The Hill: Smithsonian Names National Museum of the American Latino Board of Trustees
The Smithsonian on Tuesday announced the members of the board of trustees of the National Museum of the American Latino, following passage of the bill that created the museum in December.
Naming the trustees is the next step toward construction of the physical museum, which supporters hope will be built on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
“At the heart of the American story are Latino stories, those of individuals, many of them immigrants, who encompass an unwavering spirit of perseverance and positive contributions,” said Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-Calif.), who along with Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-Wash.) was named as a trustee.
“Soon, millions visiting Washington D.C. will be able to live, breathe and see how Latina and Latino stories are fundamental to the complete history of America. We have a lot of fun hard work ahead of us; we’re going to make the dream of a long overdue National Latino Museum a reality. Adelante!” added Cárdenas.
Along with Cárdenas and Herrera Beutler, 11 others were named to the board, including Lonnie Bunch, secretary of the Smithsonian.
“We are excited to welcome such an esteemed collection of leaders to the inaugural board of the National Museum of the American Latino,” said Bunch in a statement.
“Their guidance will be invaluable as we bring to life this new museum that will showcase Latino history, art, culture and scientific accomplishment to tell a deeper, more nuanced and complete story about who we are as a nation,” added Bunch.
The museum’s trustees are representative of the culinary, business, the arts and media worlds.
The list includes celebrity chef José Andrés, creator of World Central Kitchen; Raul Anaya, president of business banking at Bank of America; former Democratic National Committee finance chair Henry Muñoz; actor and producer Eva Longoria; and actor Sofía Vergara.
“The board represents leaders from philanthropy and humanitarian relief, from the corporate sector and from the entertainment, health-care and hospitality industries,” said Eduardo Díaz, director of the Smithsonian Latino Center and interim director of the museum.
“Each comes with a demonstrated track record of community service and a clear understanding of the importance of a national museum that centers the Latino story as part of the American narrative,” added Díaz.
The board members will serve without pay for up to two one- to three-year terms.
The Latino Museum’s immediate priorities are finding a permanent site — the Smithsonian is looking for sites on or near the Mall for the Latino Museum and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum — and finding its founding director.
By: Rafael Bernal
Source: The Hill