceremony claiming how necessary the journalistic work is in difficult times. “Journalism is so important right now. We’ve always had a job to do and it never changes. We have the same responsibility we had in the past, the present and the future”, said Contreras. “Because journalism is the best way to tell our stories and contextualize our existence in our very own ways”, he pointed.
The 38th edition of the Hispanic Heritage Awards is more than just an award show, it is a gala that combines tributes with live music, inspiring speeches, and an atmosphere that reflects Latino cultural pride. The awards cover a wide range of fields. Some categories include:
Legend Award, honoring established careers that have influenced generations.
Vision Award, for innovators and creators opening new paths.
Recognitions in science, education, sports, community leadership, media, art, and business.
Ther are over 65 million hispanics in the U.S., about 19% of the total population, including people of all latino origins
This diversity highlights the vast contributions of Hispanics to U.S. society and the world in a historical moment where Hispanic and Latino identities are trying to be diminished on its relevance and influence.
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For the 2025 edition, notable honorees included Mexican singer Gloria Trevi, recognized with the Legend Award for her more than 40-year musical career. Also Puertorican reggaeton singer/songwriter Rauw Alejandro, who received the Vision Award for his innovation in urban music and international reach. Comedian Cheech Marin and actress Rosie Perez accompanied them on the stage of the Warner Theatre as they also received their very own recognitions the same night.
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“I’m the son of a cultural mixture and I’m proud of carrying this in my blood”, said Rauw Alejandro as he received the main award of the night from reggaetonlegend Ivy Queen. “My blood and lineage has guided my art all the way. Because our great-great grandparents came and help to build this beautiful nation we’re sharing. We shall never forget we are the result of that effort”, said the puertorican urban singer.
The Hispanic Heritage Foundation not only organizes this annual event but also leads impactful programs such as the Youth Awards, which support outstanding Latino students with scholarships and professional development opportunities.
The Hispanic Heritage Awards are, at their core, a celebration of identity and resilience. They affirm that the Hispanic community is not only part of the cultural fabric of the United States but also enriches it with talent, vision and diversity. Each edition not only pays tribute to those already shining but also inspire new generations to continue building a Latino legacy with global impact.
